Opinion
2014-06-13
In the Matter of Kirsten MILLER, Petitioner–Appellant, v. Kevin JANTZI, Respondent–Respondent.
Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society, Syracuse (Rupak R. Shah of Counsel), for Petitioner–Appellant. Gilles R.R. Abitbol, Attorney for the Children, Liverpool.
Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society, Syracuse (Rupak R. Shah of Counsel), for Petitioner–Appellant. Gilles R.R. Abitbol, Attorney for the Children, Liverpool.
PRESENT: SCUDDER, P.J., FAHEY, PERADOTTO, VALENTINO AND DeJOSEPH, JJ.
MEMORANDUM:
In this custody proceeding pursuant to Family Court Act article 6, petitioner mother appeals from an order that, inter alia, awarded the parties joint physical custody of their younger son, awarded respondent father sole physical custody of their older son and established a visitation schedule. We reject the mother's contention that Family Court erred in determining that split custody was in the best interests of the children. Initially, we note that we “afford ‘great deference’ to the determination of the hearing court ..., with its ‘superior ability to evaluate the character and credibility of the witnesses' ” (Matter of Cross v. Caswell, 113 A.D.3d 1107, 1107, 977 N.Y.S.2d 853). “While keeping children together is often in [their] best interests ..., the court must be cognizant of the individual needs of each child” in determining their best interests (Matter of Roulo v. Roulo, 201 A.D.2d 937, 937, 607 N.Y.S.2d 760, citing Eschbach v. Eschbach, 56 N.Y.2d 167, 172–173, 451 N.Y.S.2d 658, 436 N.E.2d 1260). Here, split custody is warranted in the best interests of each son, and the visitation schedule affords the siblings substantial time together. The parties are able to share physical custody of their younger son because he is not yet enrolled in school, and thus alternating weekly residency is in his best interests. The award of sole physical custody of the older son to the father permits that son to remain in school where he is enrolled and performing well. Although the court must consider the effects of domestic violence in determining the best interests of the children, here, the mother failed to prove her allegations of domestic violence by a preponderance of the evidence ( see Matter of Frankiv v. Kalitka, 105 A.D.3d 1045, 1046, 963 N.Y.S.2d 393).
Contrary to the mother's further contention, she was not deprived of “ ‘significant quality time’ ” with the children as a result of the summer vacation schedule (Matter of Rivera v. Fowler, 112 A.D.3d 835, 836, 978 N.Y.S.2d 48).
It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is unanimously affirmed without costs.