Ordered that the order is affirmed, without costs or disbursements.
Contrary to the appellant's contentions, the Hearing Examiner properly considered his ability to pay and the needs of his wife and four children in awarding support (see, Family Ct Act § 412, 413). Although the appellant now argues that Hearing Examiner erred in declining to credit his assertions of financial distress, we should defer to the Hearing Examiner "who was in the best position to assess the credibility of the witnesses and the evidence proffered" (Matter of Drago v. Drago, 138 A.D.2d 704, 705; see, Matter of McCarthy v. Braiman, 125 A.D.2d 572). We note in this respect that the appellant failed to provide a credible explanation for his admitted ability to make voluntary support payments for 18 months prior to the commencement of the instant proceeding in November 1987, despite his assertion that he earned no wages in 1986, and lost over $7,000 after beginning his own business in March of 1987. Upon our review of the petitioner's testimony and submissions with respect to her financial needs, we find that the sum awarded was not excessive. Bracken, J.P., Kooper, Harwood and Balletta, JJ., concur.