Ross v. Ross

68 A.D.3d 878, 890 N.Y.2d 127

Opinion

“In order to modify an existing custody arrangement, there must be a showing of a subsequent change of circumstances so that modification is required to protect the best interests of the child” (Matter of Fallarino v Ayala, 41 AD3d 714, 714 [2007]; see Matter of Strand-O’Shea v O’Shea, 32 AD3d 398 [2006]; Scheuering v Scheuering, 27 AD3d 446, 447 [2006]; Matter of Heuthe o McLaren, 1 AD3d 514 [2003]). The best interests of the child are determined by a review of the totality of the circumstances (see Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d 167, 171 [1982]; Matter of Fallarino o Ayala, 41 AD 3d at 714-715). Willful interference with a noncustodial parent’s right to visitation is so inconsistent with the best interests of the children as to, per se, raise a strong probability that the offending party is unfit to act as a custodial parent (see Matter of Gurewich v Gurewich, 58 AD3d 628, 629 [2009]; Matter of Joosten v Joosten, 282 AD2d 748 [2001]; Entwistle v Entwistle, 61 AD2d 380, 384-385 [1978]). A parent seeking a change of custody is not automatically entitled to a hearing, but must make some evidentiary showing of a change in circumstances sufficient to warrant a hearing (see Matter of Hongach v Hongach, 44 AD3d 664 [2007]; Matter of Miller v Lee, 225 AD2d 778 [1996]).

The Family Court erred in granting the mother’s motion to dismiss the father’s petition to modify a prior order of custody and visitation awarding her sole legal custody of the parties’ children, as the father alleged a change of circumstances sufficient to warrant a hearing (see Matter of Gurewich v Gurewich, 58 AD3d at 629; Matter of Darla N. v Christine N., 289 AD2d 1012 [2001]; cf. Matter of Davies v Davies, 223 AD2d 884, 885-887 [1996]). Fisher, J.P., Angiolillo, Lott and Sgroi, JJ., concur.