Find Syracuse Family Court Records

Family court records for Syracuse are filed at the Onondaga County Family Court inside the county courthouse at 401 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. The court is part of the 5th Judicial District and handles all family law matters for Syracuse and the rest of Onondaga County. Call the main line at 315-671-2000 for general help, or contact the Records office at 315-671-2005 to ask about specific case files. The WebFamily portal lets you search case data online. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and there is no fee to file most Family Court petitions.

Onondaga County Family Court in Syracuse

The Onondaga County Family Court is at 401 Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse. The building houses not just Family Court but also Supreme Court, County Court, and Surrogate's Court under one roof. The main phone for Family Court is 315-671-2000 and the fax is 315-671-1163. The Chief Clerk is David Primo, Esq., and the Deputy Chief Clerk is Tonya M. Younis. They run the daily work of the court including filings, scheduling, and records.

Six Family Court judges serve Onondaga County. Hon. Julie A. Cecile can be reached at 315-671-2040. Hon. Julie A. Cerio is at 315-671-2050. Hon. Christina F. DeJoseph is at 315-671-2010. Hon. Christina M. El Bayadi is at 315-671-2027. Hon. Diane E. Plumley is at 315-671-2839, and Hon. Joseph J. Zavaglia is at 315-671-2030. With six judges, the court can handle a large docket across all case types.

Support Magistrates include Ashley E. Dinet-Fields, Jeffrey Domachowski, and Andrea Ferro. They handle child support establishment, modifications, and enforcement. Court Attorney Referees include Michael Younis, Salvatore Pavone, Lourdes P. Rosario, and Donald P. VanStry. These referees hear additional matters and help move cases through the system.

The courthouse is ADA accessible. A Child Drop-In Center on the first floor gives parents a place for their children during hearings. Vending machines are in the first floor lobby. Centro bus routes serve the courthouse area, so Syracuse residents without a car can still get there. Public parking is available nearby for a daily rate, and a few metered handicap spaces are on the street close by.

Family Court Cases in Syracuse

The court hears custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, paternity, adoption, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, PINS, child abuse and neglect, family offenses, and termination of parental rights. It cannot grant a divorce. Divorce cases go to Onondaga County Supreme Court at the same building.

The Onondaga County child support page explains that residents who need to file a support petition or check on a court date should call the Family Court at 315-671-2000. The county's Child Support Enforcement Bureau works with the court to set up, change, and enforce support orders. They can also help locate absent parents and establish paternity when needed.

The Onondaga County child support page provides details on how Syracuse residents can work with the court on support cases.

The court also has a mediation program called New Justice Mediation, reachable at 315-671-2047. Mediation lets parents try to settle custody or visitation issues before a judge has to decide. Not every case needs a trial, and mediation can save time and stress for both sides. The court may refer you to mediation after you file a petition.

Emergency matters get handled quickly. The court has procedures for temporary orders of protection and emergency custody orders. If you need urgent help, file your petition early in the day. The clerk's office can tell you about any cutoff times for same-day review.

How to Get Syracuse Family Court Records

Family court records in Syracuse are covered by FCA Section 166, which says records are not open to the general public. The court can permit access when appropriate. Parties to the case and their lawyers can get copies of orders and filings by going to the Records office at 315-671-2005 with photo ID. The records fax is 315-671-1165.

Under 22 NYCRR 205.5, the court rule lays out who has access to family court files. Petitioners, respondents, and their attorneys can see pleadings, decisions, and hearing transcripts. Parents, guardians, and law guardians have access when a child's custody is at stake. Authorized child protective agencies and probation officers can also get records. But the general public cannot walk in and browse files like you might at Supreme Court.

E-filing through NYSCEF is available for certain case types in Onondaga County. You can file custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, and support petitions electronically. It is free and works around the clock. For existing support cases, some documents still go through the EDDS system. Check with the clerk's office if you are unsure.

The 5th Judicial District Help Center is on the 5th floor of the Onondaga County Courthouse. Staff can help you with forms and explain court procedures. The phone is 315-671-1144. They do not give legal advice but can point you to legal aid programs. The Family Legal Care helpline at 212-343-1122 is another option for free guidance on family court matters.

Note: If you need a transcript of a court hearing, contact the General Clerk's Office for a list of approved transcription firms. You can order transcripts up to five years after the hearing date.

Syracuse Family Treatment Court

The Onondaga County Family Treatment Court provides services for parents who lost custody of their children due to substance abuse issues. The program combines treatment, judicial oversight, and support services to help parents work toward recovery and reunification with their kids. You can reach the treatment court at 315-671-2000. The court partners with probation, social services, and community groups to build a full support plan for each family in the program.

Directions to the courthouse from the north or south: take Route 81 South, exit at Harrison Street, and turn right on State Street. From the west, take 690 East, exit at West Genesee Street, which turns into James Street, then turn right on Montgomery Street. From the east, take 690 West, exit at Townsend Street, turn right on Erie Boulevard, then left on State Street.

Onondaga County Family Court Records

Syracuse is the county seat of Onondaga County. The Family Court at 401 Montgomery Street serves the city and every town in the county. Visit the Onondaga County page for more details on county-wide court services.

Nearby cities with family court pages include Clay.