Commissioner of Social Services v. Ruben O., 80 N.Y.2d 409 (1992)

A court-approved compromise agreement regarding child support is not binding on the Commissioner of Social Services when the child becomes a public charge; the Commissioner can seek support based on the child’s needs and the non-custodial parent’s means.

Summary

This case addresses whether the Commissioner of Social Services can compel a father to pay child support according to the Child Support Standards Act, even when the father has fully complied with a prior court-approved compromise agreement of support. The Court of Appeals held that the Commissioner is not bound by such an agreement when the child becomes a public charge and can seek a support order based on the child’s needs and the parent’s financial resources, irrespective of the agreement’s terms. This decision underscores the state’s interest in ensuring adequate child support, particularly when public assistance is involved.

Facts

In 1976, Adriana G. filed a paternity petition against Ruben O. In 1977, they entered a court-approved compromise agreement where Ruben O. agreed to pay Adriana G. $4,000 for past support and $100 weekly for the child’s support, without admitting paternity. Adriana G. agreed not to pursue further paternity claims. Despite the agreement, Adriana G. later sought to modify the agreement for health insurance coverage, but her petition was dismissed. Adriana G. and the child, both with health issues and unemployed, then received public assistance.

Procedural History

The Commissioner of Social Services, as assignee of Adriana G.’s support rights, commenced a proceeding to establish paternity and increase support. Ruben O. moved to dismiss based on the prior agreement. The Hearing Examiner denied the motion, and Family Court ruled Ruben O. could be compelled to pay according to the child support guidelines. The Appellate Division affirmed, holding the Commissioner was not bound by the agreement. The New York Court of Appeals granted leave to appeal.

Issue(s)

1. Whether the Commissioner of Social Services is bound by a Family Court Act § 516 compromise agreement regarding child support when the child becomes a public charge.
2. Whether, assuming the proceeding was properly commenced, the father should be required to pay only the amount of support stipulated in the Family Court Act § 516 agreement plus the amount of public assistance the child is receiving.

Holding

1. Yes, because Family Court Act § 571 authorizes a social services official to bring a filiation and support proceeding notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, including Family Court Act § 516 when the official has accepted an assignment of support rights from a person receiving public assistance.
2. No, because once a filiation order is made, the court can direct an appropriate level of support for the child under Family Court Act §§ 545(1), 513, and 413(1), based on the child’s needs and the non-custodial parent’s means, irrespective of the prior agreement.

Court’s Reasoning

The Court reasoned that while Family Court Act § 516(c) generally bars other remedies for support upon complete performance of a compromise agreement, Family Court Act § 571 authorizes social services officials to bring support proceedings when they’ve accepted an assignment of support rights from a public assistance recipient. The changes in circumstances, specifically the child becoming a public charge and the admission of paternity, permitted the filiation order and subsequent support determination. Citing Matter of Commissioner of Social Servs. v Segarra, 78 NY2d 220, 226, the Court emphasized that the Commissioner, as assignee, is entitled to seek support based on the child’s needs and the non-custodial parent’s means. The court stated, “We hold therefore that the Commissioner, as assignee of the rights of an AFDC dependent, is entitled to seek a child support award based upon the child’s needs and the noncustodial parent’s means and that the noncustodial parent’s obligation is not limited to the child’s share of the monthly public assistance grant.” The Court rejected the argument that the father should only reimburse the public purse, noting that at the time of the agreement, precedent indicated the Commissioner wasn’t bound in such circumstances. The prior compromise does not preclude a later support order that considers the child’s actual needs and the parent’s current ability to pay.