Articles Posted in Child Support

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In JJ v. TW, 70 Misc. 3d 1225 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2021), among other things, the plaintiff requested that the court terminate spousal support. An interesting aspect of New York law when it comes to spousal support modification is that the Family Court Act and the Domestic Relations Law outline different conditions under which spousal support can be modified.

Under the FCA section 412, spousal support orders can be modified upon certain events, including:

  1. A written or oral stipulation or agreement between the parties.
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Common law marriage is a legal concept that recognizes a couple as married without the need for a formal ceremony or marriage license. It typically arises when a couple lives together for a certain period of time and holds themselves out as married, presenting themselves to others as spouses. In common law marriage states, these couples are treated legally as if they had undergone a formal marriage ceremony.

However, New York does not recognize common law marriage. This means that even if a couple lives together for an extended period and behaves as if they are married, they are not considered legally married under New York law. In New York, a valid marriage requires a formal marriage ceremony performed by an authorized officiant and the issuance of a marriage license.

In Farre v. Lours, 2020 N.Y. Slip Op. 33963, a plaintiff brought forth various claims against the father of her children, seeking financial relief and asserting rights related to their shared assets and living arrangements. The case involved complex legal arguments surrounding the nature of their relationship, financial contributions, and promises made during their partnership.

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In AW v PW, 2022 NY Slip Op 51177(U) the court was tasked with determining spousal support and child support amounts pendente lite, amidst a divorce proceeding initiated by the Plaintiff in December 2020.

“Pendente lite” is a Latin term meaning “pending the litigation.” Pendente lite spousal and child support refer to temporary financial support orders issued by a court during the course of divorce or family law proceedings. When determining temporary support in New York, courts consider several factors, including each party’s income and financial resources, the marital standard of living, the needs of the children, and any exceptional expenses. They also review financial affidavits detailing both spouses’ incomes, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The goal is to maintain the status quo and prevent financial hardship for the lower-income spouse and children pending the final resolution of the divorce proceedings.

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Under New York law, incarceration is a possible consequence for the willful nonpayment of child support. This punitive measure is considered a last resort and is typically employed when all other enforcement methods have failed to compel compliance with support obligations. The legal framework governing this area is outlined in the Family Court Act (FCA), particularly in sections that address the enforcement of child support orders.

Section 454 of the FCA stipulates that failing to pay child support as ordered by the court constitutes prima facie evidence of willful violation. Once the custodial parent or guardian establishes that the non-custodial parent has not paid support as directed, the burden shifts to the latter to prove their inability to pay. The non-custodial parent must provide credible evidence, such as detailed financial statements or medical documentation, to demonstrate that their non-compliance was not willful but rather due to circumstances beyond their control.

If the court finds the nonpayment to be willful, section 455 of the FCA allows for various penalties, including incarceration. The decision to incarcerate hinges on the non-custodial parent’s continued defiance of the court order without just cause, reflecting the legal system’s commitment to ensuring that child support obligations are taken seriously and that children receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.

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In a recent case before the Family Court of New York County, the court affirmed findings that the respondent father willfully violated a support order dating back to 2010.

In New York, a willful violation of child support occurs when a parent fails to comply with a court-ordered child support obligation without a justifiable excuse. According to Family Court Act § 454(3)(a), a parent is deemed to have willfully violated a support order if they have the means to provide support but fail to do so without a valid reason.

The statute places the burden of proof on the party alleging the willful violation to demonstrate that the non-compliant parent had the ability to meet their support obligation. This can be established through evidence of the parent’s financial means, employment status, and any other relevant factors. Once the prima facie showing of willful violation is made, the burden shifts to the non-compliant parent to provide evidence justifying their failure to pay support.

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The jurisdiction of the New York Family Court encompasses a wide array of familial matters, prioritizing the welfare of children and the resolution of family conflicts. This court has authority over cases involving child custody, visitation rights, child support, and paternity disputes. It also handles matters related to adoption, guardianship, and juvenile delinquency, aiming to ensure the protection and stability of children within the state. Additionally, the New York Family Court adjudicates cases involving domestic violence, issuing orders of protection and facilitating access to necessary resources for victims. Its jurisdiction extends to matters of family offense proceedings, including allegations of abuse and neglect within familial relationships. With a focus on mediation and rehabilitation, the Family Court strives to promote familial harmony while upholding the rights and safety of all individuals involved, making it a vital institution for resolving complex family issues in the state of New York.

Dawson v. Iskhakov, 216 A.D.3d 950 (N.Y. App. Div. 2023) focuses on an issue related to the jurisdiction of the Family Court when it comes to child support matters.

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Valvo v. Valvo, 218 A.D.3d 909 (N.Y. App. Div. 2023) involves an appeal from the Family Court of Saratoga County regarding a petition to modify maintenance and child support obligations. The dispute arises from a divorce between the petitioner (referred to as the father) and the respondent (referred to as the mother) in 2012.

In New York, Family Court will grant a downward modification in child support only under limited circumstances as follows:

  1. Financial Hardship: One of the most common reasons for seeking a reduction in child support payments is a significant change in the financial circumstances of one or both parents. For example, if  the non-custodial parent experiences a loss of income, such as unemployment or disability, they may petition the court for a reduction in child support payments. However, it’s essential to demonstrate that the loss of income is involuntary and not due to willful neglect or avoidance of child support obligations.
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In Deborah K. v. Richard K., 203 A.D.3d 433 (N.Y. App. Div. 2022), a father appealed an order regarding child support and spousal support payments. The court’s decision, entered on March 6, 2020, addressed objections raised by both parties regarding previous orders issued by a Support Magistrate.

Background Facts

In the case before the Family Court of New York County, the dispute stemmed from a stipulation of settlement agreement entered into by the parties on February 26, 2013. A stipulation of settlement agreement in New York is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by parties involved in a legal dispute, typically in the context of a divorce or family law matter. It serves as a formal agreement reached through negotiation or mediation, whereby the parties agree to resolve their differences and settle their legal issues outside of court.

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In Leathers v. Smalls 192 A.D.3d 892 (N.Y. App. Div. 2021), a case heard by the Family Court of Westchester County, the father appealed from two court orders related to child support obligations. The case involved a dispute over the father’s compliance with a child support order and the subsequent consequences imposed by the court.

In New York, child support is determined based on a standardized formula outlined in the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA). This formula considers several factors, including each parent’s income, the number of children requiring support, and certain expenses such as daycare and medical insurance premiums. The CSSA provides a guideline percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income to be allocated for child support, with adjustments made for various circumstances such as shared custody or extraordinary expenses. Courts typically use this formula to calculate child support obligations, ensuring consistency and fairness in support determinations across cases. However, courts may deviate from the guideline amount under certain circumstances, such as when the application of the formula would be unjust or inappropriate.

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The case before the Family Court of Albany County involved an appeal from an order dated November 16, 2018. This order addressed a modification of child support, highlighting the complexities surrounding parental obligations post-divorce.

In New York, child support modification can be pursued under certain circumstances outlined in the statutes. Family Court Act § 451 provides the grounds for modifying an existing child support order. One such ground is a substantial change in circumstances since the entry of the last child support order. This change must be significant and ongoing, affecting either the financial situation of the parents or the needs of the child.

Another ground for modification is the passage of three years since the entry of the last child support order, or since the order was last modified, whichever is later. This provision allows for a review of child support obligations to ensure they remain fair and appropriate over time.

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