Won Affirmance On Behalf Of Adoptive Parent In Appeal By Biological Mother Of Order Denying Post Adoption Visitation.

Matter of Shaquana Michelle M.-L. v Leake & Watts, 139 AD3d 513 (1st Dept. 2016)

In this proceeding for post adoption visitation by the mother where I represented the adoptive parent, the First Department accepted my arguments that 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 as she has exhibited irrational, unstable and often violent behavior and that visitation, or even limited contact granted to the mother, would likely have an adverse impact on the children’s relationship with their adoptive families.  The Court also cited to my argument that this was 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.

http://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2016/2016_03829.htm