On Saturdays, Are Family Courts Open?

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The New York City Family Court is a court that operates from 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. and handles matters involving children and families. It has the authority to make legal decisions over various types of cases, including abuse or neglected children (Child Protective Proceedings), adoption, custody, and guardianship. Each Family Court in New York City is open all day from Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

The hearing rooms in each courthouse are open during lunchtime (usually from 1:00 p. m. to 2:00 p. m.) and are closed at 1:00 p. m. to 2:00 p. m. The NYC Family Court Division is the second largest and only prosecutorial division at the Law Department, playing a critical role in promoting the well-being of the City’s children. They hear family matters, personal injury claims, commercial disputes, trust and estates issues, criminal cases, and landlord-tenant cases.

Family Courts are closed on weekends and holidays. Family offense petitions may be filed remotely or in-person Monday through Friday (except holidays). The Bronx County Family Court is located at 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10451, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Clerk’s Office in Brooklyn and Central Islip are open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Emergency filing sites are only open for emergencies on nights (5pm – 8am), weekends, and holidays. All non-PFA filings, including emergency custody, are closed on weekends. Family Courts in New Castle County are located at Leonard L. Williams Justice Center 500 North King Street Wilmington, DE 19801, with hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Case types heard in Family Courts include divorce, child custody, child support, visitation rights, protective orders, and the emancipation of minors.

Useful Articles on the Topic
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Family Court · NYC311 – NYC.govBronx County Family Court; Address: 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10451; Phone Number: 618-2098; Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM. Brooklyn.portal.311.nyc.gov
Family Court | NYCOURTS.GOVHours: Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Family Court is closed on weekends and on holidays. Family Court. More Family Court Information. Video and …ww2.nycourts.gov
Court Hours and Holidays | Eastern District of New YorkThe Clerk’s Office in Brooklyn and Central Islip are open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm(last admittance will be at 4:45 pm), Monday through Friday.nyed.uscourts.gov

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Is A Family Court Open To The Public
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Is A Family Court Open To The Public?

The Family Court is predominantly open to the parties involved and the public, although conditions exist for excluding the public for privacy reasons. Generally, hearings in family law—including divorce, child custody, and support—are accessible unless the case involves minors, such as in guardianship or adoption, where confidentiality is prioritized. While the public can attend most proceedings, judges possess the discretion to close courtrooms in sensitive situations.

Family Court serves to address family-related legal matters and is not an appellate court; it hears cases directly. Access to court records is usually restricted to the parties and their attorneys, even if public access is limited.

In certain jurisdictions, juvenile courts may remain open to the public, contrasting with the usual privacy of family court. Anonymity for participants, particularly children, is generally respected, although accredited journalists can attend.

Additionally, while family court proceedings are public, these cases are rarely frequented by the general public due to their emotionally charged nature. Ultimately, the Family Court system aims to offer expertise in resolving family disputes while balancing transparency and privacy.

How Do I Write A Petition Letter To The Court
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How Do I Write A Petition Letter To The Court?

A petition is a formal request to a court, where you become the "petitioner" seeking resolution for a legal dispute. When writing a petition, clearly state your reasons for filing, the specific relief you're requesting, and provide concrete examples that support your case. Begin by researching your jurisdiction's formatting rules, as this is crucial before submitting your petition to the Clerk of the Court. Use a structured letter format, addressing the judge professionally, and introducing yourself and your relationship to any involved parties.

An effective petition letter should clarify the issue at hand and outline your goals succinctly. It's essential to include factual details and evidence that might influence the judge's decision. For example, in child custody cases, declaration letters can be vital, as they may serve as testimonies if a trial occurs. Additionally, platforms like Change. org can help in gathering public support while crafting compelling letters.

Ultimately, a well-drafted petition should advise the opposing party of your claims and articulate what legal relief you are seeking. Ensure you allocate time to gather signatures if needed, plan for delivery, and maintain a factual and composed tone throughout the process. This structured approach is essential for successfully advocating for your needs in court.

Does Court Work On Saturday In The USA
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Does Court Work On Saturday In The USA?

A district court is always open for filing documents and issuing processes. However, the clerk's office operates during business hours from Monday to Friday, and is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Courts, except for new arrest arraignments, do not hold sessions on weekends. Receiving a summons indicates that you are the defendant, which requires you to file an Answer or request an extension within a specific timeframe. You may contact the issuer of the summons for scheduling adjustments.

