A New York appellate court has upheld two orders of protection against Ovidio Matos, confirming findings of family offenses committed against his former partner and their adult daughter. The court's decision, issued on July 8, 2026, is significant as it reinforces the legal protections available to victims of domestic violence and harassment.
The case, titled Matter of Santos v. Matos (Docket No. 2024-12326), involved allegations of disorderly conduct, stalking, and harassment. The court's ruling is crucial for those seeking safety from family members who may pose a threat, highlighting the importance of the Family Court's role in addressing such issues.
In this case, the respondents were Magaly Santos and her daughter, Emily Matos, who filed for protection against Ovidio Matos. The Family Court in Rockland County had previously found that Matos committed the offenses, leading to the issuance of the protection orders. These orders mandate that Matos stay away from both women until November 6, 2026.
The dispute began in April 2024, when Santos and Emily Matos initiated proceedings under the Family Court Act. They sought protection from Ovidio Matos, citing his troubling behavior. After a hearing, the Family Court concluded that Matos had indeed committed the family offense of disorderly conduct against Santos and stalking and harassment against Emily.
The Family Court's findings were based on the evidence presented during the hearings, where the court assessed the credibility of the witnesses involved. The court's decision emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the petitioners, who must establish the family offense by a fair preponderance of the evidence.
The appellate court, which included Justices Valerie Brathwaite Nelson, William G. Ford, Barry E. Warhit, and Donna-Marie E. Golia, affirmed the lower court's orders. The judges noted, "A fair preponderance of the evidence adduced at the hearing supports the Family Court's finding that the father committed the family offense of disorderly conduct against the mother and the family offenses of stalking in the fourth degree and harassment in the second degree against the daughter."
The court further stated that the Family Court's determination regarding the credibility of witnesses is entitled to great weight on appeal. This means that unless there is clear evidence to the contrary, the appellate court will generally defer to the lower court's findings.
The ruling has significant implications for victims of domestic violence and harassment. It reinforces the legal framework that allows individuals to seek protection from abusive family members. The court's decision also serves as a reminder of the serious nature of family offenses and the legal system's commitment to protecting victims.
Going forward, this ruling may encourage more individuals to come forward and seek protection in similar situations. It highlights the importance of the Family Court in addressing domestic violence issues and the effectiveness of protective orders in ensuring the safety of victims.
While the appellate court upheld the orders of protection, it remains to be seen whether Ovidio Matos will seek further legal recourse. The possibility of an appeal to a higher court exists, but details regarding any potential next steps were not available in the court filing. For now, the orders remain in effect, providing a measure of security for both Magaly Santos and Emily Matos.