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.
Trial Resource Guides
Our Trial Resource Guides offer practical information on court rules and procedures for parents and caregivers who are representing themselves in New York State Family Court. Use these guides to understand and prepare for your upcoming court appearances.
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.
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.
Motions
A motion is when you ask the court to do something in your case while it is ongoing. This guide will help you understand the types of motions and how to file one.
Objections
This guide will explain the types of objections in court and how they can help your case.
Cross-Examination
Cross-examination is the right to question the other party or their witnesses after they testify. This guide will help you understand how to use cross-examination to help your case.
Direct Examination
Direct examination of a witness (or yourself) is the way to start your case. This guide will help you understand how to use direct examination to present your case.
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.
Subpoenas
A subpoena is a document that requires witness testimony or specific documents to be produced in court. This guide will help you understand whether you might need a subpoena and how to request one.
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.
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.
Discovery
Discovery is the process for getting information and documents from the other party in your case. This guide will help you understand how this process works in Family Court.