Family Court Case Basics
The Family Court hears cases for paternity, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and orders of protection.
It's also the court where abuse or neglect of children cases, adoption, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, PINS (Persons In Need of Supervision), and voluntary placement of child into foster care cases are heard.
Divorce cases are heard in Supreme Court. The Family Court may make decisions on custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support matters before a divorce case is filed in Supreme Court.
About the Family Court
In New York State, there is a Family Court in every county. Cases are usually filed in the county where the child lives.
Court records of Family Court cases are not open to pulic inspection
It is free to file cases in Family Court.
A Family Court Case
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