Default Finding Should Not Have Been Made Where Attorney Appeared and Asked for Adjournment

In reversing the order of Family Court, the Fourth Department determined the Support Magistrate should not have ruled respondent had defaulted (respondent’s attorney appeared and requested an adjournment) and the colloquy between petitioner and the Support Magistrate was not a sufficient basis for a factual finding respondent had willfully violated a support order.  Family Court, therefore, should not have confirmed the Support Magistrate’s order.  Matter of Manning v Sobotka, 739, 4th Dept 6-28-13