Kyra's Law Awaits Hochul's Signature: What NY Parents Need to Know

New York parents in the midst of custody battles are watching Albany closely as a bill that would reshape how courts handle allegations of domestic violence and child abuse sits on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk. Kyra’s Law, which passed both chambers of the State Legislature in early June 2026, would require family and supreme court judges to treat credible claims of abuse as a threshold safety question—meaning those allegations must be weighed before any other custody factors. The bill also limits reliance on disputed psychological theories that have historically been used to discredit parents who raise safety concerns. Named for Kyra Franchetti, a 2-year-old killed by her father during a court-ordered unsupervised visit in 2016, the law represents nearly a decade of advocacy by her mother, Jacqueline Franchetti. If signed, New York would join a small group of states with similar safety-first custody laws. The governor has until the end of the year to act.

For parents navigating custody disputes, the implications are significant. As a New City, NY family law lawyer can explain, the way evidence is presented early in a case could carry more weight under the new law. Police reports, medical records, text messages, photos, and orders of protection may become central to that initial safety review. Families dealing with abuse inside a custody case often need to act fast to protect both their children and their rights. Even if the bill does not become law, the fundamentals of a strong custody case remain unchanged: New York courts decide under the best interests of the child standard, looking at each parent’s stability, the child’s needs, and the home each parent can provide. When parents cannot agree, child custody and visitation issues often end up before a judge, and preparation makes the difference.

At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, family law attorney Brandon W. Rothstein—selected to the Super Lawyers list—helps parents gather and organize evidence, and defends those facing untrue accusations. The firm’s motto, “big enough to do it all, small enough to care,” reflects its four-decade commitment to family law from its New City office. Whether you are facing a custody dispute or concerned about how Kyra’s Law could affect your family, a confidential consultation can help you understand your options and decide on the right next step.