Suffolk County Family Court Records
Suffolk County family court records are managed through the 10th Judicial District court system on Long Island. This is one of the most populous counties in the state, with over 1.5 million residents. The Family Court handles custody, child support, paternity, family offenses, and child protective cases. Court facilities are spread across the county, with the main complex in Central Islip and another in Riverhead. You can search for case information online, visit the clerk's office, or contact the County Clerk for related Supreme Court files.
Suffolk County Overview
Suffolk County Family Court
Suffolk County's court system is part of the 10th Judicial District and runs from multiple locations. The John P. Cohalan, Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip serves as a primary facility. The Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex in Riverhead handles criminal matters. Family Court cases are assigned to specific judicial parts based on the type of case and where the parties live.
The Suffolk County Family Court handles a high volume of cases given the county's large population. Custody, visitation, child support, paternity, family offenses, and child protective proceedings all come through this court. The county also has specialized parts for domestic violence cases and drug treatment, which create their own sets of records.
The District Court in Suffolk County provides defendant notification services for certain case types. You can track criminal cases on the eCourts WebCriminal portal. If a family court case overlaps with a criminal matter, both courts may have related files. The court sends reminders for court dates by mail, text, email, or voice, depending on what you choose. To update your address, go to the Court Clerk's office and fill out a Change of Address Notice (DC-324).
| Court | Suffolk County Family Court - 10th Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | John P. Cohalan, Jr. Court Complex, Central Islip |
| Secondary Location | Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex, Riverhead |
How to Search Suffolk Family Court Records
The Suffolk County Family Court page on the state courts website provides information about court locations and services.
This page includes details on filing petitions, court hours, and how to reach the clerk for records requests.
Use the New York eCourts system to search family court cases by name or number. Basic case status and hearing dates are available online. Family court records have restricted access under Family Court Act Section 166. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain agencies can see the full file. Sealed records need a court order to open.
For in-person searches, visit the court complex where your case was filed. Bring your ID and a case number or name. The clerk can look up records and make copies. Certified copies cost more than regular ones. If you are not sure which location handles your case, call the court or check the state courts website for a directory.
Suffolk County Clerk Court Records
The Suffolk County Clerk's Office is at 310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901, phone (631) 852-2000. They handle business certificates, court actions, judgments, liens, and recorded documents. The Clerk has online records for land records from 1987 to the present. If a divorce or matrimonial case in Supreme Court has a custody or support component, the County Clerk may have the Supreme Court file while the Family Court keeps the family law file.
You can get copies or certified copies of deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments through the Clerk's office. The Riverhead office and the Hauppauge office both serve the public. Hours and directions are on the county website. For records that cross between Family Court and Supreme Court, you may need to check both the Family Court Clerk and the County Clerk.
Family Court Cases in Suffolk County
Suffolk County Family Court hears custody and visitation disputes under Domestic Relations Law Section 240. The court uses the best interests standard to make custody decisions. Child support is calculated using the Child Support Standards Act, with the Support Magistrate handling most hearings.
Family offense cases let someone file for an order of protection against a family or household member under Family Court Act Section 812. The court has an Integrated Domestic Violence Part that hears criminal and family cases together when they involve the same parties and domestic violence. Drug treatment courts also operate in the county, providing services for families dealing with substance abuse in child protective cases.
Child protective proceedings brought by the Department of Social Services are confidential. Under Family Court Act Section 1046, these records are sealed from public view. Even parties may need a court order to access certain documents. Paternity cases, juvenile delinquency matters, and persons in need of supervision (PINS) cases round out the Family Court docket.
Note: Suffolk County is large and has multiple court locations. Check which location handles your case before making the trip.
Towns in Suffolk County
Suffolk County includes several large towns. Family court cases for all of them go through the Suffolk County Family Court system.
Nearby Counties
Suffolk County is on the eastern end of Long Island. Nassau County is its western neighbor.