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.
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.
More Custody & Visitation in New York
NY CourtHelp — Family & Custody Self-Help — Official statewide self-help portal from the NY Court System. Step-by-step guides on custody, visitation, paternity, parenting plans, and Fa
Family Legal Care — NYC Family Court Helpline — Free legal information and referrals for all NYC Family Court matters including custody, visitation, and paternity. Helpline staffed Mon–Fri
NYC Family Court — Manhattan (New York County) — Handles custody, visitation, paternity, support, and orders of protection for Manhattan residents. Self-help resources and volunteer attorne
Nassau County Family Court — Handles all Nassau County family law matters including custody, visitation, support, and paternity. Self-help resources available through th
Monroe County Family Court (Rochester) — Family Court for Monroe County handling custody, visitation, support, and paternity for the Rochester region. Located in the Hall of Justice
Albany County Family Court — Family Court for Albany County handling custody, visitation, support, and paternity for the Capital Region. Located at 30 Clinton Avenue, Al
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.