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FATHER’S PETITION FOR A MODIFICATION OF CUSTODY OR INCREASED PARENTAL ACCESS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DENIED WITHOUT AN IN CAMERA INTERVIEW OF THE CHILD (SECOND DEPT).

The Second Department, reversing Family Court, determined father’s petition for joint custody or an expansion of parental access should not have been denied without an in camera interview of the child:

A modification of a court-ordered custody arrangement must be based upon a showing of a change in circumstances such that the modification is required to protect the best interests of the child … . A child’s changing needs as he or she grows older can sufficiently constitute a change in circumstances … .

Here, in light of the evidence presented by the father and assertions of the attorney for the child, the Family Court should not have determined the father’s petition without conducting an in camera interview with the child. “[W]hile the express wishes of children are not controlling, ‘they are entitled to great weight, particularly where their age and maturity would make their input particularly meaningful'” … . Matter of Coleman v Lymus, 2021 NY Slip Op 02389, Second Dept 4-21-21

 

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