Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer in the Bronx

42+ Years of New York Family Law Experience on Your Side

New York law gives grandparents a path to court-ordered visitation or, in some situations, custody of their grandchildren. That path is governed by New York Domestic Relations Law Section 72, and it isn’t simple. Courts presume that parents have the right to make decisions for their children, which means grandparents carry the burden of proving their case. Having an attorney who knows how New York family courts actually work matters from the first filing.

At Jayson Lutzky, Attorney Jayson Lutzky has handled thousands of family law cases since 1985. We serve English and Spanish-speaking clients across the Bronx and Bronx County, and we offer free consultations and payment plans so that experienced representation is accessible from the start.

If your relationship with your grandchild has been cut off or is at risk, contact us today for a free consultation. Call (718) 550-2881 to speak with our team in English or Spanish.

Visitation Rights vs. Custody Rights in New York

Grandparents’ rights cases in New York fall into two distinct tracks, and the legal standards for each are different.

Grandparent Visitation

Under DRL Section 72, grandparents may petition for visitation when one or both parents have died, when the grandparent has a substantial existing relationship with the child, or when the parents have interfered with efforts to establish or maintain that relationship. These are the three recognized grounds for standing, meaning the legal right to bring the petition at all.

Standing is only the first step. Once a grandparent establishes standing, the court decides whether granting visitation serves the child’s best interests. Parental objection matters, but it isn’t automatically decisive. Animosity between the adults doesn’t disqualify a grandparent’s petition; the parents’ objections must reflect something more than personal dislike. Even when both parents object, a grandparent may still pursue visitation if the legal standards are met.

Grandparent Custody

Custody is a higher bar. Grandparents must show extraordinary circumstances, which New York courts recognize in situations involving parental unfitness, abandonment, surrender of the child, persistent neglect, abuse, or an extended disruption of custody. An extended disruption can be established when a child has lived with the grandparent for at least 24 continuous months while a parent voluntarily relinquished care, though courts may find extraordinary circumstances for shorter periods depending on the facts.

Petitions for both visitation and custody in the Bronx are filed with Bronx County Family Court.

Why Bronx Grandparents Work with Jayson Lutzky

Grandparents’ rights cases sit at the intersection of law and family relationships. The legal framework is specific, the emotional stakes are high, and how a case is prepared and presented affects what the court can do. Attorney Lutzky brings 42+ years of New York family law experience to these cases, alongside a close-knit team that includes an associate attorney and dedicated support staff who work directly on each matter.

• Recognized Pro Bono Service: In 2000, Attorney Lutzky received the NYS Bar Association President’s Pro Bono Service Attorney Award, reflecting a career built on genuine commitment to clients.
• Thousands of Family Law Cases: That volume of experience means our team has seen the procedural patterns, the arguments that can hold up, and the evidence that courts may find persuasive.
• Bilingual Representation: We serve clients in English and Spanish throughout every stage of the case.
• Free Consultations and Payment Plans: We want grandparents to understand their options before making any commitment, and we make representation financially accessible through flexible payment arrangements.

Talk to a Grandparents’ Rights Attorney in the Bronx

If you’re a grandparent in the Bronx, Bronx County, or Westchester County who has been denied contact with your grandchild, or if you believe your grandchild’s safety may require a change in custody, we can help you understand what the law allows and what your options are. Our team is available in English and Spanish, and the first conversation costs nothing. Payment plans are available, so cost doesn’t have to stand between you and sound legal guidance.

Call (718) 550-2881 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with Jayson Lutzky today.