Family Court
What is family court?
Family Court is a place where important decisions are made about children and their families. Judges in Family Court will help resolve issues like where a child may live, who will take care of them, and how to keep them safe.
What does family court handle?
The Family Court in New York handles different kinds of cases, including:
- Custody & Visitation: Deciding which parent or guardian a child will live with and how they will spend time with each parent.
- Child Abuse & Neglect: Ensuring children are safe and well-cared for; if not, the court will step in to protect them.
- Adoption: Legally making a child a permanent member of a new family.
- Child Support: Determining financial support for a child’s needs.
- Paternity: Establishing who a child’s biological father is.
- Juvenile Delinquency: Cases involving children under 18 who are accused of breaking the law.
Our job at the Children’s Law Center is to represent our child client – nobody else. The court will appoint us to your case.
Who’s who in the courtroom?
In Family Court, you might meet:
- Judge: The person who listens to everyone and makes decisions.
- Attorney for the Child (AFC): A lawyer who speaks up for what the child wants and needs.
- Parents’ Attorneys: Lawyers who represent each parent or guardian.
- Social Worker: A professional who helps families find resources and support.
- Court Officer: Ensures everyone follows the rules and keeps the courtroom safe.
You can look at our “Glossary,” which explains a lot of these words.
What happens during a case?
Let’s sum up the steps of a case:
- Filing a Petition: Someone starts the case by telling the court about a problem.
- Court Hearings: The judge listens to everyone involved to understand the situation.
- Investigation: The lawyers gather information to help the judge make a fair decision.
- Decision or Order: The judge decides what should happen next to help the child and family.
What are my rights?
As a child in Family Court in New York State, you have rights:
- To Be Heard: Your thoughts and feelings are important.
- To Have an Attorney: An AFC will represent you and tell the court what you want.
- To Be Safe: The court will make sure you’re in a safe environment.
How should I prepare for court?
It’s totally normal to be nervous before court. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself:
- Talk to Your AFC: Share your feelings and ask questions.
- Write Down Your Thoughts: It can help you remember what you want to say.
- Ask for Support: Talk to your CLC social worker and/or a trusted adult.
What happens after the court decides?
Once a judge makes a decision, you’ll probably do the following:
- Follow the plan: Everyone will work to follow the court’s ruling.
- Ask Questions: If you don’t understand what’s happening, ask your AFC or social worker.
- Seek support: Change can be hard. Reach out to family, friends, and CLC for help.
Remember, Family Court is made to help you and your family make the best decisions for your well-being.
What if I have more questions?
You can always ask your AFC any questions you have that the website or materials they may have given you don’t answer.
You can also look through our Resources!