New York City Family Court Instructions for Completing Form GF-17 - Petition for Custody / Visitation

Instructions for Completing Form GF‑17 Petition for Custody and/or Visitation 

These instructions are meant to help you understand how to fill out Form GF‑17 (Petition for Custody and/or Visitation). 

Use black ink and write clearly. Answer every question that applies to you. If a section does not apply, follow the instructions on the form to skip it. 

Caption (Top of Page)

• Fill in the County where you are filing the case.
• Check whether you are filing for Custody, Visitation, or both.
• Leave the Family File Number and Docket Number blank. The court will fill these in.
• Write the Petitioner’s name (the person filing the case) and their relationship to the child.
• Write the Respondent’s name (the other party) and their relationship to the child. 

Paragraph 1 – Child Information

• List each child involved in the case.
• Provide the child’s name, gender, date of birth, current address, and who the child lives with.
• If an address is confidential, note that on the form.

Paragraph 2 – Petitioner Information

• Provide the Petitioner’s address and check whether they reside or are located there.
• State the Petitioner’s relationship to the child (for example, parent, grandparent, relative).

Paragraph 3 – Respondent Information

• Provide the Respondent’s address and check whether they reside or are located there.
• State the Respondent’s relationship to the child.

Paragraph 4 – Child’s Prior Residence (Last Two Years)

• Complete this section only if the child has lived at the current address for two years or less.
• List where and with whom the child lived during the prior two years.

Paragraph 5 – Military Status (If Applicable)

• Complete this section only if the Petitioner or Respondent is on active military duty 
  or recently returned.
• If this does not apply, skip to the next paragraph.

Paragraph 6 – Parentage Information

• Answer the questions about the child’s father.
• Check the box that applies and attach any required documents if listed.

Paragraph 7 – Parents Not Named in the Case

• Complete this section only if a parent is not listed as a Petitioner or Respondent.
• Provide names and addresses if required.

Paragraph 8 – Other Court Cases

• Indicate whether you have been involved in other custody‑related cases for the same child.
• Provide details if applicable.

Paragraph 9 – Pending Cases

• Answer whether there are any custody or visitation cases currently pending in New York or another state.
• Provide details if applicable.

Paragraph 10 – Existing Agreements

• Check this box if custody or visitation has already been agreed to in writing.
• Attach a copy of the agreement.

Paragraph 11 – Prior Custody or Visitation Orders

• Indicate whether either party previously had custody or visitation and explain.

Paragraph 12 – Best Interests of the Child

• Explain, in your own words, why the order you are requesting is in the child’s best interests.

Paragraph 13 – Orders of Protection (If Applicable)

• Complete this section only if an Order of Protection exists or existed against the Petitioner or Respondent or is being requested.
• Provide all requested details.

Paragraph 14 – Native‑American Child (If Applicable)

• Answer this section only if the child may be a Native‑American child.

Paragraph 15 – Child Protective or Related Cases (If Applicable)

• Complete this section only if there has been a child abuse, neglect, destitute child 
  case, or permanency hearing.
• Attach the required addendum as instructed.

Paragraph 16 – Prior Applications

• State whether you have made any prior requests to a court for the same relief.

WHEREFORE Clause

• Check whether you are requesting custody, visitation, or both.

Signature and Verification

• Sign and print your name where indicated.
• Date the form.
• By signing, you are stating that the information is true to the best of your knowledge.

Important Notes

• Do not leave required sections blank.
• Attach all documents referenced in the form

Filing Information

You have the following options to file the petition:

• File digitally using our NYSCEF E-Filing System
• File in person at one of our courthouses
• Mail the petition and supporting documents to us