Provides that a great-grandparent may apply to the supreme court for visitation rights with respect to certain minor great-grandchildren where either or both of the parents of such child is or are deceased.
Summary
This bill expands New York’s existing grandparent visitation law to expressly include great-grandparents. Under current law, grandparents may seek visitation with certain minor grandchildren when a parent is deceased or when equity warrants court intervention; this bill would allow great-grandparents, as well as grandparents, to bring the same kind of special proceeding in Supreme Court or Family Court to request visitation with certain minor great-grandchildren. The court would continue to decide the matter based on the best interests of the child and after notice to the child’s parent or other custodian.
The bill also amends the Family Court Act to make clear that Family Court has jurisdiction over these visitation proceedings and to require notice to social services officials and the child’s attorney in cases where the child is in foster care or otherwise placed under article 10 of the Family Court Act. The measure is limited to visitation rights; it does not create an automatic right of access, but rather a right to apply to court for consideration under existing standards.
Impact
The bill would amend section 72 of the Domestic Relations Law and section 651 of the Family Court Act to add great-grandparents to the list of relatives who may petition for visitation. It would not change the substantive best-interests standard or the court’s discretion, but it would broaden standing to seek judicial review of visitation requests in qualifying cases involving deceased parents or other equitable circumstances. It also clarifies procedural rules in Family Court for cases involving children in the care of social services or other placements.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is straightforward and likely intended to address family continuity and intergenerational relationships, with no recorded committee debate or votes indicating opposition or support. The sponsor’s framing and the bill text indicate a generally favorable policy approach toward allowing courts to consider great-grandparent visitation where appropriate. Because there are no transcripts or vote records provided, there is no documented public controversy in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the expansion of who may petition the court, which could raise concerns about increased litigation, parental autonomy, and the burden on custodial parents or guardians. Supporters would likely emphasize the importance of preserving family ties for children, especially when a parent has died or when other equitable circumstances exist. However, the bill does not alter the court’s ability to deny visitation if it is not in the child’s best interests, which may reduce opposition.
Same As
Provides that a great-grandparent may apply to the supreme court for visitation rights with respect to certain minor great-grandchildren where either or both of the parents of such child is or are deceased.
Provides that a great-grandparent may apply to the supreme court for visitation rights with respect to certain minor great-grandchildren where either or both of the parents of such child is or are deceased.
Provides that a great-grandparent may apply to the supreme court for visitation rights with respect to certain minor great-grandchildren where either or both of the parents of such child is or are deceased.