Establishes a pilot program to provide alternative dispute resolution and navigator services in child support matters

Free child support help for parents

Beginning on the 270th day after enactment, New York creates a free child support mediation and court-navigation pilot. It serves at least two counties within a city of 1 million or more people, plus at least one other county. At the first court appearance, parties receive information about the program and their right to consult a lawyer. Mediation referrals require both parties' consent and screening for safety and suitability, including domestic violence concerns. Courts issue preliminary support orders before referral, except in cases seeking to change an existing order. Parties must provide required financial records, which the program sends to court. Trained staff provide culturally sensitive help in parties' native languages, with electronic participation and document exchange where appropriate. Navigators help parties prepare for court, understand objections and enforcement, and find employment or job training services. Written agreements return to court for review and approval; approved agreements can become binding support orders. Unresolved issues return to court for hearings, and the law does not set new support amounts. State appropriations pay program costs, and federal child support enforcement funds may also support it. Approved community dispute resolution centers can receive basic state grants of up to $40,000 per county served. Additional state funding can cover up to 50% of approved estimated program costs remaining after the basic grant.