Who has custody of a child when the parents are not married in New York?
Henry Morales
Published Apr 09, 2026
“Physical custody” has to do with who has the child in their physical care. As an unwed mother who meets the criteria mentioned early, you, not the father, have sole legal and physical custody. This means the child’s father has zero rights and responsibilities toward his child…for now.
Can I refuse joint custody?
However such arrangements are based on the co-operation of both parties. They are not enforceable and either party can refuse to adhere to the agreement at any stage. If something happens and the relationship sours, such arrangements tend to encounter problems.
Does New York have joint custody?
A. In New York, joint custody refers to both parents having legal custody of the child. There is both legal custody and physical custody. The parents must discuss and agree upon major decisions affecting the child when they have joint legal custody.
Is New York a 50/50 custody State?
New York is not a 50/50 custody state in that there is no automatic presumption that custody will be a 50/50 split between the two parents. Should it be up to the court to determine custody, the court will weigh many factors in determining custody arrangements.
How far can a parent move with joint custody in New York?
In New York, there is not a set number of miles that a parent with joint custody can move away because every situation is unique. Initially, most child custody orders will specify that parents must remain in a limited geographic area, such as within the borough of Brooklyn or in Greater New York City.
How can a mother lose custody of her child in NY?
Top 4 Reasons That Could Cause a Mother to Lose Child Custody
- Physical abuse of the child. If this type of abuse is reported to law enforcement or child protective services who then act, custody could be revoked.
- Physical abuse of the partner.
- Neglect.
- Violation of a court order.
At what age in New York can a child choose which parent to live with?
Preference and age: In New York, 18-year-old children are no longer subject to an order of custody. They can choose where they want to go. At the same time, many courts will hesitate to influence the choice of a 16- or 17-year-old, unless the teenager has serious problems or his/ her choice seems unreasonable.
When can a child choose which parent to live with in New York?
A New York court can make orders about the child’s custody only until the child is 18 years old. The Court gives custody based on what is best for the child, this is called the “best interest of the child.” If there is no court order, then both parents have equal rights to physical and legal custody of the child.
Unwed mothers automatically assume full legal and physical custody of their child at birth as long as the court has not made an order taking away the mother’s rights. However, the father may be able to obtain some measure of custody if he is able to legally establish paternity.
What rights does a father have in NY?
Dads in New York have the right to see their children. There is no denying the important role parents play in their child’s life – until children reach the age where they can provide for themselves, it is a parent’s job to provide for, care, and support them.
Can a parent get joint custody in New York?
Parents may share joint legal custody in New York. The court usually will give custody to only one parent if parents are not able to cooperate. Custody or visitation can be changed if there is a significant change of circumstances that affect the child’s interests.
How are child custody cases resolved in New York?
Child custody cases in New York can be either contested and resolved by court order, or noncontested and defined in a child custody agreement between the parents. A custody agreement or order will legally determine, at minimum, the following things:
What are the different types of child custody in NY?
Types of custody can include: Joint custody. This is where both parents share custody based on a schedule that is decided by them or by the court. Joint custody in NY is common. Sole custody. This is where only one parent has custody of the child.
What happens if a judge gives joint custody?
Whoever has legal custody has the right to make important decisions about a child’s care such as medical care or religious upbringing. If the Judge gives joint legal custody, the parents make major decisions about the child together. It doesn’t matter which parent the child lives with; both parents must agree on the decisions together.