Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection

Explore our resources about domestic violence and the process for getting—or responding to—an order of protection in Family Court.

For 24-hour help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-621-4673 or visit their website.

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Not sure where to start?

Answer a few simple questions about your situation, and our Family Law Navigator will generate a custom report with information and resources just for you.

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Videos

What is the Best Interests of the Child Standard?

This video explains what the legal standard “best interests of the child” means in New York Family Court.

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Who Can File for Visitation?

This video explains who can file for visitation in New York Family Court.

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Serving Court Papers

This video explains the process to serve court papers in Family Court.

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How to Vacate an Acknowledgment of Parentage

This video discusses what to do if you want to vacate, or cancel, an Acknowledgment of Parentage.

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How to Change Your Child’s Name

This video explains the process of changing your child’s name in New York.

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View All Short, 2-3 minute videos that explain complicated family law topics using plain language.

Guided Court Forms

Address Confidentiality Affirmation [Form GF-21]

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out the Address Confidentiality Affirmation. This form is used to request that the court keep an address confidential from the other party in a case.

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Notice of Motion [GF-14]

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out a Notice of Motion. This form is notice of a written request made by a party to the court for specific relief. A Notice of Motion is typically filed with an Affidavit in Support. The Affidavit in Support explains why the court should grant the motion.

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Order to Show Cause [GF-1]

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out an Order to Show Cause. This form is an emergency motion and should be submitted with an Affidavit in Support. The Affidavit in Support explains to the court the reason you are filing and why the court should grant your request.

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Affirmation in Support

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out an Affirmation in Support. The Affirmation in Support is used when filing a Notice of Motion or an Order to Show Cause. The Affirmation in Support explains to the court the reason you are filing and why the court should grant your request.

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View All A free program that guides you step-by-step through Family Court forms and generates completed forms in PDF or Word format.

Webinars

Know Your Rights: New York Family Law Basics

Topics covered include: Paternity and parentage, child support, custody and visitation, guardianship, and orders of protection.

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New York Family Law & Court Basics

Topics covered include: family law and court basics in New York Family Court.

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Know Your Rights: When One Parent is Prevented from Seeing Their Child

Topics covered include: denial of access and what happens when one parent is prevented from seeing or connecting with their child.

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View All Recorded, online presentations about New York family law and Family Court.

Trial Resource Guides

Stages and Timeline for Common Family Court Cases

Although every case is different, this guide explains the general stages and timeline for certain types of Family Court cases.
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Preparing for Family Court

This guide explains what to expect before, during, and after your court date, whether your case is in person or virtual.
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How to Fill Out Common Family Court Forms

This guide will help you understand some of the most common Family Court forms and give you tips on how to fill them out.
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Common Reports Used in Family Court

Family Court often uses reports to help make decisions, such as what is in a child’s best interests. This guide explains common reports used in custody, visitation, and family offense cases.
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Witnesses

A witness is a person who gives testimony under oath. This guide will help you understand how to use witnesses in your Family Court case.
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Evidence

Evidence is information given to the court to help prove or disprove something in your case. This guide will help you understand types of evidence and give you tips on how to present your evidence in court.
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View All Short, practical guides that explain rules, procedures, and what to expect in court for parents and caregivers who are representing themselves in Family Court.
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