Federal holidays can cause adjustments in court schedules; if a legal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the court may close the preceding Friday or the following Monday. Effective communication is important, so if you have a court date on a Saturday, it's advisable to confirm with the court. The Supreme Court operates Monday to Friday from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Overall, courts generally follow a schedule of openness during the week, with closures on weekends and legal holidays.

The presence of legal holidays affects when filings and motions can be processed, thus emphasizing the need for timely action by parties involved. For further information regarding court hours and holidays, it's essential to stay updated.

How Do I Contact New York City Family Court
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How Do I Contact New York City Family Court?

In case of immediate danger, call 911. The New York City Family Court conducts hearings in-person, by phone, or video conference from 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. Family offense petitions can be submitted both in-person and remotely, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A. M. to 3:00 P. M., excluding holidays. For inquiries specific to a Family Court, email the appropriate office, such as BronxFamilyCourt@nycourts. gov for Bronx County. The Family Court addresses issues involving children and families, with authority in cases like abuse or neglect (Child Protective Proceedings).

It operates several courthouses, and detailed information about each location's hours can be found by contacting the courthouse directly or visiting the NYC Courts' and CourtHelp websites. The Family Court Division of the Law Department is vital to ensuring children’s well-being in New York City. For inquiries, you can reach the Family Court hotline at 646-386-5299 or email NYFCInquiry@nycourts. gov. Each Family Court has dedicated staff members, including clerks, to assist the public. For more information about family courts across New York State, visit NYcourts. gov.

What Time Is Family Court Open In New York City
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What Time Is Family Court Open In New York City?

Each Family Court in New York City is open Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. During lunch hours, typically from 1:00 P. M. to 2:00 P. M., hearing rooms close for a recess, but the buildings remain accessible to the public. Family offense petitions can be filed remotely or in person from 9:00 A. M. to 3:00 P. M. The court handles matters related to children and families, including child protective proceedings, adoption, and custody.

The Family Court Division is significant within the Law Department and focuses on the welfare of children and families in New York City. It includes various judges, as mandated by law, with courtrooms generally opening at 9:30 A. M. and sessions typically starting at this time. Access to the Clerk's Office may be limited after 4:30 P. M. for emergency applications. Additionally, the Interstate Child Support Unit works within these courts to manage cases concerning parentage and child support modifications. Overall, the New York City Family Court plays a critical role in addressing familial legal issues while maintaining operational accessibility for the public.

Where To Park For White Plains Jury Duty
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Where To Park For White Plains Jury Duty?

For jury duty in White Plains, utilize the "Lexington-Grove West" Galleria Mall Municipal Parking Garage, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Galleria Mall. Access the garage from Martine Avenue, Main Street, or South Lexington Avenue. Pay stations are situated by elevators on each floor, and long-term parking is available on the upper level. Note that parking is strictly prohibited in front of the Courthouse at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The Galleria has its main entrance on Martine Avenue, and those using the Library Garage can request directions to the courthouse from a Court Officer on the lower level. Parking options include metered spaces at both the Galleria and the White Plains Library, with plans for extending parking available at a kiosk in the county court lobby.

While the Galleria offers convenient public parking, be mindful that driving and parking in Manhattan can be challenging. If you commute from outside New York City for jury duty, the Court covers parking and toll expenses beyond the mileage fee. Additionally, bring a physical book or magazine, as cell phones are confiscated upon courthouse entry. The courthouse is accessible for individuals with disabilities. For a seamless experience, familiarize yourself with all parking options, costs, and hours through provided resources.

What District Is Suffolk County Family Court
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What District Is Suffolk County Family Court?

The Suffolk County Family Court, established in 1962, is situated in Central Islip and has a branch in Riverhead, New York. This court, part of the 10th Judicial District, processes family-related legal issues, with case assignments based on the geographical location of the parties involved. Key contact numbers include the Juvenile and Family Treatment Court at 631-740-3781, Record Room at 631-740-3775, and the Support Department for new petitions at 631-740-3800.

Specific inquiries can be directed to the Support Department via email at [email protected] or for transcripts at [email protected] The court allows for simultaneous applications for an order of protection in both Family Court and another court. Additional resources, including e-court appearance information and definitions of common legal terminology, are accessible through the Family Court web page.

The jurisdiction of the District Courts within Suffolk County covers misdemeanors and civil cases, while the Family Court is pivotal in addressing children and family matters. For general inquiries related to the Family Court, the contact number is 631-740-3800. Overall, the court serves as a key component in ensuring legal support for families in Suffolk County.

Does New York City Have A Family Court
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Does New York City Have A Family Court?

New York City has a Family Court located in each of its five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Generally, cases can be filed free of charge in the borough where a party resides. The Family Court typically allows only those directly involved, known as "the parties," and the public into proceedings. Within the NYC court system, there are two city courts, along with multiple state courts, including Criminal Court, Civil Court, Supreme Court, Surrogate's Court, and Family Court.

The Family Court addresses matters related to children and families, handling cases such as child abuse and neglect (Child Protective Proceedings), adoption, custody and visitation, domestic violence (Family Offense), and foster care.

The NYC Family Court Division, being the second largest prosecutorial division within the Law Department, plays a crucial role in the well-being of the city's children, families, and communities. It consists of a number of judges designated by law. Unlike other counties in New York, NYC does not have a typical County Court. Family Court hearings, primarily led by judges, involve support magistrates for cases regarding support and paternity. To navigate the Family Court system or find your appropriate borough, individuals can contact the Family Court hotline or visit the NYcourts. gov website for additional assistance.

What Are The Courtroom Hours
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What Are The Courtroom Hours?

Courtrooms typically operate from 9:30 a. m. to 5:00 p. m., Monday to Friday, with closures from 1:00 p. m. to 2:00 p. m. Morning calendar calls generally commence at 9:30 a. m., although specific times and locations should be verified via court documents. For Evening Small Claims, the building remains accessible until midnight, while the General Clerk's Office is open from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Access to the Clerk's Office post-4:30 p. m. is limited to emergencies.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, evening court sessions extend until 10 p. m. The court advises planning for possible lengthy waits due to concurrent cases, warranting at least a half-day commitment. Jurors and visitors should note that session hours begin at 8:30 a. m. and end by 4:30 p. m. Certain filings, such as family offense petitions, can be completed either remotely or in-person, from 9:00 a. m. to 3:00 p. m., excluding holidays. The Supreme Court Building allows public access on weekdays from 9 a.

m. to 3 p. m., while courthouses overall operate from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Breaks for lunch and mid-morning and afternoon sessions are commonplace. Always consult the court’s official site for the latest schedules and procedural updates.


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Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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18 comments

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  • Just want to point out that in the first case, there was a VICTIM ADVOCATE (bottom left corner). She certainly isn’t there for Miss. Crazy, so she must be there for the husband and/or the child. This means that there was abuse, DOCUMENTED abuse, possibly even against the kid. The kids better off with the father, for sure.

  • I feel for Miss Morrison. I know where she’s coming from. When i got divorced, out of spite, my ex and father of our two sons, insisted that he get visitation and half custody. He was abusive, proven so, and he fought for his fatherly rights. What a joke. He just reached that little bit of power, and the fear it caused our sons and myself. He got what he wanted, I guess because he’s a man and men need to retain their rights. I really don’t know why he got what he wanted. He got supervised visits because the boys were traumatized and begged to not have to see him. He never went to even one of those visits. Just wanted that little bit of power to cause us fear.

  • The two female lawyers that flip out and make a scene in the courtroom are a shock to me. They are there to represent their clients and they turned it into being all about them. I would be so horrified if my attorney did that. They may have had some valid complaints, but that is not the time or place to take those complaints up.

  • I do understand why they have to reprimand and keep judges’ behavior in check, but I really hope they are able to see when a judges reaction is understandable to any reasonable human being, and low key do the reprimand as an on the record finger wag. But off the record we all know dude had a reason for his reaction

  • That woman with foul mouth and attitude should have been arrested for using dope every day plus the Court fines. What a disgusting, disgraceful and contemptuous creature. Thank goodness for the child her daddy got custody with no contact or visitation rights. How can anyone be so gross and vile? Shocking.

  • That one judge that got “reprimanded” for his inappropriate comments and power usage is a disgrace and a soft community. We need judges like that to call out idiots when they’re being stupid. Custody battles do so much damage on kids when you have moms and dads using the child as a pawn and leverage.

  • I’m not sure of Judge Watkins because that defendant did put his family in danger but this judge seems to need to retire, he has really gotten out of hand. 🧐🤔 Judge Wooly was correct, he tried & tried to explain to the Russian guy that the DNA test was accurate but the interpreter was barely English speaking & the father really not understanding, then to blame America cheating him! The Judge just making the CSI remark did NOT deserve a reprimand from the Commissioner.

