Ordered that the order is affirmed insofar as appealed from, without costs or disbursements.
"Custody determinations are ordinarily a matter of discretion for the hearing court, whose determination will not be set aside on appeal unless it lacks a sound and substantial basis in the record" ( Matter of Ortiz v Maharaj, 8 AD3d 574, 574). Here, contrary to the father's contention, there was such a basis for the Family Court's denial of that branch of his petition which, in effect, was for a change of custody of the parties' children to him. In determining custody, the best interests of the children are paramount ( see Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d 167, 171-174; Friederwitzer v Friederwitzer, 55 NY2d 89, 94) and a change should be made only if the totality of the circumstances warrants a modification of the existing custody arrangement ( see Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d at 171-174; Friederwitzer v Friederwitzer, 55 NY2d at 94). The evidence in the record amply supported the Family Court's determination that the circumstances did not warrant a modification.
The father's remaining contention is without merit.