BILL NUMBER: S8937
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the domestic relations law and the family court act, in
relation to the visitation rights of great-grandparents
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would allow great-grandparents to commence special proceedings
or habeas corpus to obtain visitation rights of certain infant great
grandchildren.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill amends § 72 of the domestic relations law to include great-
grandparents in the list of those able to gain visitation rights in
respect to certain infant great-grandchildren. In addition, subdivision
(b) and (d) of § 651 of the family court act would be amended to indi-
cate that when initiated in the family court, the family court has
jurisdiction to determine the determination of the custody or visitation
of minors, including applications by great-grandparents for visitation
rights pursuant to § 72 of the domestic relations law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Today, family members are living longer and longer. Family ties include
grandparents and great-grandparents. Children can benefit from great-
grandparents who are able to provide more extensive family and health
history as well as stories and affection. A great-grandparent provides a
direct hereditary link in the circle of the life of a child, rather than
a distant relative such as a cousin, aunt or uncle.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Previously Introduced in the Assembly: A.6887 2019/20; 2021/22 A.4538;
2023/24 A.3790
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.