Family Court Overview
The Family Court of the State of New York was established to address the needs of children and families navigating challenging family circumstances. It has broad authority to tailor its actions to the specific circumstances of each case brought before it.
Under the Family Court Act, the court is empowered to hear a diverse range of case types, from custody disputes to child support matters. Each case receives a unique identifying number called a docket number, which begins with a letter indicating the case type. For example, a paternity case is assigned a docket number starting with the letter "P," while custody and/or visitation cases begin with "V."
In New York City, each of the five boroughs—Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Manhattan (New York County), Queens, and Staten Island (Richmond County)—has its own Family Court building. Generally, a case may be filed without a fee in the county where one of the parties resides, making the court accessible to all families regardless of financial circumstances.
Court Proceedings and Public Access
Most Family Court hearings are overseen by judges, who handle the full spectrum of family law matters. However, certain cases are assigned to specially trained jurists: support magistrates preside over child support and paternity cases, while court attorney referees hear matters involving custody, visitation, guardianship, and family offenses.
A critical distinction sets Family Court apart from other courts: there are no juries. Instead, the judge, support magistrate or court attorney referee listens to all evidence presented, reviews testimony from witnesses, examines documents, and renders a decision based solely on the facts and applicable law.
This structure supports a more flexible and individualized approach to each family's circumstances, while also ensuring due process. It places significant responsibility on the presiding jurist to carefully consider all relevant factors and uphold the rights of all parties involved.
Although Family Court is open to the public, the presiding jurist has discretion to limit access to the courtroom. This authority exists to protect the privacy and dignity of families involved in sensitive matters, particularly when cases involve children, allegations of abuse, or other confidential information that should not be widely disclosed.
Docket Number System
| A: Adoption | AS: Application to Surrender Parental Rights |
| B: Permanent Termination of Parental Rights | D: Juvenile Delinquency |
| E: Designated Felony | F: Child and Spousal Support |
| G: Guardianship | K: Destitute Child |
| L: Voluntary Foster Care Placement | NN / NA: Child Neglect / Child Abuse |
| O: Family Offense (Domestic Violence) | P: Paternity / Parentage |
| S: Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) | V: Custody / Visitation |
| U: Interstate Child Support (UIFSA) | Z: Miscellaneous |
Court Attendance and Scheduling
Parties scheduled to appear in court are expected to arrive on time. If a party is absent when the case is called, the judge or magistrate may proceed without them or dismiss the case. Even if parties arrive early, they should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time at the courthouse.
Childcare Services
Recognizing that parents may face challenges attending court proceedings while caring for young children, each Family Court building includes a Children’s Center. These spaces provide a safe environment where children can stay while their parents attend hearings.
These centers are staffed by trained professionals who provide age-appropriate activities and ensure children's safety and comfort during what can be stressful times for families.
Parents should check with their specific courthouse about availability, hours of operation, and any requirements for using these services. Some centers may have age restrictions or require advance notification.
Court Hours
Family Courts in New York City are open Monday through Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM, excluding holidays. While courtrooms close for lunch recess, other areas of the courthouse remain open. For specific hours, individuals should contact the courthouse directly.
Planning Your Visit
Arrive early to allow time for security screening. Bring all necessary documents, identification, and your case docket number. Our courthouses also offer Help Centers where you can get assistance with forms and procedures.
Your Next Steps
Find Your Courthouse
Locate the Family Court in the borough where you or the other party resides. Each of the five boroughs has its own facility with specific contact information.
Gather Documentation
Collect all relevant documents, including identification, proof of residency, financial records, and any existing court orders related to your case.
Prepare for Court
Understand what to expect, arrive on time, dress appropriately, and be ready to present your case clearly and respectfully to the judge, support magistrate or court attorney referee.
Navigating Family Court can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone.
Understanding the process is the first step toward effectively advocating for yourself and your family. The Family Court system is here to serve you, and a variety of resources are available to guide you through each stage of your case.
To help you get started, we’ve created a guidebook that explains what to expect and how to prepare.