IN RE: the ESTATE OF Helen T. STASKIEWICZ (2009)

Claimants appeal from an order of Surrogate's Court that, inter alia, determined that there was no credible evidence to justify modification of a prior order issued by the Surrogate. We note at the outset that the appeal insofar as taken by claimant Kathy Hyatt must be dismissed. She may not appeal from the order inasmuch as she was in default when the initial order was entered, and there is no indication in the record that she moved to vacate the order entered upon her default prior to seeking the instant relief (see generally Brannigan v. Dubuque, 199 A.D.2d 851, 851-852, 606 N.Y.S.2d 401). We thus address the merits of the appeal only with respect to Jennifer Hyatt (claimant).

A court is vested with the authority and discretion to vacate the terms of a settlement placed on the record in open court based upon the repeated failure of a party to comply with the terms thereof (see Handler v. 1050 Tenants Corp., 24 A.D.3d 231, 232, 806 N.Y.S.2d 487; see also Teitelbaum Holdings v. Gold, 48 N.Y.2d 51, 54-55, 421 N.Y.S.2d 556, 396 N.E.2d 1029), and we conclude that the Surrogate did not abuse that discretion in this case. We modify the order, however, by vacating the attorneys fees awarded to the attorney for respondent against claimant in the amount of $3,647 .50. The order fails to meet the requirements set forth in 22 NYCRR 130-1.2 to justify the imposition of sanctions (see Matter of Schermerhorn v. Quinette, 28 A.D.3d 822, 823, 812 N.Y.S.2d 698; Dwaileebe v. Six Flags Darien Lake, 21 A.D.3d 1282, 1282-1283, 801 N.Y.S.2d 172).

It is hereby ORDERED that said appeal insofar as taken by claimant Kathy Hyatt is unanimously dismissed and the order is modified on the law by vacating the attorneys fees awarded to the attorney for respondent against claimant Jennifer Hyatt in the amount of $3,647.50 and as modified the order is affirmed without costs.

MEMORANDUM: