New York family law resources
Free guides for New York Family Court, with links to the official statutes and court forms
What do you need help with?
I need to ask for custody or visitation
Start a Family Court case with Form GF-17
I need to change a custody or support order
GF-40 for custody and visitation; Family Court Act § 451 for support
The other parent is not following the order
Enforcement petitions for custody, visitation and support
I need to understand child support
The Child Support Standards Act percentages and add-ons
I am not sure which court to use
How Family Court and Supreme Court divide family cases
I need to get the papers served
You cannot serve them yourself. Here is who can.
I want to move with my child
How New York courts weigh relocation under Tropea
I have a hearing coming up
What to bring, who is in the room, and deadlines after
The Family Court Playbook: New York Edition
13 guides from start to finish
Step 1
Family Court and Supreme Court in New York
Which court hears custody and support, and who decides your case
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Step 2
Custody and Visitation Rights in New York
Legal and physical custody, best interests, and non-parent cases
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Step 3
How to File a Custody or Visitation Petition in New York
Form GF-17, what it asks, and the filing steps
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Step 4
How to Modify a Custody, Visitation or Support Order in New York
GF-40, change of circumstances, and the support modification rules
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Step 5
Affirmations and Sworn Statements in New York Family Court
CPLR 2106 affirmations and papers CourtHelp describes as notarized
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Step 6
How to Prepare Evidence for New York Family Court
Witnesses, exhibits, certified records and subpoenas
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Step 7
How Child Support Is Calculated in New York
The 17, 25, 29, 31 and 35 percent formula and add-ons
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Step 8
Financial Disclosure in New York Support Cases
Forms 4-17 and 4-17a and what to attach
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Step 9
Hidden Income and Imputed Income in New York
Imputed income under Family Court Act § 413
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Step 10
Assigned Counsel and Counsel Fees in New York
Assigned counsel, attorneys for the child, and fee awards
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Step 11
How Court Papers Are Served in New York Family Court
Who serves the summons and petition, and proof of service
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Step 12
Custody and Visitation Mediation in New York
Voluntary, confidential custody mediation
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Step 13
What to Expect at a New York Family Court Hearing
Courtroom walkthrough, objections and appeal deadlines
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Key statewide Family Court forms
Official PDFs from the New York State Unified Court System
- Form GF-17, Petition (Custody, Visitation), rev. 1/2026
- Form GF-40, Petition for Modification of Order of Custody or Visitation, rev. 1/2026
- Form GF-41, Petition for Enforcement of Order of Custody or Visitation, rev. 4/2025
- Form 4-17, Financial Disclosure Affirmation, rev. 4/2025
- Form 4-17a, Financial Disclosure Affirmation (Short Form), rev. 4/2025