  • It just BLOWS MY MIND how people have personalities like that first woman! She obviously has ZERO self awareness! Because she’s ok with acting and being that way and thinks nothing of it. It’s just mind boggling that someone is ok with acting like that! It’s seriously amazing! I mean there is no way that she isn’t like this on a day to day basis. It’s literally who she is and that’s absolutely scary and disturbing. Thank god she doesn’t have her kids, because I’m sure she’d act just like this with their teachers! And them!

  • #1 Child custody case LOL They were both drunk! He was super drunk! That’s the only way they got together. They both were high too! A excellent example of what “Going out to have a good time” will get you! Learn from these people boys and girls! You can tell he was whishing he could go back in time and change things. I’m glad he’s a good father. Sometimes both parties abandon the love child.

  • I was on a child custody jury very much like the first case. The mother tested positive for illegal drugs everyday of the hearing. She did not cuss or act vulgar like the one in this article, but there was no way were were going to give custody of a small child to a woman who was on drugs and who also told us that she had spent time in a mental hospital and thought she needed to go there again. The woman in THIS article SHOWED that she needed to go to a mental hospital, too.

  • 1. Thank goodness the dad got full custody. Mom is 100% unhinged. 2. Gotta admire the parkour skills but probably not worth it to avoid paying child support. The gas to TN probably set him back more. 3. Don’t hire an SJW to be your attorney because they’ll end up fighting for themselves against a perceived enemy instead of for you against a real one. 4. Woman can’t control herself but the judge failed to encourage order and only escalated the situation by yelling at them. He failed in his duty. 5. The most unhinged judge I’ve ever seen. Needed to be removed from the bench since he made things personal. So glad he was tossed. 6. Judge just needed to say “Blood is outdated. Saliva is more reliable. You’re the father. Moving on.” Don’t let people argue in circles and escalate. Drop the mic and be done. 7. Disbar the attorney. Period.

  • Courthouses should have closed staircases. The amount of people that get free by jumping down one is staggering. Is there a safety reason? They need to call an architect and add a closure of some kind there. Also every checkpoint should be like the airport where you in to get screened. The checkpoints should not be easy to just run over then get back up and go. have a big machine that doesn’t work. Just make it harder for the person trying to get out of there. i know they do a mini kind right when you go in but to stop the guy from getting where he is going you need him to turn around.

  • The second attorney aggressively defended her client — a male and father. Right there he entered the courtroom with 2 strikes against him. The female judge can’t acknowledge that Mom will not agree to any schedule or arrangements because it goes against the facade of the courts that exponentially favors the Mother. This fact emboldens mothers to do whatever they choose. I’m surprised the U S doesn’t allow mothers to legally change their child’s patronage based on who she’s in a relationship with at any given time.

  • All the charges that are being dropped, is a MAJOR MISTAKE on part of the Judges. These dropped charges sends a message to the violator that the dropped charges could easily be comitted as the Judges will simply dismiss them. Pretty poor excuse attributed to the Judge. Maybe he and other Judges should find a different job as they are not qualified to be a judge.

  • That Amanda chick should’ve totally gotten full, sole custody of her child. 🙄 Acting like a petulant child, using profanity in front of the judge, and admitting to smoking pot “all day, every day,” are probably not the best things to do and say while attending a child custody hearing. What a loser! Seems like things turned out well in the end, with the father receiving full, sole custody.

  • Relinquished her rights to her own child plus visitation that says all you need to know about that piece of trash, but it’s a very good thing, one that child will never have to worry or care about anything other then the dad that obviously loves the kid, let’s just hope that animal doesn’t have any other kids 😊

  • I watched the first case live probably all of them. First case, she is so rude and the judge is weak. And the 3rd judge I can’t stand her. Horrible family law judge. Must’ve missed this trial. Idk if I like the lawyer or be annoyed with her. Either way, can’t stand the judge. She and her fellow co-workers LET A CASE GO ON FOR 10 years when there was evidence the mother was the toxic parent and still if today.

  • Why is that self-important fool still walking free? It costs millions of dollars a year to house, feed give them free daycare, etc. So many break the law repeatedly, get very light sentences if any at all and when their fines get too high I’ve seen judges throw out the fines. I can almost guarantee that those of us who try very hard to raise our children correctly, stay off the Welfare Role and not have a basketball team of children they could never afford if they were honest, hard-working people. Men with 10 plus children with 10 pulse women and women who use the System like their own bank. Would get the book thrown at us. I guess the bleeding heart fools who supposedly run this country make more Federal money for their State if their citizens are using every resource possible. It makes me sick. There was a day when respect was demanded in court and now it’s a clown show.

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