Sullivan County Family Court Records

Sullivan County family court records are stored at the Government Center in Monticello. The court is part of the 3rd Judicial District and handles custody, support, paternity, family offenses, and child protective matters for all county residents. The courthouse has a new security screening system, so plan for a brief wait when you arrive. You can search for records online through the state system or visit the clerk in person. The County Clerk also keeps related Supreme Court files at the same location.

Sullivan County Family Court

The Sullivan County Family Court is at the Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701. The phone number is 845-791-3505 and the fax is 845-476-3620. The court is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., except state holidays.

When you visit the Government Center, you will go through a security screening. The building uses an Evolv Express detector and an Evolv eXpedite machine for bags. This applies to everyone visiting Family Court, Child Support, and the Probation Department. Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to get through. The screening is quick but there can be a line during busy hours.

The Supreme and County Court is also at 100 North Street, with hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hon. Meagan Galligan and Hon. Stephan G. Schick serve as Supreme Court Justices. If a family court case has connections to a Supreme Court matter, such as a divorce with custody issues, both courts may hold records for the same family.

How to Find Sullivan Family Court Records

Search for Sullivan County family court records online using the New York eCourts system. You can look up cases by name or number. Basic case status and hearing dates are available. Under Family Court Act Section 166, most family court records are not open to the general public. Access is limited to parties, lawyers, and authorized agencies.

For in-person searches, visit the Government Center at 100 North Street in Monticello. Bring your ID and the name or case number. The clerk can search records and make copies for a fee. Certified copies cost more. Remember to arrive early enough to get through the security screening and still have time to do your business before the 4:45 p.m. closing.

The Sullivan County Clerk's Office is also at the Government Center. County Clerk Russell Reeves and Deputy County Clerk Doreen Huebner handle vital records, land records, and other official documents. If you need records from both the Family Court and the Supreme Court, you can visit both offices in the same trip since they share the same building.

Sullivan County Court Records Resources

The New York State courts provide e-filing rules and procedures that apply across the state, including in Sullivan County courts. The e-filing rules page explains how electronic filing works.

E-filing is mandatory for select case types in the Supreme Court. Family Court filing is still mostly done in person or by paper in Sullivan County.

The 3rd Judicial District covers Sullivan along with Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, and Ulster counties. Standard forms and procedures apply across the district. The NYCourts CourtHelp website has free DIY forms for self-represented parties in family court. You can prepare petitions for custody, support, family offenses, and other matters before you visit the courthouse.

Sullivan County Family Court Case Types

The Sullivan County Family Court handles custody and visitation cases under Domestic Relations Law Section 240. The court uses the best interests of the child standard. Child support follows the Child Support Standards Act, and a Support Magistrate hears many of those cases.

Family offense petitions let someone seek an order of protection under Family Court Act Section 812. The court can issue temporary and final orders. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood. Child protective proceedings brought by the Department of Social Services are confidential under Family Court Act Section 1046.

The Family Court does not handle divorce or separation. Those go to the Supreme Court. But custody and support issues in a divorce can overlap with Family Court jurisdiction. If you are going through a divorce and have children, you may deal with both courts.

Note: The security screening at the Government Center applies to all visitors. Do not bring prohibited items.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Sullivan County. File in the county where you or the child lives.