Family Court

What it means

A special court in New York that handles most family-related cases. It hears custody, visitation, child support, family offense petitions (for orders of protection between family members), child abuse or neglect cases, PINS cases for kids who are out of control, juvenile delinquency, adoption, guardianship, and paternity. Family Court is civil, not criminal — even when a case involves violence or threats. There is no jury. A judge alone hears the case. If a parent wants a divorce, that is filed in Supreme Court, not Family Court, though Family Court may handle the child-related parts.

When you might hear this

You hear this when something comes up involving kids, custody, child support, or a family offense. Family Court handles those cases separately from the regular criminal or civil courts. Each county has its own Family Court.

What to ask