N.Y. Family Court Act § 563: Paternity and support proceedings combined; apportionment

§ 563. Paternity and support proceedings combined; apportionment.

When a proceeding to establish paternity is initiated under this

article, the court on its own motion or on motion of any person

qualified under article four of this act to file a support petition may

direct the filing of a petition under article four to compel the mother

to support her child. If the court enters an order of filiation, it may

apportion the costs of the support and education of the child between

the parents according to their respective means and responsibilities.