Opinion
04-28-2017
In the Matter of Clifford E. DRAKE, Jr., Petitioner–Respondent, v. Belle Rose RILEY, Respondent–Appellant.
Davison Law Office PLLC, Canandaigua (Mary P. Davison of Counsel), for Respondent–Appellant. Cole & Valkenburgh, P.C., Bath (Christine M. Valkenburgh of Counsel), for Petitioner–Respondent. Wendy S. Sisson, Attorney for the Children, Geneseo.
Davison Law Office PLLC, Canandaigua (Mary P. Davison of Counsel), for Respondent–Appellant.
Cole & Valkenburgh, P.C., Bath (Christine M. Valkenburgh of Counsel), for Petitioner–Respondent.
Wendy S. Sisson, Attorney for the Children, Geneseo.
PRESENT: SMITH, J.P., CARNI, NEMOYER, CURRAN, AND TROUTMAN, JJ.
MEMORANDUM:
Respondent mother appeals from an order of protection entered upon a finding that she committed two family offenses (see Family Ct. Act § 812[1] ), i.e., disorderly conduct (Penal Law § 240.20 ) and harassment in the second degree (§ 240.26), against petitioner father. In his amended petition, the father alleged that the mother yelled at him and called him names. The matter proceeded to a trial, after which Family Court issued a "stay away" order of protection ordering the mother to refrain from contact with the father and the parties' two children.
We agree with the mother that the court abused its discretion in denying her attorney's motion to adjourn the hearing because the mother was unable to attend. We therefore reverse the order on appeal and remit the matter to Family Court for further proceedings on the amended petition. In Family Court Act article 8 proceedings, the court "may adjourn a fact-finding hearing or a dispositional hearing for good cause shown on its own motion or on motion of either party" (Family Ct. Act § 836[a] ). Although the court does not abuse its discretion in denying a request for an adjournment where the party making the request gives no reason for his or her absence (see Matter of Tyler W. [Stacey S.], 121 A.D.3d 1572, 1573, 994 N.Y.S.2d 217 ), here, the mother explained her absence. Moreover, the proceedings were not protracted, and the mother made no prior requests for an adjournment (see id. ).
In light of our determination, we do not reach the mother's remaining contentions.
It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is unanimously reversed on the law without costs, and the matter is remitted to Family Court, Steuben County, for further proceedings.