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New York Consolidated Laws, Family Court Act - FCT § 846. Petition;  violation of court order

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

Proceedings under this part shall be originated by the filing of a petition containing an allegation that the respondent has failed to obey a lawful order of this court or an order of protection issued by a court of competent jurisdiction of another state, territorial or tribal jurisdiction.

(a) Persons who may originate proceedings.  The original petitioner, or any person who may originate proceedings under section eight hundred twenty-two of this article, may originate a proceeding under this part.

(a-1) The protected party in whose favor the order of protection or temporary order of protection is issued may not be held to violate an order issued in his or her favor nor may such protected party be arrested for violating such order.

(b) Issuance of summons.  (i) Upon the filing of a petition under this part, the court may cause a copy of the petition and summons to be issued requiring the respondent to show cause why respondent should not be dealt with in accordance with section eight hundred forty-six-a 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.

(ii) Upon the filing of a petition under this part alleging a violation of a lawful order of this or any other court, as provided in this section, the court may, on its own motion, or on motion of the petitioner:

(A) hear the violation petition and take such action as is authorized under this article;  or

(B) retain jurisdiction to hear and determine whether such violation constitutes contempt of court, and transfer the allegations of criminal conduct constituting such violation to the district attorney for prosecution pursuant to section eight hundred thirteen of this article;  or

(C) transfer the entire proceeding to the criminal court pursuant to section eight hundred thirteen of this article.

(c) Service of summons.  Upon issuance of a summons, the provisions of section eight hundred twenty-six of this article shall apply, except that no order of commitment may be entered upon default in appearance by the respondent if service has been made pursuant to subdivision (b) of such section.

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

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New York Consolidated Laws, Family Court Act - FCT § 846. Petition;  violation of court order - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/family-court-act/fct-sect-846/

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