Quick Answer (TL;DR): Experienced Staten Island Family Court lawyers represent parents and families in custody, visitation, child support, orders of protection, neglect, paternity, and juvenile matters before the Richmond County Family Court. Because Staten Island Family Court operates differently from other New York City Family Courts, local experience with its judges, procedures, and scheduling practices matters.
Staten Island Family Court is a smaller, faster-moving court with its own expectations and local practices. Lawyers who regularly appear there understand how cases are scheduled, how quickly matters can be set down for trial, and how the court approaches family-related disputes. That familiarity can make a real difference in how a case proceeds.
What Is Staten Island Family Court?
The New York State Family Court is a court of limited jurisdiction that hears matters involving families and children. A Family Court is located in each of New York’s 62 counties, including Richmond County, which serves Staten Island.
Each Family Court includes a presiding judge, additional judges, support magistrates, court attorneys, clerks, and support staff. The total number of judges is set by law, and judges from other courts are sometimes temporarily assigned to Family Court.
Staten Island Family Court handles a wide range of cases, including:
- Custody and visitation
- Child support
- Paternity
- Orders of protection
- Child neglect proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Guardianship and other specialized matters
The Staten Island Family Court Location: 18 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island Family Court is now located at 18 Richmond Terrace, near the St. George waterfront. This courthouse replaced the former Family Court location and is one of the more visually striking Family Court buildings in New York City.
The building has a landmark-style design with broad stone steps, high ceilings, murals, and architectural details that give it a more formal civic feel than many other Family Court facilities. Clients often comment that the space feels more organized and dignified than older Family Court buildings.
For attorneys and litigants alike, the physical layout of the building and its proximity to transportation make it one of the more accessible Family Courts in the city.
Transportation and Accessibility
One of the practical advantages of Staten Island Family Court is its location near major transportation hubs.
- Walking distance from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal
- Accessible by multiple local bus routes
- Close to the Staten Island Railway hub at St. George
- Nearby municipal and private parking options
For parties coming from Manhattan or other boroughs, the ferry connection makes Staten Island Family Court easier to reach than many people expect.
How Staten Island Family Court Is Different from Other NYC Family Courts
Staten Island Family Court operates differently from Family Courts in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. The most obvious difference is size. Staten Island Family Court is significantly smaller, with fewer judges and fewer daily calendars.
That smaller size affects how cases move. In Staten Island, judges and referees tend to schedule matters more efficiently, and cases are often placed on a trial track after only one or two court appearances. In other boroughs, cases may remain in conference status for many months.
Another important difference is appearance expectations. Staten Island Family Court generally requires personal appearances for most matters, except in limited situations such as attorney-only conferences or special circumstances. This contrasts with some other boroughs where virtual appearances are more common.
Because of these differences, lawyers who regularly appear in Staten Island Family Court develop a practical understanding of how the court operates that cannot be learned from statutes alone.
Judges, Referees, and Support Magistrates
Staten Island Family Court has a limited number of judges and referees, along with support magistrates who primarily handle child support matters. This structure contributes to the court’s relatively fast pace and the expectation that cases will be ready to proceed.
Support magistrates associated with Staten Island Family Court typically operate out of a nearby building on Hyatt Street. While child support cases are only one part of Family Court practice, understanding how these different judicial roles function is important when a case involves overlapping issues.
The Probation Department and Court Services
Staten Island Family Court includes a Probation Department that investigates and supervises certain cases, including juvenile delinquency matters and some child support cases. Probation reports and recommendations can influence how cases proceed and what conditions the court may impose.
The court also offers a free mediation program for custody and visitation cases. Mediation can help some families resolve disputes without a trial, but it is not appropriate for every situation. Knowing when mediation is useful—and when litigation is necessary—is part of effective Family Court representation.
Why Local Experience in Staten Island Family Court Matters
Experience in Family Court matters everywhere, but it matters even more in a smaller court like Staten Island Family Court. Judges expect attorneys to be prepared, efficient, and familiar with local procedures. Cases often move faster, and there is less tolerance for unnecessary delay.
When lawyers regularly appear in Staten Island Family Court, they develop an understanding of how calendars are managed, how quickly trials are scheduled, and what the court expects at each stage of a case. That experience helps cases move forward more smoothly.
It can be difficult, but not impossible, to find an experienced family court lawyer who also charges reasonable fees. The key is finding someone who knows the court, prepares early, and focuses on resolving issues efficiently.
My Experience in Staten Island Family Court
I have more than 25 years of experience handling cases in New York Family Court, including extensive experience in Staten Island Family Court. Over the course of my career, I have tried more than 500 cases involving custody, visitation, child support, orders of protection, neglect proceedings, paternity matters, and juvenile delinquency cases.
I have also taught continuing legal education courses to other attorneys and have trained lawyers in how to prepare and try Family Court cases. That background gives me a practical, courtroom-based understanding of how Family Court cases are actually decided.
When clients are looking for experienced Staten Island Family Court lawyers, they are often looking for someone who can explain the process clearly, anticipate what comes next, and handle the case with preparation and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staten Island Family Court
Is Staten Island Family Court different from other boroughs?
Yes. Staten Island Family Court is smaller and often moves cases more quickly than other NYC Family Courts. Trials may be scheduled after fewer appearances, and personal appearances are commonly required.
What types of cases does Staten Island Family Court handle?
The court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, orders of protection, neglect cases, juvenile delinquency matters, and other family-related proceedings.
How quickly can a case move to trial?
In many cases, Staten Island Family Court may schedule a trial after only one or two court appearances. Early preparation is important.
Do I need a lawyer in Family Court?
You are allowed to represent yourself, but Family Court cases can involve complex procedures and serious consequences. Experienced Staten Island Family Court lawyers help clients navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes.
Moving Forward in Staten Island Family Court
Family Court cases affect families, finances, and long-term relationships. Staten Island Family Court has its own structure, pace, and expectations. Working with experienced Staten Island Family Court lawyers who understand how this court operates can make the process more manageable and more predictable.
Last updated: January 2026
