Bridget Marks Custody Battle

From the Archive –  2004 – Bridget Marks Custody Battle

Thomas D. Shanahan, P.C.…

In 2004, an epic battle royal took place in the New York County Family Court after Bridget Marks lost custody of her two children with a Judge declaring her a danger to those children.   The case gained national attention as it became the symbol of a broken court system taking kids away from good parents like Bridget.

I handled the argument on appeal in the Appellate Division, First Department, and was able to convince a unanimous panel of five judges to restore custody to Bridget Marks.   The kids were raised by Bridget and are thriving. 21 years later, they have both graduated from Ivy League schools.  One works in finance at a top accounting firm and the other is a lawyer at one of the top law firms in the country.  

Turns out the Judge was completely wrong and rather than Bridge being a danger to her children, she was an amazing Mom who nurtured them to success both personally and professionally in life.   

We love you Bridget, Amber and Scarlett!

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Thomas D. Shanahan

Thomas D. Shanahan is an Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney and Principal of law firms in New York and Florida. With nearly 30 years of experience, he specializes in multi-state estate planning, elder law, and LGBTQ+ asset protection. He is a published author, certified Personal Family Lawyer, and dedicated advocate for families.

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