Access Orange County Family Court Records

Orange County family court records are filed and stored at the courthouse in Goshen. The Family Court at 285 Main Street handles custody, child support, protection orders, juvenile matters, and other family cases. Whether you need to search for an old filing or start a new case, the Clerk's Office can walk you through it. Orange County is part of the 9th Judicial District and serves a population of about 400,000 residents across the Hudson Valley region. The court offers childcare services, mediation options, and partnerships with legal aid groups to help families who come through its doors.

Orange County Family Court

Orange County Family Court is at 285 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924. The main phone number is 845-476-3520, and the fax is 914-259-6883. Court hours run Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The court is closed on New York State holidays.

Family Court Judges include Hon. Victoria B. Campbell, Hon. James M. Hendry III, Hon. Carol S. Klein, and Hon. Christine Krahulik. Chief Clerk Diane S. Gould and Deputy Chief Clerk Denise Memmelaar manage daily operations, case filing, and scheduling. Support Magistrates Barbara Afriyie and Celeste Bailey handle support-related matters. Court Attorney Referee Karen Johansen provides help with case management and settlement conferences. The courthouse sits in the Village of Goshen, the county seat, and shares its complex with the Supreme and County Court.

The Children's Center on site provides free childcare for parents who are appearing in court. This removes a barrier that keeps some people from making it to their hearings. The court also participates in the 9th Judicial District's integrated domestic violence court program, which handles cases where criminal and family court matters overlap.

Search Orange County Family Court Records

You can search for family court records by going to the courthouse in Goshen. Bring your ID and case details. The clerk can look up records by name or case number. Under Family Court Act Section 166, court records are not open to general public review. The court decides who gets access on a case-by-case basis. Parties to a case can view and copy filings, orders, and transcripts under 22 NYCRR Section 205.5.

The Family Legal Care guide for the 9th Judicial District explains how to start a family court case in Orange County. You must file a petition, which is a formal written request to the court. The guide covers what types of cases the court hears, where to go, and what to bring. The image below shows resources from this guide.

This resource page covers all 9th Judicial District counties and gives detailed filing instructions for each type of family court case.

WebFamily eCourts provides online access to case information and calendar data. NYSCEF e-filing is available for some case types, including custody, visitation, guardianship, support, and paternity. Alternative Dispute Resolution services can also help you settle disputes without going to trial. Ask the Clerk's Office about ADR options.

Family Court Records and Case Types in Orange County

Orange County Family Court handles a wide range of case types. These include abuse or neglect of children, adoption, child support, custody, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, orders of protection (family offense), parentage, paternity, PINS, spousal support, visitation, and voluntary foster care placement. Each type of case creates a set of records that the Clerk's Office stores and manages.

Free legal help with child support matters is available through the court's partnerships with legal services groups. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provides free legal representation to survivors of domestic violence and others in family court matters in Orange County. Their intake line is 1-877-574-8529. The Family Legal Care Helpline at 800-696-8629 gives free legal information about family law.

The court works with community organizations to refer families to counseling, substance abuse treatment, and parenting programs. These services help address the root causes of family court cases and support better outcomes for kids and parents alike.

Orange County Family Court Records Access

Under Family Court Act Section 216-a, the clerk of court keeps all records and applies the official seal. If you need copies of court documents, the Clerk's Office is your starting point. They also provide forms and can help self-represented people prepare petitions. Transcripts require that you be a party to the case and show photo ID.

Anyone in Family Court can ask for an Address Confidentiality Order to keep their address off court papers. This is especially important for people dealing with domestic violence. New York State also runs an Address Confidentiality Program for victims who have moved for safety reasons. The program keeps your address secret on court papers, driver's licenses, and government records. Talk to the clerk if you need this type of protection.

Getting to Orange County Family Court

The courthouse is ADA accessible. Parking including handicapped spaces is available in the municipal lot next to the building. Shortline Bus Service drops off in the Village of Goshen, about one mile from the court. Metro North train service is also available, though the station is farther than a mile from the courthouse. Plan your trip ahead of time, especially if you rely on public transit. Contact the court at 845-476-3520 for specific directions or accommodation requests.

Cities in Orange County

All family court matters in Orange County are handled at the courthouse in Goshen. Residents from every city, town, and village in the county use this court for family cases.

Major communities include Middletown, Newburgh, Monroe, Warwick, and Goshen. None currently have their own dedicated city page, but all family court filings go through the county court.

Nearby Counties

If you are not sure which county court handles your case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county.