New York Consolidated Laws, Family Court Act - FCT § 453. Petition;  violation of court order

(a) Persons who may originate and prosecute proceedings.  The original petitioner, the support collection unit on behalf of persons in receipt of public assistance or in receipt of services pursuant to section one hundred eleven-g of the social services law, or any person to whom the order is payable expressly or who may originate proceedings under section four hundred twenty-two of this article may originate and prosecute a proceeding under this part.

(b) Issuance of summons.  Upon the filing of a petition under this part, the court may cause a copy of the petition and a summons to be issued, requiring the respondent to show cause why he should not be dealt with in accordance with section four hundred fifty-four of this part.  The summons shall include on its face, printed or typewritten in a size equal to at least eight point bold type, a notice, warning the respondent that a failure to appear in court may result in immediate arrest, and that, after an appearance in court, a finding that the respondent willfully failed to obey the order may result in commitment to jail for a term not to exceed six months, for contempt of court.  The notice shall also advise the respondent of the right to counsel, and the right to assigned counsel, if indigent.

(c) Service of summons.  Upon the issuance of a summons, the provisions of section four hundred twenty-seven of this article shall apply, except that no order of commitment may be entered upon the default in appearance by the respondent if service has been made by mail alone notwithstanding proof of actual notice of the commencement of the proceeding.

(d) Issuance of warrant.  The court may issue a warrant, directing that the respondent be arrested and brought before the court, pursuant to section four hundred twenty-eight of this article.