Case ID: ad2d_94/html/0662-05.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

In the Matter of the Estate of Seymour Fox, Deceased. Bernice G. Fox et al., Respondents; Patricia M. Fox, Appellant.
   — Order entered February 1, 1982 in Surrogate’s Court, New York County (Midonick, S.) confirming the escrowee’s report and ordering distribution according to its terms, unanimously reversed, on the law and the facts, without costs, and the matter is remanded for a hearing on the question of whether respondent waived arrearages by her failure to submit to the decedent income tax returns as required by the separation agreement. Insofar as the separation agreement specifically provided that “[nlothing herein contained shall require the Wife, in case of any default on the Husband’s part, to resort to the Security if she does not wish to do so”, the Surrogate correctly found that there was no waiver by respondent merely by virtue of her inactions. However, a question is raised as to whether respondent complied with paragraph 4 (d) of the separation agreement requiring her to deliver copies of her income tax returns to decedent within five days after their being filed. If she did not, it may be that she has waived her rights to any sum beyond $20,000 for each year that she failed to comply. We find it necessary to remand for a hearing on this issue as we are unable, upon this record, to discern the merits of appellant’s claim — originally presented to the escrowee — that the arrears were grossly overstated. Concur — Carro, J. P., Bloom, Fein, Lynch and Kassal, JJ.