Polling results in New York show overwhelming support for equal shared parenting

The most recent round of National Parents Organization (NPO) shared parenting polling shows overwhelming support for shared parenting in New York. In fact, 92% of those who were polled in New York believe it is in the child's best interest to have as much time as possible with each parent in cases of separation or divorce.

This independently-commissioned poll was conducted by Researchscape International in August 2021 as part of NPO’s ongoing commitment to carry out shared parenting research throughout the United States. As NPO works to further its education, advocacy, and legislative efforts for equal shared parenting, it commissioned this poll to measure the attitudes and beliefs of New Yorkers concerning shared parenting when parents live apart. In New York, the polling results were overwhelmingly supportive toward equal shared parenting. In addition, the  survey results show that this support for shared parenting influences people’s voting behavior. 

The survey sample size of 519 respondents was representative of New York adults with respect to race, gender, age, income, and political alignment. The methodology employed provides an estimated credibility interval of plus or minus 6%, according to Researchscape International. The polling of the respondents concluded that in instances of separation or divorce:

• 92% of those in New York believe it is in the child's best interest ... to have as much time as possible with each parent.

• 92% of New Yorkers expressed a commitment to vote their beliefs being "more likely to vote for a candidate who supports children spending equal or nearly equal time with each parent ...when both parents are fit and willing to be parents."

• 85% of those in New York indicated they would support a change in New York law that awards children as much time as possible with each parent after divorce or separation.

• 77% of New Yorkers surveyed believe that when there is conflict between parents, awarding sole custody to one parent increases conflict.

• 89% believe that New York should promote shared parenting for all children with separated parents.

• 83% of those in New York believe that both parents should have equal rights and responsibilities following divorce or separation.

It is important to note that, on all of these issues, New Yorkers’ support for shared parenting cuts across all of the typical demographic divides including age, income, race, political alignment, and gender.

These results speak volumes considering that New York continuously receives the lowest grade on NPO’s Shared Parenting Report Card. Despite the lack of shared parenting statutes in New York, it is clear that an overwhelming majority of residents in the state want shared parenting legislation. In the most recent report, which was published in 2019, New York and Rhode Island were the only states to receive an ‘F’ grade. As noted in the 2019 Report Card, New York received an ‘F’ due to the following:

• New York has no explicit statutory recognition of shared parenting, joint legal custody, shared residential custody, or similar concepts. In New York, joint custody decisions are based on case law, in particular, Braiman v. Braiman (44 N.Y.2d 584; 378 N.E.2d 1019). 

• New York has no statutory preference for, or presumption of, shared parenting (joint legal custody and shared physical custody) for temporary or final orders. 

• New York statutes do not explicitly provide for shared parenting during temporary orders. 

• New York statutes do not require courts to consider “friendly parent” factors in awarding custody. 

• New York statutes do not include a policy statement or other language encouraging shared parenting. 

New York is a widely known as a battleground state for shared parenting. In fact, between 2014 and 2019, 11 bills were introduced to the New York legislature in support of shared parenting. Unfortunately, these drafted bills failed because of opposition from special interest groups. As a way to generate more support from New York lawmakers, this latest 2021 shared parenting polling research will be used by NPO and its volunteers to educate legislators about the public’s awareness of the benefits of shared parenting. Advocates hope that the results of the survey will put pressure on state legislators in New York to enact laws that truly promote the best interest of children.

New York joined five other states, New Jersey, Connecticut, West Virginia, Georgia, and Washington, in the latest round of polling. As of October 2021, 19 states have participated in NPO’s shared parenting polling in recent years. NPO is working to fund these types of independently commissioned shared parenting polls in all 50 states. To help support the efforts of polling the remaining states, click here to donate.

To learn more about NPO, click here to visit the organization’s website. You can also help to support its mission and vision by donating, fundraising, volunteering, and advocating. 

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The overarching goal of National Parents Organization (NPO) is to promote shared parenting by educating parents, divorce professionals, and legislators and by reforming family courts and laws in every state. NPO focuses on advocacy and research leading to systemic reform of the family courts. The organization does not provide legal aid or advice on individual cases.