Greyson's Law
Legislature passes 'Greyson's Law' to safeguard children at risk of parental harm.
Greyson’s Law requires courts to consider threats made against a former partner or spouse when determining custody and timesharing. It also expands the factors courts must consider when a parent has reasonable cause to believe that they or their child is in imminent danger of domestic or sexual violence—even when no other legal action has been filed or is pending.
SB 130
/ HB 97
What It Does
The Expanded Court Factors
Florida courts must consider these child-safety factors when making parental responsibility, custody, and timesharing decisions:
Evidence of domestic violence
Courts must consider evidence of domestic violence when determining parental responsibility, custody, and timesharing—even when no separate legal action has been filed or is pending.
Reasonable belief of imminent danger
Courts must consider whether a parent has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been, in imminent danger of domestic or sexual violence by the other parent.
Threats against a parent
Threats made against the other parent, spouse, or former spouse must be considered when courts evaluate child safety and determine a parenting plan.
Patterns of controlling or threatening behavior
Courts may consider a pattern of conduct used to control, intimidate, or harm a parent or child, including threats, stalking, harassment, and other abusive behavior.
The Background
Why Greyson’s Law is Necessary
The day before Greyson was murdered, his mother, Ali Kessler, filed a petition for a domestic violence injunction describing her fear for her life and, most urgently, her son’s safety. She submitted extensive documentation, including threatening communications and evidence of escalating behavior, but the petition was denied.
At the time, Florida law did not expressly require family courts to consider whether a parent reasonably believed that they or their child faced imminent danger from the other parent when deciding whether shared parental responsibility would be harmful. Greyson’s Law addressed that gap by requiring courts to consider domestic violence, imminent danger, abuse, abandonment, neglect, and related safety concerns—even when no separate legal action has been filed or is pending.
The first version of Greyson’s Law was introduced in 2021. The legislation was refiled for the 2023 session as SB 130 and HB 97 and passed both chambers unanimously before being approved by the governor.
In The News
Mother Fights to Pass Greyson's Law After Son Killed by Father in Murder-Suicide
Ali Kessler's fight to change Florida family court law after the tragic loss of her son Greyson.
Read ArticleMichael Grieco Files Greyson's Law to Add Protections for Children at Risk of Parental Harm
Coverage of the legislation that would require courts to consider imminent danger when deciding parental responsibility.
Read ArticleVoices of Support
What They Said
Greyson's life was cut way too short for reasons that were preventable. Greyson and Ali were failed by so many layers that should have protected them. It is imperative that we safeguard all the other 'Greysons' in our state. I am proud that we worked closely with the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar to ensure a final product that we can come together on in order to shelter our children in dangerous situations. I look forward to this bill's passage in honor of Greyson.
Senator Lori Berman
D-Boca Raton
Threats to a child's safety cannot be ignored. Greyson was denied his future because a law like this didn't exist to protect him, and we must make sure that no other child meets the same fate. This unspeakable horror is a learning moment for our state, and I am proud to work alongside Senator Berman to make Florida a safer place for all of our children.
Representative Hillary Cassel
D-Dania Beach
Greyson's death can't be for nothing. There has to be a reason why a happy and healthy 4-year-old boy was taken from this world, and maybe it was for this greater cause. If a bill like Greyson's Law existed when I begged the court and police for help, I fully believe my sweet boy would still be alive. I am happy other children and families may have a fighting chance.
Ali Kessler
Greyson's Mother & Founder
We believe, in its current form, this proposed legislation will assist in providing for better protection and safety for Florida's families and children.
Philip S. Wartenberg
Chair, Family Law Section of The Florida Bar
Anyone who places a tracker on a co-parent's vehicle or tells them that their 'head should be separated from their body' or that they 'deserve to die' should not only be enjoined from contact with the recipient of the stalking or threats but their custodial rights should be immediately evaluated. Florida law failed Greyson and Ali and the passage of HB 97 will hopefully prevent another tragedy.
Representative Michael Grieco
D-Miami
In the News
Greyson's Law in the News
Greyson's story and the fight to pass Greyson's Law received local and national media coverage.
View News + Press CoverageHelp Continue Greyson's Legacy
Greyson's Law was an important step, but the work to protect children and support families continues. Learn more about the law, follow Greyson's Choice, and help us continue raising awareness and advocating for child safety.