Alimony/Child Support Modification and Procedural Due Process in Appeal

In a matrimonial dispute where one party sought an increase in alimony and child support, the appellate court addressed both the procedural issues arising from the appeal and a prior violation of the right to be heard in the initial ruling on interim measures. The court held that while the lower court violated the appellant's constitutional right to be heard by basing its decision on documents presented only after the decision was rendered, this violation was curable in the appeal stage because the appellate court possessed full review authority over facts and law, the violation was not severe, and the interest in a swift resolution of the summary proceeding favored healing the defect, though this warranted a concession in the cost allocation. The court further clarified that, fundamentally, there is no right to file a reply brief in appeal proceedings unless new, significant issues are raised in the opposing party's response.