In a victory for children as well as for the LGBT community, the New York Court of Appeals has recognized the rights of parents to seek custody and visitation with their children, regardless of whether they have a biological or adoptive connection to the child. This decision is groundbreaking, particularly for unmarried same-sex couples who have agreed to conceive and raise a child together, but who later separate. Until now, children in these families had no right to continued contact with their non-biological parent, regardless of that parent’s desire to continue parenting.

Lawyers For Children signed on to an amicus brief supporting the child’s right to maintain parental relationships, regardless of the parent’s biological connection to the child. We are pleased to have had a part in this important decision.  

The entire decision can be found here.