By calling our national toll-free service at 1- (TTY 1-) or visiting your local Social Security office. In New York State, a married person may file a petition in Family Court seeking spousal support from a current husband or wife.A support petition is a form that tells both your husband (the respondent) and the Judge what you (the petitioner) want. Social Security Administration. According to current policy, a spouse must meet a 1 year durationofmarriage requirement just before filing for the spousal benefit. Social Security benefits; Veterans benefits; Retirement benefits; Fellowships and stipends; Annuity payments. Spousal support cases are started with a spousal support petition in Family Court. There is no filing fee in Family Court. Spousal support is an amount of money that the court orders one spouse to pay to the other spouse for his or her reasonable needs. Get the legal help you deserve.