Family Court
The Family Court hears matters involving children and families including adoption; guardianship; foster care approval and review; juvenile delinquency; family violence; child abuse; and child support, custody & visitation.
Surrogate's Court
The Surrogate's Court hears cases relating to individuals who have passed away, including the validity of wills and the administration of estates. These courts are also authorized to handle adoptions.
Civil Court
The Civil Court of the City of New York decides lawsuits involving claims for damages up to $50,000 and includes a small claims part for cases involving amounts up to $10,000 as well as a housing part for landlord-tenant matters. Citywide: Civil | Housing | Small Claims
Kings: Civil & Housing
New York: Civil & Housing
Queens: Civil & Housing
Richmond: Civil & Housing
Criminal Court
The Criminal Court of the City of New York handles misdemeanors (crimes punishable by fine or imprisonment of up to one year) and lesser offenses. Criminal Court judges also conduct arraignments (initial court appearances following arrest) and preliminary hearings for felonies (crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year).
