New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03531

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  

Caption

Authorizes expedited settlement conference processes for establishing child support orders where both parties voluntarily agree on the process.

Summary

Bill A03531 seeks to amend the Family Court Act by introducing expedited settlement conference processes for establishing child support orders in New York. This process is designed for cases where both parents voluntarily agree on child support terms, allowing them to resolve their support obligations more efficiently. The bill outlines the procedures for initiating these conferences, the types of cases that are excluded, and the necessary documentation that must be exchanged between parties. It also emphasizes that these conferences are not for negotiating disputes but rather for reaching agreements when both parties are in accord.

Impact

The implementation of this bill will streamline the process of establishing child support orders in family courts, potentially reducing the backlog of cases and expediting the resolution of child support issues. It will also provide a structured framework for parents to reach agreements without the need for lengthy court proceedings. The bill may impact existing statutes related to child support by introducing new procedures and requirements for family courts, particularly regarding the handling of financial disclosures and the facilitation of virtual conferences.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A03531 appears to be supportive, as it aims to simplify and expedite the child support process for parents who agree on terms. However, there may be concerns regarding the exclusion of certain cases from the expedited process, which could limit access for some parents. The absence of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full range of opinions on the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the exclusion of specific cases from the expedited settlement process, such as those involving minor parents without legal representation, cases requiring determinations of parentage, or those with existing orders of protection. Critics may argue that these exclusions could disadvantage certain vulnerable populations who might benefit from a more expedited process. Additionally, the requirement for both parties to voluntarily agree to the process may raise concerns about power imbalances in negotiations.

Companion Bills

NY S00245

Same As Authorizes expedited settlement conference processes for establishing child support orders where both parties voluntarily agree on the process.

Previously Filed As

NY S00245

Authorizes expedited settlement conference processes for establishing child support orders where both parties voluntarily agree on the process.

NY HB2963

landlord tenant; settlement conferences

NY HB2835

Landlord tenant; settlement conferences

NY HB1564

Civil procedure; creating the Expedited Actions Act; expedited actions; trial process; effective date.

NY HB1564

Civil procedure; creating the Expedited Actions Act; expedited actions; trial process; effective date.

NY SF0010

Settlement agreements for minors-parental authorization.

NY SB5617

Revised for 1st substitute: Supporting juveniles in and exiting detention by providing for a child in need of services process and supportive services.

NY HB605

Authorizes a fee for expedited processing performed by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)

NY SB1913

Insurance; establishing provisions of dispute resolution system; establishing requirements for insurer to engage in mediation; establishing provisions for settlement agreements; creating the Homeowners Claims Bill of Rights. Effective date.

NY SB66

Relating to a study on authorizing a supporter under a supported decision-making agreement to assist an adult with a disability with legal proceedings.

Similar Bills

MI SB0616

Civil procedure: civil actions; civil actions against certain opioid litigation settlement defendants; prohibit. Amends secs. 2 & 3 of 2022 PA 85 (MCL 691.1672 & 691.1673).

CA AB1166

An act to amend Sections 1788.

HI HB1001

Relating To Settlement Of Claims Related To The Maui Wildfires.

CA AB2141

Pharmacies: license discipline: stipulated settlement and disciplinary order.

CA SB487

Workers’ compensation.

CA SB268

Income taxes: gross income exclusions: state of emergency: natural disaster settlements.

CA AB429

An act to add and repeal Sections 17139.

CA AB97

An act to add and repeal Sections 17139.