Bill > S00245

This bill authorizes family courts in New York to establish an expedited settlement conference process for creating child support orders when both parties voluntarily agree to participate. The process is designed to help parents quickly establish child support agreements without lengthy negotiations, with specific guidelines and limitations. Parents must apply for child support services and exchange financial documentation, and certain types of cases are excluded, such as those involving minor parents without legal counsel, cases requiring parentage determination, or cases with existing protection orders. During the conference, court staff will review financial information, calculate child support using state guidelines, and ensure parties understand their rights, including the option to consult an attorney and the voluntary nature of the process. If an agreement is reached, a support magistrate will review and confirm the child support stipulation, which becomes a legally enforceable court order. The bill also requires annual reporting on the process, tracking metrics like the number of orders established, average processing time, and conference completion rates. The expedited settlement conference is not intended for complex disputes or cases involving public welfare officials, and it aims to streamline the child support order establishment process while protecting the interests of both parties.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S245