Appellate Division, First Department · October 15, 2026 · 2026 NY Slip Op 06012
Matter of J.M. v N.R.
Read the official decision: 2026 NY Slip Op 06012
Holding The Appellate Division affirmed the Family Court’s orders awarding the fathers sole legal and physical custody of the children, finding the decision had a sound and substantial basis in the record. The court determined that the fathers were better able to provide a stable home and that joint custody was inappropriate due to mistrust and lack of communication between the parents.
The court’s words
Both fathers testified that the children have lived with them for years following their removal from the mother's care by the Administration for Children's Services.
2026 NY Slip Op 06012, at the official text
The evidence adduced at trial revealed that the fathers were better able to provide a loving and stable home for the children, where they could thrive physically and emotionally.
2026 NY Slip Op 06012, at the official text
Given the mistrust and lack of communication between the parties, the court properly declined to grant joint custody.
2026 NY Slip Op 06012, at the official text
| Court | Appellate Division, First Department |
|---|---|
| Decided | October 15, 2026 |
| Citation | 2026 NY Slip Op 06012 |
| Area of law | Family Law |
| Week | Week ending October 17, 2026 |
| Official text | Official decision: 2026 NY Slip Op 06012 |
| Publication status | Slip opinions are uncorrected and subject to revision before publication in the Official Reports. |
| Source feed | New York slip opinion page |
| Law Watch record id | 1266 |
Recommended citation
ESQ HQ, New York Law Watch, Matter of J.M. v N.R., 2026 NY Slip Op 06012 (Appellate Division, First Department, October 15, 2026), https://esqhq.com/decisions/2026-ny-slip-op-06012/
How this record was made
Holding drafted by Law Watch’s in-house model, graded by three reviewers; every quotation verified word for word against the official text.
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