N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 465

§ 465. Effect of denial of support in action for separation. After\nfinal adjudication of an action for separation in which the supreme\ncourt denies support to a spouse, the family court may entertain a\npetition and make an order for support of such spouse\n (a) under section four hundred forty-two of this article if in the\nopinion of the family court the circumstances of the parties have\nchanged, or\n (b) under section four hundred forty-five of this article if it is\nshown to the satisfaction of the family court that the petitioner is\nlikely to become in need of public assistance or care.\n