A bill called Karilyn's Law (S.7819) was passed unanimously in the NY Senate and by an overwhelming margin in the NY Assembly. It establishes a critical, but rebuttable presumption in-favor of family visitation, while still preserving important safeguards.

I am a former NY schoolteacher, born and bred in NYC. I have not seen my son, who suffers from autism in more than 15 years. Although we enjoyed weekly visitations since he was a toddler, his mother terminated our visits, without cause, when he turned 18. And with no legal mechanism in place to allow for an easy transition (from visiting a minor with autism, to visiting a now, disabled adult), my efforts to see him within the court system have been an absolute nightmare; and the emotional and financial toll on myself and my family have been devastating.

My first petition to see him was in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Not only was it denied, but I waited 3 years to receive our Judge’s decision.

My mother, who is a holocaust survivor, passed away in 2018 at the age of 91. In 2010, she was abruptly cut off from seeing her grandson, and was never able to see or speak to him again.

Karilyn’s Law was created to put an end to these abuses.

"The Clock"

Although the bill handily passed both chambers in June, it is now, quietly awaiting the Governor’s signature -

Or a pocket veto.