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Asked 3 months ago - Ridgewood, NY
FlagMy son's father filed a petition for a downward modification of child support. I knew nothing of the petition or hearing since I was never served court papers. I received papers in the mail today from the courts indicating that the modification was granted by default. Now, my question is two part. What do I do in family court to get this order vacated and do I just say I was never served? The second part of my question is, isn't this considered (perjury) punishable by law? I am really upset right now because I am disabled and may be unable to maintain a home for my son due to the drastic reduction in income. What to do......?
In order for the court to grant a default based on your failure to appear, the father would have had to file an affidavit of service indicating that you were served. Even if you were not personally served, service could have been effected on someone in your home capable of accepting service. Regardless, you have to make a motion to vacate the default. You have one year to make that motion. If you can establish that you were never served and had no notice if the proceeding, the motion will be granted and then you can participate and our forth your defense to the modification petition. File the motion immediately.
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