New York City Family Court Child Support Information

Step 1: File a Petition

Have you already filed a petition or received a summons to appear in court? Go to Step 2

Start your case by filing a petition in Family Court with: 
Child Support Petition Forms

Step 2: Serve Court Papers

Have you already served your court papers or received court papers to appear in court? Go to Step 3

Serving court papers is a crucial step in proceeding with any petition to establish, modify or enforce child support, or to establish paternity.

Why Service is Important:

Proper service ensures that the other party is notified and has an opportunity to respond.

What You Must Do:

If you filed the case, you are responsible for having the other party served with a copy of the petition and the summons before your court date.

The person that serves the other party must complete an affidavit of service form, and you must bring a copy of the Affirmation of Service Form to your first court appearance.

Watch Video on Serving Court Papers

Need Help Serving Court Papers?

New York City Sheriff's Office
You can hire the Sheriff's office to serve the summons and petition for you.

Child Support Services Office
The Office of Child Support Services provides supportive services to custodial and noncustodial parents including assistance with service of process, collections of child support payments, employment services, debt reduction program and ensures that all parents have the information they need to finalize their court cases.

New York City Family Court Help Centers
You can visit the Help Center in each Family Court in New York City to ask questions about your case or obtain copies of forms.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Court Appearance

If you filed a petition or received a summons to appear in court, the summons will tell you whether your case is being heard in person, at the courthouse, or virtually via a video link listed in the summons. If you are unsure, appear at the courthouse in person and Court staff will make sure that you appear for the case.

If you fail to appear, the Magistrate may hold the hearing without you.

What Documents to Bring to Court:

(Make sure you have the originals and copies of these)

• Financial Disclosure Affirmation
• Child's Birth Certificate
• Recent Paystubs
• W-2 Statement
• Tax Return
• Social Security or Disability Award Letter
• Proof of Workers' Comp, Unemployment, or Veterans Benefits
• Public Assistance Budget Letter (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.)
• Proof of Child Care Expenses
• Health Insurance Info
• Divorce Judgments, Orders, or Stipulations (if any)
• Support Orders for Other Children & Proof of Payments
• Affirmation of Service (if you filed the case)