IN RE: EDWARD C. (2021)

Order, Family Court, Bronx County (Jennifer S. Burtt, Referee), entered on or about April 28, 2020, which, inter alia, granted petitioner father's application to relocate to Florida with the parties' minor child, unanimously affirmed, without costs.

The Referee's determination that the child's best interests would be served by granting the father's relocation application has a sound and substantial basis in the record (see Matter of Tropea v. Tropea, 87 N.Y.2d 727, 740–741, 642 N.Y.S.2d 575, 665 N.E.2d 145 [1996]).  There is sufficient evidence to support the father's claim that there will be economic and educational benefits to the child, as well as an extended network of family members to provide support.  The mother, who only sporadically exercised her court-ordered parenting time with the child for more than two years before this proceeding, has substantial visitation with the child in New York and regular telephone contact to continue a meaningful relationship (id. at 742, 642 N.Y.S.2d 575, 665 N.E.2d 145;  Matter of Tracy A.G. v. Undine J., 105 A.D.3d 1046, 1048, 963 N.Y.S.2d 383 [1st Dept. 2013]).