Rogers v. Bittner
| Decision Date | 13 March 1992 |
| Citation | 181 A.D.2d 990,581 N.Y.S.2d 945 |
| Parties | Matter of Sharyn G. ROGERS, Appellant, v. Gary S. BITTNER, Respondent. |
| Court | New York Supreme Court — Appellate Division |
Dennis E. Ward, Williamsville, for appellant.
James P. Renda, Buffalo, for respondent.
Before DENMAN, P.J., and BOOMER, BALIO and DOERR, JJ.
In this proceeding to modify the child support provisions of a divorce decree, the hearing examiner erred in holding that petitioner was obligated to prove unforeseen and unanticipated circumstances. Because the support provisions were not embodied in a separation agreement, petitioner had to demonstrate only a change in circumstances that would warrant modification in the best interests of the child (Family Ct. Act § 461[b]; Matter of Bruhn v. McCready, 138 A.D.2d 374, 525 N.Y.S.2d 659; compare, Matter of Brescia v. Fitts, 56 N.Y.2d 132, 451 N.Y.S.2d 68, 436 N.E.2d 518).
Nevertheless, petitioner failed to demonstrate any change in circumstances. While respondent is now making more money, that factor alone is not enough to warrant an increase in child support (Matter of Boden v. Boden, 42 N.Y.2d 210, 397 N.Y.S.2d 701, 366 N.E.2d 791; Matter of Popp v. Raitano, 167 A.D.2d 404, 561 N.Y.S.2d 813; Matter of Goldstein v. Pesato, 77 A.D.2d 878, 431 N.Y.S.2d 51). In any event, petitioner's gross income has almost doubled since the time of the divorce. The amounts spent by petitioner for the child's various activities are minimal and are offset by the decrease in child care costs. Although petitioner is now obligated by court order to assume the travel expenses of an adult person to accompany the child to her visits with respondent, petitioner was the party who insisted on that requirement. Finally, the fact that petitioner has moved into a more expensive home does not warrant an increase in child support.
Petitioner's argument that Family Court erred by denying her request for counsel fees cannot be reviewed because she did not file a notice of appeal from that order.
Order unanimously affirmed with costs.
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