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Family Law

Birth Certificates

All birth records for people born in New York City are kept by the city’s health department. Every parent of a baby will get a free birth certificate from the Health Department about one month after the birth. If you haven’t gotten the certificate in four weeks, call the helpline at 311.

What can I do if there is a mistake on my child’s birth certificate?

You must send the hospital your order request and the original baby certificate within the first year of the child’s life. Talk to the hospital’s birth clerk for more information.

How do I get a corrected birth certificate after your child’s first year?

When you receive the original birth certificate, it’s best to make the changes right away. Waiting until your child is a year old can slow things down. For help correcting your child’s birth certificate, please follow this guide carefully at this link: www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-death-records-corrections-birth.pagef. You can also call 311 to get help.

How can I get copies of my child’s birth certificate?

Make a Request Online

Get a copy online at VitalCheck, a third-party company approved by the Department of Health. It takes 10 to 15 business days to complete. At a816-evital.nyc.gov/eVitalVRRTS, you can see where your order is in the process. Each certificate has a cost, and there may be additional processing fees. The processing time is four to six weeks.

Make a Request by Mail

Complete, sign, and notarize the following document: nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/birth1.pdf. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Learn more about how to get a birth certificate copy at https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-death-records-birth.page

Updated on May 29, 2024

Child Custody and Visitation

Many parents and caregivers go to New York Family Court every year to deal with issues like child custody and visitation, paternity/parentage, and guardianship. In a custody or visitation petition, any parent can have an attorney. Family Court will assign counsel to a parent or custodian who cannot afford one.

Family Legal Care

Family Legal Care is a community organization that supports NYC residents with the tools, resources, and legal advice they need while fulfilling their family obligations. Their lawyers give people timely, detailed legal advice and help with their case plans. Among other things, they assist with filling out petitions, advise on what to say to the judge, and help with the next steps in a case—all types of services.

Contact their helpline at (212) 313-1122 English and Spanish bilingual advocates. Receive family law information, referrals, and appointments with our staff attorneys for in-depth case support. Learn more about their educational and legal services at https://familylegalcare.org.

Updated on May 29, 2024

Child Support Services (Financial Support by Non Custodial Parent)

Child support refers to the provision of financial funds by a parent who does not have custody of a child. If you are the custodial parent of your child and your child necessitates financial support, you have the option to open a case to get child support.

To file a child support petition, visit the Human Resources Administration (HRA) website at www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-services.page.

Through the Office of Child Support Services (OCCS), the HRA will receive, process, and assist you in getting the following services:

• Locating your child’s other parent
• Formalizing parenting arrangements
• Establishing a support order (this opens the case in Family Court) and
• Facilitating funds transfers to you

You don’t have to be a citizen to get this service and you won’t be asked about your immigration status.

For more information, visit access.nyc.gov/programs/child-support-enforcement or email dcse.cseweb@dfa.state.ny.us.

Resources

• Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)
www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-services.page

• NYC ACCESS HRA Child Support Mobile App
www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/childsupportmobile.page

• Child Support Calculator
https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/child-support-calculator.page

• Technology needs with Computers, Internet, Phones, Scanners, Printers
familylegalcare.org/techhub

• Custody and Visitations
ww2.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/family/faqs_custodyandvisitation.shtml

• Legal Help
familylegalcare.org/how-family-legal-care-helps

Updated on May 29, 2024

Divorce

Divorce cases don’t require a lawyer, but the Supreme Court is difficult to navigate without one. This matters if you’re fighting for divorce. You can hire a lawyer in several ways.

1. Contact your local legal services group. Some New York examples are Legal Aid Society, NYLAG, and LSNYC.
2. Your local Bar Association can assist you in choosing a lawyer. If you’re poor, a lawyer can aid for free. However, hiring a divorce lawyer takes time.
3. The court must provide a lawyer if your divorce involves child support, visitation, or an Order of Protection. Ask the judge for a free lawyer. This divorce lawyer handles this part. They can only assist with custody, visitation, or protection.

These steps can help you get a divorce without a fight if you don’t want to hire a lawyer: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/divorce/divorce_withchildrenunder21.shtml.

To get a hard copy, go to the Matrimonial Support Office at the Supreme Court in the borough where you live. Ask for the details and forms for an uncontested divorce.

Resources
Legal Information Guide about Divorce by HER JUSTICE
https://herjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Divorce-2020.pdf

Updated on May 29, 2024