N.Y. Domestic Relations Law Section 239
Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment

In an action for divorce or separation the court or the judge thereof may refuse to grant an order to stay proceedings, where the only default is the failure of a spouse to pay alimony, maintenance or counsel fees due to his or her inability to make such payments. In no event shall a spouse who has been imprisoned for contempt of court for failure to pay alimony, maintenance or counsel fees or by virtue of an order of arrest as a provisional remedy under the civil practice law and rules be stayed from proceeding with the prosecution or defense of an action where the only default is the failure of such spouse to pay alimony, maintenance or counsel fees.

Source: Section 239 — Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/DOM/239 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 7, 2026).

230
Required residence of parties 231
Residence of married persons 232
Notice of nature of matrimonial action 233
Sequestration of defendant’s property in action for divorce, separation or annulment where defendant cannot be personally served 234
Title to or occupancy and possession of property 235
Information as to details of matrimonial actions or proceedings 236
Special controlling provisions 237
Counsel fees and expenses 238
Expenses in enforcement and modification proceedings 239
Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment 240
Custody and child support 240–A
Judgment or decree 240–B
Order of support by parent 240–C
Review and cost of living adjustment of child support orders 240–D
Support orders for certain adult dependents 241
Interference with or withholding of visitation rights 243
Security for payments by defendant in action for divorce, separation or annulment 244
Enforcement by execution of judgment or order in action for divorce, separation or annulment 244–A
Enforcement of arrears which accrue during pendency of an enforcement proceeding 244–B
Child support proceedings and enforcement of arrears 244–C
Child support proceedings and enforcement of arrears 244–D
Child support proceedings and enforcement of arrears 245
Enforcement by contempt proceedings of judgment or order in action for divorce, separation or annulment 246
Persons financially unable to comply with orders or judgments directing the payment of alimony 247
Alimony or maintenance payments suspended during confinement in prison 248
Modification of judgment or order in action for divorce or annulment 249
Trial preferences in matrimonial actions 250
Agreements relating to marriage 251
Filing of order in family court 252
Effect of pendency of action for divorce, separation or annulment on petition for order of protection 253
Removal of barriers to remarriage 254
Confidentiality 255
Prerequisites for judgments under articles nine, ten and eleven of this chapter
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Verified:
Feb. 7, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 239. Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment's source at nysenate​.gov

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