Welcome to the Family Court Glossary
This page provides a list of commonly used words and phrases you may see or hear in Family Court. The glossary is designed to help explain court terms in clear, easy-to-understand language. We hope this resource makes it easier for you to understand court information and processes.
18B Attorney
- An attorney assigned by the court to represent a party in the Family Court. The assignment is made under County Law Sec. 18b.
A&R statement
- An accounts and records statement made by the Support Collection Unit (SCU) detailing the payments made and money owed under an order of support.
Acknowledgment of Paternity
- A voluntary written statement made by the mother and biological father in which they admit that the man is the father of the child. A properly executed statement has the same legal effect as a court order. ( See attached .pdf Sample Copy )
Adjournment In Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)
- Adjournment of a proceeding, for a specified period of time, usually six months. If the conditions of ACD are met, then the petition may be dismissed in the furtherance of justice.
Affiant
- Person who prepares and signs an affidavit.
Affidavit
- Written statement made under oath.
Allocution
- When the court advises a party of all of his or her rights, charges, as well as possible outcomes of a matter.
Amicus Curiae (“Friend of the Court”)
- A person who is not a party to an action but is permitted by the court to present his/her views.
Appeal
- A proceeding to have a case examined by an appropriate higher court to see if a lower court’s decision was made correctly according to law. Appeals to Family Court proceedings are heard in Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. (See How to File an Appeal to a NYC Family Court Order ) -
Appearance
- The participation in the proceedings by a party in an action, either in person, by electronic means or through an attorney.
Appellant
- The party who takes an appeal to a higher court.
Appellee
- The party against whom an appeal is taken.
Archives
- A secure facility where old records and files are stored for safekeeping.
ASFA
- Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 - Federal Law that established national goals and requirements for children in the child welfare system safety, permanency and well-being.
Assigned Counsel
- See 18B Attorney .
Assignment Judge
- The Judge that oversees courtroom in which new cases first appear on a court calendar for service, allocution, adjournments, assignment of counsel and/or issuance of temporary orders.
Assignment Part
- The courtroom in which new cases first appear on a court calendar for service, allocution, adjournments, assignment of counsel and/or issuance of temporary orders.
Attorney for Child
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Attorney of Record
- Attorney whose name appears in the permanent records or files of a case.
Bench Conference
- A meeting between the attorneys and the judge at the judge’s bench to discuss an issue in the case or an aspect of the proceedings. It may or may not be part of the official record.
Bronx Defenders
- Attorneys and certified social workers who represent and provide services to parents in certain Family Court cases.
Calendar
- A listing of a the court’s scheduled cases for a specific date.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
- A New York City agency of non-attorneys who work in aid of children in foster care.
Caseworker
- A person assigned to assist families and, if a proceeding is instituted, to testify about those efforts. Caseworkers may work for an agency.
Center for Family Representation
- Attorneys and certified social workers who represent and provide services to parents in certain Family Court cases.