Nasser ex rel. Williams v. Abraham

Order unanimously reversed, without costs, and petition reinstated. Memorandum: Family Court erred in dismissing two support petitions on the ground of respondent’s failure to appear at the hearing (see, generally, Family Ct Act, § 441; Besharov, Practice Commentary, McKinney’s Cons Laws of NY, Book 29A; Family Ct Act, § 441). Instead of rewarding respondent for his nonappearance by. dismissing the proceedings, Family Court could have granted an adjournment as requested by petitioner, issued a warrant (Family Ct Act, §§153, 428) or, if appropriate, found respondent to be in default and…