Section 464. Effect of pendency of action for divorce, separation or annulment on petition for support of a spouse

(a)  In  a  matrimonial
  action  in  the supreme court, the supreme court on its own motion or on
  motion of either spouse may refer to the family court an application for
  temporary or permanent support, or for maintenance or a distribution  of
  marital  property.  If  the  supreme court so refers an application, the
  family court has jurisdiction to determine the application with the same
  powers possessed by the supreme court and the family court's disposition
  of the application is an order of the family court appealable only under
  article eleven of this act.
    (b) In the absence of an order of referral under paragraph (a) of this
  section and in the absence of an order by  the  supreme  court  granting
  temporary  or  permanent support or maintenance, the family court during
  the pendency of such action may entertain a petition  and  may  make  an
  order under section four hundred forty-five of this article for a spouse
  who is likely to become in need of public assistance or care.