Opinion
2012-02-7
In the Matter of Thab D. PATTERSON, appellant, v. Stacy PATTERSON, respondent.
Catherine S. Bridge, Staten Island, N.Y., for appellant. Karen P. Simmons, Brooklyn, N.Y (Sena Kim–Reuter and Janet Neustaetter of counsel), attorney for the child.
Catherine S. Bridge, Staten Island, N.Y., for appellant. Karen P. Simmons, Brooklyn, N.Y (Sena Kim–Reuter and Janet Neustaetter of counsel), attorney for the child.
In a child custody proceeding pursuant to Family Court Act article 6, the father appeals from an order of the Family Court, Kings County (Graham, J.), dated November 29, 2010, which, in effect, denied his motion for an evidentiary hearing on the issue of visitation and directed only limited visitation between the parties' minor child and him.
ORDERED that the order is affirmed, without costs or disbursements.
Contrary to the father's contention, a hearing is not necessary where, as here, the Family Court possesses adequate relevant information to enable it to make an informed and provident determination as to the subject child's best interests ( see Rosenberg v. Rosenberg, 60 A.D.3d 658, 874 N.Y.S.2d 237; Matter of Vanjak v. Pesa, 26 A.D.3d 512, 810 N.Y.S.2d 494; Assini v. Assini, 11 A.D.3d 417, 418, 783 N.Y.S.2d 51; Matter of Smith v. Molody–Smith, 307 A.D.2d 364, 762 N.Y.S.2d 818; Matter of Vangas v. Ladas, 259 A.D.2d 755, 687 N.Y.S.2d 399; Webster v. Webster, 163 A.D.2d 178, 558 N.Y.S.2d 40). The Family Court examined the parents over several court appearances, and conducted an in camera interview of the child to ascertain his wishes. These proceedings were sufficient to enable the Family Court to make an informed and provident determination on the issue of visitation ( see Rosenberg v. Rosenberg, 60 A.D.3d 658, 874 N.Y.S.2d 237; Matter of Vangas v. Ladas, 259 A.D.2d 755, 687 N.Y.S.2d 399), and there is no basis to overturn the Family Court's determination.