Brookhaven Family Court Records
Brookhaven family court records are filed at the Suffolk County Family Court. The court runs two locations to cover the county's large area. Brookhaven residents typically use the Central Islip courthouse at 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722. You can also access records at the Riverhead location at 210 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901. To search for a case, use the WebFamily portal or call the Central Islip office at 631-740-3800. The court assigns cases based on where the parties live, so Brookhaven cases may go to either location.
Brookhaven Overview
Where Brookhaven Residents File
The Suffolk County Family Court was established in 1962 as the successor to the Children's Court. For over six decades it has served Brookhaven and every other community in Suffolk County. The Supervising Judge is Hon. Caren Loguercio. The Chief Clerk is Dawn Kettle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
| Court | Suffolk County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Central Islip | 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722 |
| Riverhead | 210 Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Riverhead, NY 11901 |
| Phone (Central Islip) | (631) 740-3800 |
| Phone (Riverhead) | (631) 852-3905 |
| suffolkfamilycourt@nycourts.gov |
The court handles child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, adoption, guardianship, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, PINS, and child abuse and neglect. Divorce is not part of Family Court. Brookhaven residents who need a divorce must file at the Suffolk County Supreme Court.
The Child Support Enforcement Bureau (CSEB) works with the Family Court on support payments and enforcement. Questions about arrears, license suspensions, tax intercepts, or asset restraints go to CSEB, not the court itself.
Brookhaven Family Court Records Access
Under Family Court Act Section 166, family court records are not open to the general public. The statute gives the court discretion to allow access. Parties to the case, their lawyers, and authorized agencies can view records under 22 NYCRR 205.5 without needing a court order. The General Clerk's Office at Central Islip can help with records requests. Fax them at 631-853-4283.
The Suffolk County Clerk's online records portal provides access to land records from 1987 to the present. The County Clerk also serves as the Clerk of the Supreme Court and maintains court records for cases filed in Suffolk County.
The Suffolk County Clerk's imaging system gives Brookhaven residents a way to search certain court records online.
Court personnel provide procedural information only. They cannot give legal advice. Brookhaven residents who need a lawyer can contact the Suffolk County Bar Association or the Legal Aid Society for help finding representation.
Family Court Services for Brookhaven
The Suffolk County Family Treatment Court is in the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. It provides enhanced services to parents found neglectful due to substance abuse. The program works to keep children safe while helping parents get treatment and support.
Integrated Domestic Violence Parts (IDV) operate under Supreme Court jurisdiction. They handle domestic violence cases that have both criminal and family court aspects. This setup lets one judge oversee related proceedings, which can make things less confusing for the families involved.
The court offers a Facility Nursery with limited availability from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It accepts children ages one to thirteen who can walk on their own. Only eight children can be in the nursery at one time. Library Resource Program offices are in both Central Islip and Riverhead. They have sample forms, court rules, and computer stations for legal research.
Do-It-Yourself form programs are available online and at kiosks outside the General Clerk's Office. You can fill out Family Court forms from any computer with internet access. Printers are available at the courthouse for public use.
Note: Transcripts of proceedings can be ordered up to five years after a court appearance through authorized transcription services.
Suffolk County Family Court Records
Brookhaven is in Suffolk County. The Suffolk County Family Court serves the entire county from its two locations. For more details on Suffolk County court services and records, see the county page.
Nearby cities with family court pages include Islip, Huntington, Smithtown, and Babylon.