# N.Y. DOM Law § 239: Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment

> New York · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S239

## Section

- **Citation:** N.Y. DOM Law § 239
- **Heading:** Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment
- **Jurisdiction:** New York
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** New York Code / Act DOM / Article 13 / Section 239

## Text

§ 239. Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment. In\nan action for divorce or separation the court or the judge thereof may\nrefuse to grant an order to stay proceedings, where the only default is\nthe failure of a spouse to pay alimony, maintenance or counsel fees due\nto his or her inability to make such payments. In no event shall a\nspouse who has been imprisoned for contempt of court for failure to pay\nalimony, maintenance or counsel fees or by virtue of an order of arrest\nas a provisional remedy under the civil practice law and rules be stayed\nfrom proceeding with the prosecution or defense of an action where the\nonly default is the failure of such spouse to pay alimony, maintenance\nor counsel fees.\n

## Nearby sections

- [N.Y. DOM Law § 230 Required residence of parties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S230.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 231 Residence of married persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S231.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 232 Notice of nature of matrimonial action; proof of service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S232.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 233 Sequestration of defendant's property in action for divorce, separation or annulment where defendant cannot be personally served](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S233.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 234 Title to or occupancy and possession of property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S234.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 235 Information as to details of matrimonial actions or proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S235.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 236 Special controlling provisions; prior actions or proceedings; new actions or proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S236.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 237 Counsel fees and expenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S237.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 238 Expenses in enforcement and modification proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S238.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 239 Stay in divorce or separation action on default of payment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S239.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240 Custody and child support; orders of protection](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240-A Judgment or decree; additional provision](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240-A.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240-B Order of support by parent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240-B.md)
- [N.Y. DOM Law § 240-C Review and cost of living adjustment of child support orders](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S240-C.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NY_ADOM_A13_S239. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.