Travell v. Travell
Petitioner appealed Family Court's decision to dismiss his applications for relief from child support payments and commitment, and to grant the Support Collection Unit's applications for orders of commitment. Petitioner claimed inability to work due to a neck injury and major depression. Medical testimony from Dr. Bruce Russell, a family physician, and Kelly Farnan, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, supported his claims, but their opinions relied heavily on petitioner's subjective reports of pain. Family Court found petitioner's testimony contradictory regarding his disability, noting his ability to drive, perform household work, and care for his child. The Appellate Division affirmed Family Court's decision, deferring to its credibility assessment of the petitioner's disability claims.