Dianne M. v. Princess R.F.

The evidence established that extraordinary circumstances existed as a result of the prolonged separation between the mother and the child, who resided with the paternal grandmother for most of his life (see Matter of Iris R. v Jose R., 74 AD3d 457 [2010]; Matter of Carton v Grimm, 51 AD3d 1111 [2008], lv denied 10 NY3d 716 [2008]; Domestic Relations Law § 72). There exists no basis to disturb the credibility determinations of the Referee (see Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d 167, 173 [1982]).

Furthermore, the totality of the circumstances demonstrated that the award of guardianship to the…