Family Court

Location

320 North Tioga Street
P.O. Box 70
Ithaca, NY 14851-0070

Phone: 607-216-6640
Fax: 212-457-2951
e-mail: [email protected]

All visitors must pass through a magnetometer upon entering the courthouses.

Overview

The Family Court hears and determines most legal issues involving children and families. There is a Family Court within each County of the State which is authorized to hear matters relating to:

custody, visitation and guardianship
monetary support for children, spouses and ex-spouses
paternity
abuse and neglect of children
violence among family members
children accused of committing crimes (JD)
children in need of supervision (PINS)

The Family Court does not handle proceedings involving separation, annulment or divorce. These matters must be brought in the Supreme Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over such issues.

Petitions may be filed from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday. Public computers are available for the completion of DIY petitions.

Notes

Forms & Petitions

If you need a court order to protect yourself and/or your children from abuse, you will want to file a petition for an order of protection (family offense petition). You also need to complete an Identification Sheet and proposed Temporary Order of Protection (General Forms #5).

If you need financial support from the children's absent parent or from your spouse, you will need to file a support petition to be scheduled before the Court Magistrate.

If you need a court order giving you custody of or visitation with your children, you will need to file a custody or visitation petition.

If you need a lawyer and cannot afford to pay one, you may want to file an Assigned Counsel Application to see whether you are eligible for their assistance. The application is also available online.

Do-It-Yourself Forms.

Judges' Chambers

Family Court Judge
Hon. Joseph R. Cassidy

Law Clerk
Maura Kennedy-Smith

Secretary
Polly White

Phone: 607-216-6636
Fax: 212-401-9131

Family Court Judge
TBA

Law Clerk
Jennifer Donlan-Fitzgibbon

Secretary
Stacey McNeill

Phone: 607-216-6634
Fax: 212-457-2938

Family Court Judge
Hon. Scott A. Miller

Secretary
Lisa Giancola

Law Clerk
Diane Boyajian

Phone: 607-216-6441
Fax: 607-240-5725

Support Magistrate

Support Magistrate
Michelle Philpott

Court Assistant
Kerri Munley

Phone: 607-216-6640
Fax: 212-457-2951

Court Clerk's Office

Acting Chief Clerk
Caitlin McGurgan

Deputy Chief Clerk
TBD