Rockland County Family Court Records

Rockland County family court records are filed and stored at the Family Court in New City, which is part of the 9th Judicial District. The court handles custody, child support, paternity, family offenses, child protective proceedings, juvenile delinquency, adoption, and guardianship for all county residents. You can search for records online through the state court system or go to the clerk's office at 1 South Main Street, Suite 300. If you need copies of court papers, bring a valid photo ID. The clerk keeps all petitions, orders, and case files on site and can help you find what you need.

Rockland County Family Court

The Rockland County Family Court is at 1 South Main Street, Suite 300, New City, New York 10956. The main phone number is 845-483-8210, and the fax is 914-358-8068. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The court is closed on state holidays. It is part of the 9th Judicial District, which also includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Westchester Counties.

Family Court Judges serving Rockland County include Hon. Christopher J. Exias and Hon. Andrea F. Composto. Hon. David M. Ascher also sits as an Acting Family Court Judge. Associate Court Attorneys Janette Vincenzi and Helena Phillibert support the judges, along with Court Attorney Referee Holly Young, Esq. The Chief Clerk is Thomas Morrissey, and the Deputy Chief Clerk is Alicia Kaye. They run the day-to-day operations of the clerk's office.

Here is a look at the Rockland County court system page from the 9th Judicial District.

That page shows the full list of Supreme and County Court judges serving Rockland County alongside the Family Court information.

Under Family Court Act Section 216-a, the clerk of court keeps all records and manages the court seal in each county. This means every petition, order, and judgment in Rockland County goes through the clerk's office. If you need a certified copy of a court order, the clerk is the one to ask.

How to Search Rockland Family Court Records

You can search Rockland County family court records online or at the courthouse. The WebFamily case search lets you look up cases by name or docket number. It shows case status and court dates. But it does not give you the full case file. For complete records, you need to visit in person.

At the courthouse, go to the Family Court Clerk's Office on the third floor. Bring valid photo ID. The clerk can pull your case and make copies. Under FCA Section 166, family court records are not open to the general public without court permission. If you are a party to the case, you get access as a matter of right. Your lawyer does too. If you are not a party, you have to file a written request with the court explaining why you need the records. The judge then decides.

The rule in 22 NYCRR Section 205.5 lays out who can see records without asking the judge first. Petitioners, respondents, and their attorneys can review pleadings, filed papers, orders, decisions, and transcripts. When a child is involved, the parents, the child's attorney, and any agency with custody of the child can also access the file. Prosecutors may request access for related criminal cases, but they must follow the steps set out in the Criminal Procedure Law.

All papers must be filed through EDDS, NYSCEF e-filing, or in hard copy with the clerk. The court does not accept faxed or emailed copies of documents that must be filed in original form. Only one copy of a document is needed unless a judge says otherwise. E-filing through NYSCEF is free and available around the clock for custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, and support cases.

Types of Family Court Records in Rockland County

Rockland County Family Court produces records for all case types within its jurisdiction. The court can hear any matter involving children and families, but it cannot grant a divorce. That is the Supreme Court's job. The main case types that create family court records include:

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

Each case generates a file with petitions, hearing records, interim orders, and final decisions. Support magistrates handle the child support docket. Judges hear cases where jail time is possible, such as family offenses and some neglect matters. Referees and judicial hearing officers may preside over custody and visitation disputes. In custody cases, a law guardian is appointed to represent the child and take part in all stages of the proceeding.

Here is a look at the Rockland County Family Court resource page from NYS Navigator.

That page lists the court address, phone number, and links to family services in Rockland County.

Rockland County Family Court Resources

The Rockland County Family Court resource directory from NYS Navigator has the court's contact info and links to support services. This is a solid first step if you are trying to figure out the process.

Family Legal Care's guide for the 9th Judicial District walks you through how to start a case in Rockland County Family Court. It covers what forms to use, where to file, and what to expect at your first court date. The guide also lists case types and explains the roles of judges, support magistrates, and referees.

Here is a look at the Family Legal Care guide for starting a case in the 9th Judicial District.

That page covers the step-by-step process for filing a petition in Rockland County Family Court.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provides free legal help for low-income residents in Rockland County. They can represent you in family offense cases, custody disputes, and child support matters. Their intake line is 1-877-574-8529, and their website is lshv.org. If you cannot afford a lawyer, this is one of the best options in the area.

The official Family Court forms are free to download. You can also get them at the clerk's office. These forms are used statewide, so the same petition form works in Rockland as it does in any other county. If you have questions about which form to use, the clerk's office can point you in the right direction, though they cannot give legal advice.

The Rockland County Supreme and County Court is also at 1 South Main Street in New City. The Supreme Court page lists the judges and clerk info for that court. If you need to file for divorce or handle a matrimonial matter, that is where you go. Family Court and Supreme Court share the same building in Rockland County, which can make things a bit easier if you have matters in both courts.

Getting Copies of Rockland County Family Court Records

Visit the clerk's office at 1 South Main Street, Suite 300, in New City. Bring photo ID. The clerk will pull your case and let you review the file if you are a party. Copies are 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 of documents.

Transcripts of hearings can be requested using the official Request for Transcript form. If the hearing was recorded by an electronic device, you need to contact an outside transcription service. These firms are independent contractors. They set their own rates and schedules. The court keeps a list of approved providers you can contact.

For records from other 9th Judicial District counties, reach out to the Family Court in that county. Orange County, Westchester County, and Putnam County each have their own clerk's office and case files. The statewide Family Courts directory has contact info for all 62 counties.

Address confidentiality is available to parties who feel unsafe. Under Family Court Act Section 154-b(2), the court can issue an Address Confidentiality Order so your address does not appear on court papers. Tell the clerk when you file your petition if you need this protection. New York also has a statewide Address Confidentiality Program for domestic violence victims who have moved or plan to move for safety. That program covers court papers, government records, and more.

Cities in Rockland County

Rockland County includes several towns and villages. All family court cases for county residents are heard at the Rockland County Family Court in New City.

Ramapo is also a major town in Rockland County with a large population. All Ramapo residents file family court cases at the Rockland County Family Court in New City.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Rockland. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check your home address.