IN THE MATTER OF SMITH v. SMITH

ORDERED that the order is affirmed, without costs or disbursements.

Although the order of protection has expired, in light of the enduring consequences which may potentially flow from an adjudication that a party has committed a family offense, the appeal is not academic ( see Matter of Hogan v. Hogan, 271 A.D.2d 533; Matter of Grossman v. Grossman, 238 A.D.2d 339; Matter of Tibichrani v. Debs, 230 A.D.2d 746; Matter of Cutrone v. Cutrone, 225 A.D.2d 767). There is no reason, however, to disturb the Family Court's determination. The husband's contention that the Family Court applied the wrong burden of proof was not preserved for appellate review ( see CPLR 5501[a]). In any event, that contention has no merit. A review of the hearing transcript reveals that the Family Court properly weighed the credibility of the witnesses and found that the wife's version of the events, which was corroborated, in part, by her mother, was more probable than the husband's version. The Family Court's determination regarding the credibility of the witnesses is entitled to great weight on appeal ( see Matter of Cutrone v. Cutrone, supra at 768). As the record supports the conclusion that the wife proved the allegations in the petition by a fair preponderance of the evidence, the Family Court properly issued the order of protection ( see Family Ct Act § 832).

The husband's remaining contentions are without merit.

FLORIO, J.P., S. MILLER, FRIEDMANN and LUCIANO, JJ., concur.