You may choose to file your own Family Court petition. To do so, go to the website listed below and choose the type of petition you want to file. Completed petitions must be filed with the General Clerk of the Family Court (631-853-4289).
In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
A custodial parent may file a petition with their local child support agency. That petition will then be forwarded to the New York City Law Department office in the county where the non-custodial parent resides. This matter will then be litigated in the New York City Family Court located in the same borough.
Petitions MUST be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or a Family Court Clerk. Once your petition is completed and your signature notarized, you can either mail it to Family Court or submit it in person during our stated business hours. Paternity Petitions must be submitted with a copy of the Birth Certificate.
On Long Island, there are also dozens of town and village courts that handle small claims; use the New York court's website to locate a specific town or village court. Remember, the small claims limits in town and village courts is $3,000. While in district and city courts the small claims limit is $5,000.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.