Opinion
2011-10-25
In re ROXANNE R., Petitioner–Appellant,v.LUIS A.F., Respondent,Administration for Children's Services, Respondent–Respondent.
Elisa Barnes, New York, for appellant.
Michael A. Cardozo, Corporation Counsel, New York (Ronald E. Sternberg of counsel), for respondent.Tamara A. Steckler, The Legal Aid Society, New York (Claire V. Merkine of counsel), attorney for the child.
Order, Family Court, Bronx County (Sidney Gribetz, J.), entered on or about November 20, 2009, which, following a hearing, denied and dismissed appellant's petition for custody of her biological grandchild, unanimously affirmed, without costs.
Family Court properly determined that freeing the child for adoption by her foster parents was in her best interests ( see Matter of Guinta v. Doxtator, 20 A.D.3d 47, 53–55, 794 N.Y.S.2d 516 [2005] ). The standard for custody as between nonparents does not afford appellant a preference ( Matter of Vanisha J. [Patricia J.], 87 A.D.3d 696, 928 N.Y.S.2d 763 [2011]; Matter of Jennifer A., 225 A.D.2d 204, 206, 650 N.Y.S.2d 691 [1996], lv. denied 91 N.Y.2d 809, 670 N.Y.S.2d 403, 693 N.E.2d 750 [1998] ). Nevertheless, we note that appellant is free to seek visitation ( see Matter of Shelia B. v. Shirelle Jasmine B., 67 A.D.3d 610, 890 N.Y.S.2d 15 [2009] ).
TOM, J.P., SAXE, MOSKOWITZ, DeGRASSE, ABDUS–SALAAM, JJ., concur.