Allows the petitioner to have counsel assigned by the court in certain custody proceedings
This bill amends New York's Family Court Act to require courts to assign lawyers to petitioners (the person filing a custody case) in certain custody proceedings. Previously, court-appointed counsel was available only to respondents (the other party), but this change extends that right to petitioners in specified cases. The amendment applies specifically to proceedings under Part Three of Article Six of the Family Court Act. It ensures both sides in custody disputes can receive legal representation when the court determines it is necessary.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025
Last action Jan 7, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Mary Beth Walsh
RRepublican
Co
Brian Miller
RRepublican
Co
Doug Smith
RRepublican
Co
Jeff Gallahan
RRepublican/Conservative
Co
Joe DeStefano
RRepublican/Conservative
Co
John Mikulin
RRepublican
Co
Ken Blankenbush
RRepublican
Co
Michael Durso
RRepublican/Conservative/Independence/Libertarian
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