Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?

No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.

How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?

Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.

Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?

Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.

What if my ex violates the custody order?

File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.

Custody & Visitation in New York

14 verified resources.

About Custody & Visitation for Fathers

Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.

Custody & Visitation in New York

New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.

14 Resources

1. NY CourtHelp — Family & Custody Self-Help — Free

Official statewide self-help portal from the NY Court System. Step-by-step guides on custody, visitation, paternity, parenting plans, and Family Court procedures. All forms are free to download and complete without an attorney. Includes instructional videos, plain-language explanations, and links to do-it-yourself guided form tools for filing in any NY county.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Family Legal Care — NYC Family Court Helpline — Free

Free legal information and referrals for all NYC Family Court matters including custody, visitation, and paternity. Helpline staffed Mon–Fri. Walk-in tables at all five NYC Family Courts provide same-day guidance from trained advocates. No appointment needed for walk-in service. Interpretation available. Call (212) 343-1122 during business hours for immediate legal help.

(212) 343-1122 · Mon–Fri 9am–1pm, 2pm–5pm · Visit Website

3. NYC Family Court — Manhattan (New York County) — Free

Handles custody, visitation, paternity, support, and orders of protection for Manhattan residents. Self-help resources and volunteer attorney consultations available on-site at 60 Lafayette Street. Bring all relevant documents, prior court orders, and children's birth certificates. Arrive early — cases are called in order. No filing fee for Family Court petitions.

(646) 386-5223 · 60 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

4. Nassau County Family Court — Free

Handles all Nassau County family law matters including custody, visitation, support, and paternity. Self-help resources available through the court clerk at 1200 Old Country Road, Westbury. Bring ID, prior court orders, and children's documentation when filing. No fee to file a Family Court petition. Arrive at 9am for walk-in case filing or schedule a hearing date.

(516) 493-4000 · 1200 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

5. Monroe County Family Court (Rochester) — Free

Family Court for Monroe County handling custody, visitation, support, and paternity for the Rochester region. Located in the Hall of Justice at 99 Exchange Blvd, Room 360. Self-represented litigants can use the court's DIY form system to prepare petitions. No filing fee required. Court clerks can assist with procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.

(585) 371-3544 · Hall of Justice, 99 Exchange Blvd, Room 360, Rochester, NY 14614 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

6. Albany County Family Court — Free

Family Court for Albany County handling custody, visitation, support, and paternity for the Capital Region. Located at 30 Clinton Avenue, Albany. No fee to file custody or support petitions. Bring birth certificates, prior court orders, and photo ID. Self-help resources are available through the court clerk. Call (518) 285-8600 before visiting for calendar and filing information.

(518) 285-8600 · 30 Clinton Avenue, Albany, NY 12207 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

7. NYC Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program — Free

Free 45-minute legal consultations with volunteer attorneys for custody, visitation, paternity, support, and orders of protection in all five NYC boroughs. No appointment needed — walk in Tue–Thu. Attorneys can review your case, explain your options, help you understand court papers, and advise on next steps. Bring all relevant court documents and orders to your consultation.

(347) 401-9460 · Tue–Thu 9am–5pm · Visit Website

8. NY State Courts eCourts — WebFamily — Free

Official online portal to access NY Family Court case information, e-filing tools, and court calendar lookup statewide. Search case status by index number or party name. Review upcoming hearing dates, filed documents, and case history. Available 24/7 at no cost. Essential tool for self-represented parents tracking custody, support, and paternity proceedings in any NY county court.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Fathers' Rights Association of New York State — Paid

Advocacy and legal referral organization connecting fathers with attorneys experienced in NY custody, visitation, and parental rights cases. Free initial consultations available. Specializes in fathers facing bias in Family Court proceedings, relocation disputes, modification petitions, and parental alienation. Directory of fathers' rights attorneys covering all NY regions including NYC and upstate.

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

10. Queens County Family Court — Free

Family Court for Queens County handling custody, visitation, support, paternity, and orders of protection. Self-help resources and volunteer attorney consultations available on-site at 151-20 Jamaica Avenue. No filing fee for petitions. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, and copies of any prior orders. Call (718) 298-0197 to confirm hours or check calendar availability.

(718) 298-0197 · 151-20 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

11. Suffolk County Family Court — Free

Family Court for Suffolk County on Long Island handling custody, visitation, support, and paternity cases. Located at 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip. No fee to file a Family Court petition. Bring photo ID, birth certificates, and prior orders. Self-help forms are available through the clerk's office. Call (631) 853-5100 for filing instructions or hearing schedules.

(631) 853-5100 · 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

12. Westchester County Family Court — Free

Family Court for Westchester County handling custody, visitation, support, and paternity in White Plains. Located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. No fee to file Family Court petitions. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, and copies of prior court orders. The court clerk can answer procedural questions. Legal aid referrals available through the self-help desk.

(914) 824-5500 · 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, White Plains, NY 10601 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

13. Onondaga County Family Court (Syracuse) — Free

Family Court for Onondaga County serving the Syracuse area for custody, visitation, support, and paternity. Located at 401 Montgomery St., Syracuse. No filing fee for Family Court petitions. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, and any prior court orders. Self-help forms available through the court clerk. Call (315) 671-2100 for filing instructions or to check hearing schedules.

(315) 671-2100 · 401 Montgomery St., Syracuse, NY 13202 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

14. Cordell & Cordell — New York Offices — Paid

National fathers' rights law firm with NY offices. Custody litigation, parenting plan negotiations, and order modifications. Free initial consultation to assess your case. Specializes in representing men in divorce, custody, relocation, and paternity cases. Attorneys are experienced in NY Family Court and Supreme Court proceedings. Call (212) 203-3546 to schedule your free consultation.

(212) 203-3546 · New York, NY · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

Custody & Visitation — Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?: No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.
How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?: Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.
Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?: Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.
What if my ex violates the custody order?: File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.