Matter of Shaquana Michelle M.-L. v. Leake & Watts

Order, Family Court, Bronx County (Linda Tally, J.), entered on or about October 20, 2015, which, following a hearing, denied petitioner mother’s motions and petitions for visitation and other contact with her children, unanimously affirmed, without costs.

Family Court’s determination that it would not be in the children’s best interests to have visitation or any other form of contact with the mother has a sound and substantial basis in the record (Domestic Relations Law § 112-b [4]; Family Ct Act § 1055-a [b]), as she has exhibited irrational, unstable and often violent behavior (Matter of Maxamillian, 6 AD3d 349, 351-352 [1st Dept 2004]; Matter of Rueben D.R., 302 AD2d 234, 234-235 [1st Dept 2003]). As Family Court found, visitation, or even limited contact granted to the mother, would likely have an adverse impact on the children’s relationship with their adoptive families (Matter of Daijuanna Priscilla M., 290 AD2d 298, 298-299 [1st Dept 2002], lv denied 98 NY2d 612 [2002]). This is particularly true in light of the mother’s admitted hostility toward the children’s adoptive parents, and her inability to appreciate the significance or finality of the surrender agreements she entered into (see Social Services Law § 383-c).