To file a petition in Family Court in New York, you must submit a petition in the borough where you or the other party resides, properly serve the Respondent with a Summons and Petition, file an Affidavit of Service, and appear in court on the scheduled date. Most Family Court petitions are filed electronically through the New York Unified Court System.
If you or your child has a case involving abuse/neglect, adoption, child support, custody, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, an order of protection (family offense), paternity, PINS, spousal support, or visitation, you may go to Family Court to start a case or appear in an already pending matter. You generally must name the parent of your child as a Respondent, especially if the relief you are seeking requires that parent’s consent.
If you need help filing your petition, you may contact an attorney, like George M. Gilmer, Esq., who can assist you with the process.
Step 1: Filing Your Petition in Family Court
To begin your case, you must file a Petition in the Family Court located in the borough where you reside.
In New York City, this includes:
- Brooklyn (Kings County)
- Bronx
- Queens
- Manhattan (New York County)
- Staten Island (Richmond County)
Family Court petitions are generally filed electronically through the New York Unified Court System’s online portal (EDDS).
There is typically no filing fee in Family Court.
The petition will ask for:
- Biographical information for you and the Respondent
- Information about the child (if applicable)
- The relief you are seeking
- The facts supporting your request
Step 2: Serving the Family Court Petition
After filing, you will receive a Summons and Petition.
You must have someone serve the Respondent. You cannot serve the papers yourself if you are the Petitioning party.
Service must:
- Be completed within the required time frame
- Be performed by someone who is not a party to the case
- Be documented in a notarized Affidavit of Service
The Affidavit of Service must state the time, date, place, and description of the legal documents served. This affidavit must be filed before your court appearance.
The Summons contains the time, date, and location of your next scheduled court appearance. The Petition contains the allegations and the relief you are requesting.
Step 3: Appearing in Family Court
Family Court appearances may be virtual or in person, depending on court scheduling procedures.
Virtual appearances are typically conducted through Microsoft Teams, and phone participation may be available with a provided access code.
When you appear in Court, you must ensure that your Affidavit of Service has been filed.
If you cannot attend your scheduled date, you must notify the Court as soon as possible and request a new date. Adjournments are granted at the discretion of the Court.
Should You Hire a Family Court Attorney?
While you may represent yourself, Family Court proceedings often require you to:
- Explain your case clearly
- Present evidence
- Possibly call witnesses
- Follow court procedures
Family Court cases can take months to resolve and may significantly affect parental rights and financial obligations. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request that the Court appoint one in certain cases.
Family Court Locations
Brooklyn Family Court Location
Kings County Family Court
330 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 401-9600
Other Family Court Locations in New York City:
Bronx Family Court Location
Bronx Family Court
900 Sheridan Ave
Bronx, NY 10451
On the corner of 161 Street
- General Information (718) 618-2098
- Fax (718) 590-2681
Manhattan Family Court Location
New York County Family Court
60 Lafayette Street
Manhattan, NY 10013
In lower Manhattan, between Franklin and Leonard Streets
- General Information (646) 386-5200
- Fax (212) 748-5272
Queens Family Court Location
Queens County Family Court
151-20 Jamaica Ave.
Jamaica, NY 11432
Across from the Rufus King Park
- General Information (718) 298-0197
- Fax (718) 297-2826
Staten Island Family Court Location
Richmond County Family Court
100 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Two blocks west of St. George Termin
- General Information (718) 390-5460
- Fax (718) 390-5247
Hire Brooklyn Family Court Lawyer Attorney George M. Gilmer, Esq.
Although I am a private Family Court lawyer with in office in Brooklyn, New York, I represent people in all boroughs and, as my clients probably will agree, I charge reasonable fees for my services. I also offer payment plans and free phone consultations. I have about eight years of experience working with families. If you need help with any of the above mentioned information, feel free to give me a call.