Matter of Carmela II. v Juan II.

Holding The Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s determination that visitation with the grandmother was in the children’s best interests, but reversed the specific visitation schedule due to the passage of time. The matter was remitted to Family Court to establish a new, potentially graduated or supervised, visitation schedule to facilitate bonding.

The court’s words

the most significant consideration is the nature and quality of the relationship between the grandparent and the children

2026 NY Slip Op 05451, at the official text

the existence of animosity between the parent and the grandparent is [not] a proper reason for denial of visitation in isolation

2026 NY Slip Op 05451, at the official text

we deem it appropriate to remit the matter to Family Court for consideration of a new visitation schedule

2026 NY Slip Op 05451, at the official text