{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "fca", "section": "518", "citation": "FCA § 518", "heading": "Effect of death, absence, or mental illness of mother", "text": ["§ 518. Effect of death, absence, or mental illness of mother. If, at any time before or after a petition is filed, the mother dies or becomes mentally ill or cannot be found within the state, neither the proceeding nor the right to commence the proceeding shall abate but may be commenced or continued by any of the persons authorized by this article to commence a paternity proceeding."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/FCT/518", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "If the mother dies, becomes mentally ill, or can't be found, the proceeding **does not abate** — anyone authorized by this article may commence or continue it.", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/fca/518", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}