Bill > S00513

This bill amends the New York Domestic Relations Law to establish stricter standards for grandparents seeking visitation or custody rights of minor children. The bill creates a strong presumption in favor of parental decision-making, requiring grandparents to prove that denying visitation would cause significant harm to the child's health, safety, or welfare. Grandparents must make a good faith attempt at reconciliation with the child's parents before filing a petition and must provide detailed, specific allegations. The court is mandated to conduct background checks on the grandparent petitioner, including investigating any history of domestic violence, child abuse, or criminal records. The bill specifically notes that the death of a parent can be a factor in considering grandparental standing, and it introduces a provision allowing courts to require an unsuccessful petitioner to pay costs and attorney's fees if the court determines the petition was filed in bad faith, frivolously, or without merit. The legislation aims to protect parental autonomy while providing a narrow pathway for grandparental visitation or custody in exceptional circumstances, with the child's best interests as the paramount consideration.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S513