Your rights · New York
Family
Family matters in New York are decided by the Supreme Court (divorce) and the Family Court (support, custody, orders of protection). This section explains the basics and where to start.
Divorce, child support, custody and visitation, orders of protection, name changes — first orientation only.
Your rights
What you're entitled to, who qualifies, how much and by when — each right with the section of law behind it.
How to do it
Step-by-step processes: forms, deadlines, fees and where to go.
- How toGetting divorced in New York: grounds, residency and how the process worksIn New York, a divorce is granted by the Supreme Court, the State's main trial court. You can get a no-fault divorce if one spouse states under oath…
- How toHow to get an order of protection in New York Family CourtIf someone in your family or household — including a spouse or ex-spouse, the other parent of your child, or someone you are or were in an intimate…
Questions people ask
A short, straight answer to one question, with the source.
The official sources on this topic
Every page here rests on statutes, regulations and government sites. These are the ones that come up most on this topic:
- N.Y. Domestic Relations Law(opens in a new tab)
- CourtHelp — New York State Courts(opens in a new tab)
- N.Y. Family Court Act(opens in a new tab)
- N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules(opens in a new tab)
- N.Y. Estates, Powers and Trusts Law(opens in a new tab)
- Divorce Resources — New York State Unified Court System(opens in a new tab)
When you need an answer about your own situation
These pages explain the general rules. A first answer about your own situation is free; the full check confirms every legal point against the statute it cites, and a letter is written only on top of it.