Morse v. Mignone

In a child custody proceeding pursuant to Family Court Act article 6, the mother appeals, as limited by her brief, from so much of an order of the Family Court, Dutchess County (Amodeo, J.), dated February 9, 1995, as, after a hearing, awarded custody of the parties’ child to the father. Ordered that the order is affirmed insofar as appealed from, with costs. Custody matters are within the discretion of the Family Court, and its findings should be accorded great deference on appeal since it was in the best position to evaluate the testimony, character, and sincerity of the parties (see, Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d 167, 173-174; Matter of Canazon v Canazon, 215 AD2d 652; Klat v Klat, 176 AD2d 922, 923). Thus, its determination should not be disturbed unless it lacks a sound and substantial basis in the record (see, Matter of Canazon v Canazon, supra; Crum v Crum, 122 AD2d 771). We find no basis to disturb the Family Court’s determination in this case. It is in the best interest of the child to be placed with her father (see, Eschbach v Eschbach, supra, at 171). Miller, J. P., Copertino, Sullivan and Altman, JJ., concur.