Rockland County, NY Family Courts

Court House ExteriorA New City Attorney’s Guide to Family Court

New York State’s family courts hear cases regarding families, children, and spouses. A singular court system was implemented by The Family Court Act, giving this system the authority to decide on cases, enforce decisions and modify judgments when needed. Family court is part of the Unified Court System of New York State. Though family court is similar to other courts in New York, there are many differences that should be noted if you find yourself in the halls of one of the many family courts in the state. When your family law case is heard by a family court judge, it is in your best interests to retain the services of an effective and passionate law firm. If you need quality legal representation, contact The Law Offices of Mark S. Paige, P.C. for a consultation.

New York Family Court cases

Family court handles a wide variety of legal matters related to the family. One of the most surprising revelations to some include the fact that family courts do not hear divorce cases and cannot grant a couple a divorce. The Supreme Court of the State of New York is the only court that hears divorce cases and a Supreme Court judge is the only person who can grant a divorce. Some of the more obvious cases heard by family court judges include:

  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Adoption
  • Foster care approval and review
  • Paternity disputes

New York family courts also hear a wide variety of legal issues that are not so obvious, including:

  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Domestic violence
  • Child protective proceedings (abused or neglected children)
  • Persons in need of supervision

What to expect

Some of the similarities between family court and others in the Unified Court System include the fact that cases are identified by docket number, participants must be on time or face consequences, parties may appeal a verdict, and parties may request motions. In addition, many family court cases are open to the public, though the judge has the discretion to close doors to protect the identity of a child. Family court also has some notable differences from other courts in the Unified Court System of New York. In family court, there are no juries. A judge will decide on the case. Though the court may be open to the public, the records are not.

Westchester Family Court information

White Plains Family Court
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: (914) 824-5500

Yonkers Family Court
131 Warburton Avenue, 3rd Floor,
Yonkers, New York 10701
Phone: (914) 831-6555

New Rochelle Family Court
420 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: (914) 831-6590

Rockland County Family Court information

Rockland County Family Court
1 South Main Street, Suite 300
New City, New York 10956
Phone: (845) 483-8210
Fax: (845) 638-5319

Orange County Family Court Information

Orange County Family Court
285 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 476-3520

Contact a Rockland County Attorney

The Law Offices of Mark S. Paige, P.C. has over 25 years of experience practicing family law in Westchester, Orange, and Rockland County. Our firm has vast knowledge of the family courts of the Hudson Valley and is ready to fully represent your needs if you find yourself in a family law case. If you need quality legal services from an effective law firm, contact The Law Offices of Mark S. Paige, P.C. for a consultation today.