OP-ED: New York State is failing shared parenting
New York has once again received an “F” on the National Parents Organization’s Shared Parenting Report Card. This dismal evaluation highlights the urgent need for legislative reform to prioritize the well-being of children in custody arrangements. Despite overwhelming public support for shared parenting, New York remains one of the few states without statutory recognition of shared parenting principles, leaving families at the mercy of outdated case law and inconsistent judicial decisions.
What’s holding New York back?
• New York lacks explicit statutory recognition of shared parenting, joint legal custody, or shared residential custody.
• There is no presumption or preference for shared parenting in temporary or final custody orders.
• Courts are not required to consider “friendly parent” factors, which reward cooperative behavior between parents during custody disputes.
• False allegations of abuse in family law cases remain unaddressed by specific statutes.
These shortcomings perpetuate a system that often favors sole custody arrangements, depriving children of meaningful relationships with both parents. Research has consistently shown that shared parenting reduces behavioral problems and improves emotional stability in children.
