Ten years after 2-year-old Kyra Franchetti was killed by her father during a court-ordered unsupervised visit, the bill bearing her name awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's decision. Kyra's Law (A6194C/S5998) passed the Senate 60-0 on June 4 and the Assembly on June 5, and the governor has until the end of the year to act. In August, advocates urging her to sign honored 46 children who have died in New York custody-related cases since 2016, as reported by CBS6 Albany.
For families in Rockland County going through a custody dispute, the bill would bring new deadlines and evidence rules into the courtroom, according to Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. Parents on either side of an abuse allegation would need to be ready much sooner than they are today. The firm's family law lawyer in New City, NY provides counsel and representation to parents on custody, visitation, divorce, and related family court matters.
If signed, Kyra's Law would introduce four major changes. First, courts would have to hold an evidentiary hearing within 20 court days of a credible allegation of domestic violence or a risk to a child's safety. Second, judges would review order of protection and sex offender registries, police reports, and evidence of abuse patterns, without requiring formal certification. Third, a rebuttable presumption would bar unsupervised custody for a parent found to pose a substantial risk to the child, and courts would appoint an attorney for the child when safety allegations are facially credible. Fourth, judges would complete domestic violence and child abuse training before presiding over contested custody cases. The law would take effect 270 days after signing.
These changes would shift the focus of custody litigation toward documented evidence and early preparation. "Whether a parent is raising safety concerns or responding to them, this bill puts evidence at the center of the case, and it moves fast," said Paul Goldhamer, founding partner of the firm. "Parents should start gathering records now, including police reports, messages, and medical documentation, rather than waiting until a hearing is scheduled."
The implications extend beyond individual cases. By mandating faster hearings and broader evidence, the bill could reduce the risk of children being placed in unsafe unsupervised settings. It also places new burdens on parents and attorneys to assemble compelling records quickly. Courts would need to adapt to stricter timelines and ensure judges are trained to handle domestic violence and child abuse issues. For families in Rockland and Bergen counties, the firm's divorce and matrimonial practice is already advising clients to prepare for these potential changes. As the governor weighs her decision, the outcome will determine whether New York adopts one of the most significant custody reforms in decades.
