Nassau County Family Court Records
Nassau County family court records are maintained at the Family Court in Westbury. This court is part of the 10th Judicial District and serves about 1.39 million residents on Long Island. You can search for family court records by phone, in person, or through online tools. The court handles over 17,000 family law cases each year. Nassau County's Family Court deals with custody, support, domestic violence, paternity, adoption, and juvenile matters. Whether you need to look up a case or get copies of court documents, the clerk's office at 1200 Old Country Road is the starting point.
Nassau County Overview
Nassau County Family Court
The Nassau County Family Court is at 1200 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590. The phone number is (516) 493-4000. The court runs Monday through Friday during regular hours. It is part of the 10th Judicial District, which also covers Suffolk County.
The Family Court is a specialized court. It focuses on legal matters that involve children and families. Cases include child abuse and neglect (child protection), adoption, custody and visitation, domestic violence, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, paternity, persons in need of supervision (PINS), and child support. Each case creates family court records that the clerk stores and manages. Nassau County courts handle a substantial caseload. Over 103,000 cases are filed each year, with about 17,000 of those being family law cases. The court system disposes of about 97,000 cases annually.
The Nassau County Supreme Court also handles family law matters like divorce and annulment, along with civil cases over $25,000 and serious criminal offenses. The county seat is Mineola, which houses some of the county's main courts. The Nassau County official website provides online resources for accessing court calendars, case information, and other judicial services.
| Court | Nassau County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
1200 Old Country Road Westbury, NY 11590 |
| Phone | (516) 493-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
How to Search Nassau County Family Court Records
There are multiple ways to find family court records in Nassau County. You can call the court, visit the clerk's office, or search online.
To access family court records, you can request them by telephone at (516) 493-4000, by regular mail, or by visiting the Clerk of the Nassau County Family Court in person. The New York Court Records portal also covers Nassau County cases and provides case details including index numbers, case types, party names, legal documents, and final dispositions.
Access to Nassau County family court records is governed by Section 255 of the Judiciary Law. This law requires court clerks to search their files upon request and provide copies to the requester or certify the records do not exist. But family court records have extra limits. Under Family Court Act Section 166, these records are not open to broad public inspection. You must apply to the court to see them if you are not a party to the case.
Many Nassau County family court records are restricted to protect the people involved. Only parties directly involved, their legal representatives, and certain entities like law enforcement or the State Attorney's Office can access restricted records. People who are not part of the case may need to show a legitimate interest before getting access. It is important to note that while FOIL applies to administrative judicial records, court records are governed by specific Judiciary Law provisions, not FOIL.
Note: Nassau County courts provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities and interpreter services for people with limited English, ensuring equal access to the court system.
Types of Nassau County Family Court Records
Nassau County family court records cover a wide range of case types. Each creates its own set of documents. The main types include:
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child and spousal support petitions and orders
- Family offense petitions and orders of protection
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child protective proceedings (abuse and neglect)
The Nassau County Family Court presides over cases involving minors, covering neglect, delinquency, and dependency. It also handles certain custody, paternity, and adoption matters. The court system provides multiple ways to access records, including online portals, in-person visits, and mail requests. Fees apply for copies and certified documents.
Court records maintained in Nassau County are kept in line with New York State laws on record retention and public access. Certain restrictions apply to sensitive matters that involve children and families. Records sealed by court order or protected by statute are not available to the general public.
Nassau County Court Records Resources
The 22 NYCRR Section 205.5 regulations from Cornell Law School detail the rules for accessing family court records in Nassau County and across the state.
These rules explain who can view records, what documents are available, and the process for requesting access. Under this section, parties, attorneys, guardians, child protective agencies, and probation services can access family court records. Others must apply to the court and state their reasons.
Cities in Nassau County
Nassau County includes several large towns and communities. All family court cases go through the Nassau County Family Court in Westbury.
Nearby Counties
Nassau County shares borders with these counties. Check your address to file in the correct location.