Summary
In Matter of Harris v. Doley (22 A.D.2d 769) the court held that a decree by the Family Court following a trial in a paternity proceeding must conform to the requirements of CPLR 4213 (subd. [b]) and must state the facts deemed essential to support the determination. (See, also, Sager v. Sager, 21 A.D.2d 183; Matter of Fitzsimmons v. DeCicco, 44 Misc.2d 307.)
Summary of this case from Tree v. RalstonOpinion
November 5, 1964
Order, entered on December 26, 1963, dismissing petition in paternity proceeding, unanimously reversed, on the law, without costs, and the proceeding remanded to the trial court for a statement of the facts deemed essential to its determination. The dismissal of the proceeding by the trial court was without the statement of any facts or grounds, and, without knowing the basis for the determination, we are unable to properly review the same. The petitioner in these proceedings was a married woman and, although she had procured a decree of separation from her husband, there was evidence that thereafter she had cohabited with him with the result that he was responsible for an earlier and aborted pregnancy. The woman did testify, however, as to nonaccess for some time prior to and at about the time of the impregnation sought to be charged to respondent, but there was conflicting testimony as to the time and extent of respondent's relations with her. The possibility of access by her husband was an issue required to be determined by the trial court. (See Moy Mee Soo v. Leong Yook Yick, 21 A.D.2d 45; Matter of Findlay, 253 N.Y. 1.) The proceeding to establish paternity is a civil judicial proceeding and except where otherwise prescribed by the Family Court Act or by rule of the Administrative Board, the procedure is governed by the appropriate provisions of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. (See Family Ct. Act, § 165; art. 5; CPLR 101, 105, subd. [d].) Therefore, the decision of the court determining such a proceeding following a trial should state the facts it deems essential to support the determination. (CPLR 4213, subd. [b]; see, also, Mason v. Lory Dress Co., 277 App. Div. 660; 220-2 East 85th St. v. Fastenberg, 13 A.D.2d 724; Power v. Falk, 15 A.D.2d 216; Sager v. Sager, 21 A.D.2d 183.) Where, as here, the evidence bearing upon the pivotal issue of paternity is conflicting and gives rise to varying inferences, and issues of credibility are required to be resolved, the trial court should have stated the essential facts which constituted the bases for its decision.
Concur — Botein, P.J., McNally, Stevens, Eager and Steuer, JJ.