Family Law Topics
Family Legal Care offers free tools and resources to help you understand your rights and next steps. Browse by topic below, or click here to see all of our resources.
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Child Support
Child support is money paid by the noncustodial parent to the other parent or caregiver to help cover the basic needs of a child. Explore this page to learn more about child support and to find guides, videos, and other resources to help you understand the process.
Learn moreCustody and Visitation
Custody and visitation refer to the legal rights and responsibilities to a child, including where the child lives, who spends time with the child, and who makes decisions for the child. Explore this page to find guides, videos, and resources to help you understand your options.
Learn MoreParentage and Paternity
Parentage and paternity refer to the legal status of being a parent. Visit this page to get information and resources about your rights as a parent.
Learn MoreServing Court Papers
Service is the process of giving notice to another party in a court case by having court papers delivered to them. Explore this page to learn about service, why it matters, and how to serve papers the right way.
Learn MoreFamily Court Navigation and Procedure
Family Court can be confusing. Explore this page to find guides, videos, and resources to help you understand how New York State Family Court works, what to expect, and how to move your case forward.
Learn MoreDomestic Violence and Orders of Protection
Visit this page for information and resources related to domestic violence and the process of getting—or responding to—an order of protection in Family Court.
Learn MoreGuardianship
Guardianship is the legal right to care for and make decisions for a child or another adult. Visit this page for information and resources on the types of guardianship and how the process works.
Learn MoreMilitary Families
Military parents have special rights and considerations in Family Court. Visit this page to find resources for families with a parent who is an active duty military member or a veteran.
Learn MoreLGBTQIA+ Rights
New York law provides important protections for LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers. Visit this page to learn about your rights in Family Court and for resources related to parentage, custody, and more.
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