Matter of Kenneth J. v. Lesley B.
The Appellate Division, First Department, reversed a Family Court order that suspended all visitation and contact between a father, Kenneth J., and his child. The Family Court had granted summary judgment to the mother, Lesley B., without a hearing. The Appellate Division found this improper, emphasizing that modification of custody or visitation requires a hearing, except in emergencies. The court further ruled that the Family Court improperly considered unsworn, uncertified, and hearsay reports and letters from mental health services and therapists, which were inadmissible and did not justify the drastic measure of suspending parental contact. The matter was remanded, and the father's petitions for enforcement and modification were restored, along with the mother's petition.