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Matter of David P. CROSBY, Petitioner-Respondent, v. Anna M. HICKEY, Respondent-Appellant.
Respondent contends that Family Court improperly imputed an annual income of $14,754 to her in computing child support. We disagree. The record establishes that respondent left her last employment voluntarily, after earning slightly more than $7,000 in the first five or six months of 1997. A voluntary decision by a parent to reduce his or her income is not a change of circumstances warranting the reduction of a child support obligation (see, Matter of Diamond v. Diamond, 254 A.D.2d 288, 678 N.Y.S.2d 127). “Child support is determined by the parents' ability to provide for their child rather than their current economic situation” (Matter of Zwick v. Kulhan, 226 A.D.2d 734, 641 N.Y.S.2d 861). Respondent failed to establish that she “is not presently capable of earning at the level [s]he reached prior to [her voluntary] termination” (Matter of Cattaraugus County Commr. of Social Servs. v. Bund, 259 A.D.2d 973, 974, 687 N.Y.S.2d 512). Respondent failed to preserve for our review her contention that the court erred in failing to apply the self-support reserve to her imputed annual income in computing child support. In any event, that contention is without merit. Respondent failed to establish that she is in need of funds for self-support (see, Matter of Meyers v. Cicci, 233 A.D.2d 723, 650 N.Y.S.2d 353).
Order unanimously affirmed without costs.
MEMORANDUM:
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Decided: December 21, 2001
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, New York.
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