Queens County Family Court Records

Queens County family court records are on file at the Family Court in Jamaica, Queens. This court is one of the five New York City Family Courts and serves one of the most populated boroughs in the state. You can search for family court records by visiting the courthouse or by using the state's online case search tools. The clerk of court keeps all case files, orders, and petitions from custody, support, paternity, and family offense cases. Queens County Family Court handles thousands of cases each year, and the staff can help you find the records you need. Bring photo ID if you plan to visit the Record Room for copies of any court papers.

Queens County Family Court

The Queens County Family Court is located at 151-20 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. It is part of the New York City Family Court system and falls under the 11th Judicial District. The court handles all family law matters for Queens residents, including custody and visitation, child support, paternity, family offenses, child protective cases, juvenile delinquency, and adoption. Under Family Court Act Section 216-a, the clerk of court keeps all records and manages the court seal for Queens County.

The Queens Family Court directory provides a full list of judges, support magistrates, referees, and judicial hearing officers who preside over cases in the borough. Support magistrates handle child support matters. Judges hear cases for orders of protection, abuse and neglect, and any matter that could lead to jail time. Referees and JHOs preside over custody and visitation disputes. A law guardian is assigned to represent children in custody cases, taking part in all stages of the proceeding to protect the child's interests.

Here is a look at the Queens Family Court directory and judge guide.

That page lists all current judges and their assignments within the Queens Family Court system.

How to Search Queens Family Court Records

You can search for Queens County family court records online or in person. The WebFamily case search system lets you look up case info by name or docket number. It shows case status, court dates, and basic details. For the full file, you need to visit the courthouse.

At the courthouse, go to the Record Room. Bring valid photo ID. The clerk can pull your case file and make copies. Under Family Court Act Section 166, records are not open to the general public without the court's permission. Parties to the case, their lawyers, and certain agencies can get access. If you are not a party, you must file an application with the court explaining why you need the records. The judge then decides.

Queens County also has a Help Center for people without lawyers. The Help Center can point you to the right forms and explain the process for getting copies of family court records. The NY CourtHelp website is another good resource. It explains how to request records from any court in the state.

For e-filed cases, you can use NYSCEF to search and view documents. Custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, and support cases can now be e-filed in Queens County Family Court. There is no fee to use NYSCEF. You can file and view documents at any time of day.

Types of Family Court Records in Queens

Queens County Family Court produces records for many types of cases. The court has the power to hear matters that deal with children and families, but it cannot grant a divorce. Only the Supreme Court handles that. The types of cases that create family court records in Queens include:

• Custody and visitation
• Child support and spousal support
• Paternity
• Family offenses and orders of protection
• Child protective cases (abuse and neglect)
• Juvenile delinquency and PINS
• Adoption and guardianship

Each case creates a file with petitions, hearing records, and final orders. The clerk keeps all of these. Under 22 NYCRR Section 205.5, parties and their lawyers can see pleadings, orders, and transcripts without a court order. Others need permission from the judge. If a child is part of the case, the parents, the child's lawyer, and any agency with custody can also get access to the file.

Queens County Family Court Resources

The Queens County Family Court resource directory lists services and contact info for the court. It includes the court address, phone number, and links to helpful agencies. The resource map is run by the NYS Navigator program and covers all Family Courts in the state.

Here is a look at the Queens County Family Court resource page.

That page has contact details and links to family support services in Queens County.

The courthouse has a Children's Center on the first floor. This center provides free child care for parents who must be in court. Queens County also provides interpreter services. Spanish and other languages are available on-site or by request. If you need an interpreter, tell the clerk when you arrive or call ahead.

All visitors to the Queens Family Court must go through a magnetometer at the entrance. Arrive early to allow time for security screening. The court opens its doors at 8:00 AM, but hearings start at 9:00 AM. Petitions can be filed starting at 8:00 AM. The official Family Court forms are free and available online or at the clerk's office.

Getting Copies of Queens Family Court Records

To get copies of family court records in Queens County, visit the Record Room at the courthouse. You need photo ID. The clerk will look up your case and let you review the file. Copies can be made on the spot. There is no filing fee for Family Court cases in New York, but there may be a per-page charge for copies.

Transcripts of hearings can also be requested. All court proceedings are recorded. To get a transcript, fill out a Request for Transcript form and submit it to the court. For hearings recorded by electronic devices, you will need to contact an outside transcription service. These are independent contractors with their own rates. The court has a list of approved firms.

If you need records from another borough, contact the Family Court in that county directly. Each of the five NYC Family Courts keeps its own files. Queens records stay in Queens. Bronx records stay in the Bronx. The Family Courts directory has contact info for all 62 counties in the state.

Cities in Queens County

Queens County is one of the five boroughs of New York City. All family court cases for Queens residents go through the Queens County Family Court in Jamaica.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Queens. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check where you live.