Matter of Roxanne R. v Luis A.F., 2011 NY Slip Op 07486 [88 AD3d 586]

October 25, 2011

Appellate Division, First Department

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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 AD3d 47 , 53-55 [2005]). The standard for custody as between nonparents does not afford appellant a preference ( Matter of Vanisha J. [Patricia J.] , 87 AD3d 696 [2011]; Matter of Jennifer A. , 225 AD2d 204, 206 [1996], lv denied 91 NY2d 809 [1998]). Nevertheless, we note that appellant is free to seek visitation ( see Matter of Shelia B. v Shirelle Jasmine B. , 67 AD3d 610 [2009]). Concur—Tom, J.P., Saxe, Moskowitz, DeGrasse and Abdus-Salaam, JJ..