Otsego County Family Court Records
Otsego County family court records are stored at the County Annex Building in Cooperstown. The Family Court at 32 Chestnut Street handles custody, support, juvenile matters, child protective proceedings, and other family cases for all Otsego County residents. Whether you live in Cooperstown, Oneonta, or any of the surrounding communities, this court manages your family law filings. You can visit the Clerk's Office in person, call, or email them to ask about records and procedures. The court is part of the 6th Judicial District and also runs a Family Treatment Court for families dealing with substance abuse.
Otsego County Overview
Otsego County Family Court
Otsego County Family Court is at the County Annex Building, 32 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. The phone number is 607-322-3130 and fax is 607-240-5548. The email address is OtsegoFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Family Court Judges Hon. John F. Lambert and Hon. Brian D. Burns preside over all family matters. Court Clerk Karen Nichols and Deputy Chief Clerk Rachel Howard manage court operations, case filing, and scheduling. The court is part of the 6th Judicial District along with Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties. The Otsego County official website lists the court's address and links to the statewide NYCourts system for forms and rules.
The image below shows the Otsego County Family Court page from the official county website.
This page provides the court's address, phone number, fax, and a link to the state court system for additional resources.
| Court | Otsego County Family Court - 6th Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address |
County Annex Building 32 Chestnut Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 |
| Phone | (607) 322-3130 |
| Fax | (607) 240-5548 |
| OtsegoFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Search Otsego County Family Court Records
To search for family court records, visit the Clerk's Office at 32 Chestnut Street. Bring your photo ID and any case details. Staff can search by party name or case number. Under Family Court Act Section 166, these records are not open to the general public without a court order. But parties to a case and their attorneys can access filings, orders, and hearing transcripts under 22 NYCRR Section 205.5.
The NYS Navigator resource for Otsego County Family Court confirms the court's location in Cooperstown and provides contact information. The image below shows the NYS Navigator listing.
The navigator page helps residents find the court and learn about the range of services it provides to families across the county.
Otsego County Family Treatment Court
Otsego County runs a Family Treatment Court presided over by Hon. Michael F. Getman. This specialized court helps families where substance abuse is part of a child neglect case. The mission is to provide for the health, safety, and stable home of children whose caregivers have substance abuse issues. Resource Coordinator Samantha Manee (607-322-3146) and Case Manager Denielle Barton (607-322-3167) work at 193 Main Street, Cooperstown.
The program combines intensive judicial monitoring with substance abuse treatment and support services. Parents appear before the judge regularly to review their progress. The goal is recovery and family reunification. The court works with treatment providers, child welfare agencies, and community support services. Hours match the regular court schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Otsego County Family Court Records and Related Courts
The Otsego County Office Building at 197 Main Street, Suite 9, Cooperstown, NY 13326 houses the County Court (phone 607-322-3140). County Court Judge Hon. John F. Lambert has chambers at Suite 11 (phone 607-322-3175). Judge Hon. Michael F. Getman has chambers at Suite 13 (phone 607-322-3165). Chief Clerk Michael McGovern and Deputy Chief Clerk Cara Tangorra manage administration for those courts.
Divorce cases go through Supreme Court, not Family Court. All visitors must pass through security screening at the courthouse. Under Family Court Act Section 216-a, the clerk of court keeps all records and applies the seal. The clerk provides official forms to anyone who asks and can assist with petition preparation for self-represented litigants.
Note: The Otsego County courthouse is in historic Cooperstown, near other county offices and the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Legal Resources in Otsego County
For free self-help resources, visit nycourts.gov/courthelp. The Family Legal Care Helpline at 212-343-1122 offers free information about New York family law. Official court forms are available at no cost from the NYCourts website. You can also email the court at OtsegoFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov with questions about procedures and filing requirements.
If you need your address kept confidential, ask the clerk about an Address Confidentiality Order. New York State also runs a program for domestic violence victims who have moved for safety, keeping their address off all official documents. The court can connect you with community services, treatment programs, and mediation resources when appropriate.
Cities in Otsego County
All family court matters in Otsego County go through the courthouse in Cooperstown. Residents from every village and town in the county file here.
Communities include Cooperstown, Oneonta, Cherry Valley, Richfield Springs, and surrounding areas. All family court filings are handled at the county level.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Otsego County. File your case in the county where you live.