Our Mission

To provide legal representation to the City of New York, regarding the safety and well-being of its children, families and communities and in the furtherance of the operation of its government, through The Law Department’s tradition of excellence and dedication.

Juvenile Justice

The Law Department’s Family Court Division is committed to the safety and well-being of the community and all its members. This includes those harmed as well as the youth alleged to have caused the harm. We are a citywide division whose staff works 365 days and nights a year in every borough and centrally at 100 Centre Street for weekend, holiday and night court operations. The Juvenile Justice system is geared toward rehabilitation. The process seeks to ensure that victims of youth crime can heal; that youth who commit offenses that would be considered crimes if they were adults, are held accountable for their actions and receive services that will contribute to their rehabilitation; and that all those who are affected by a case can move forward into a future, where the safety and well-being of the community are supported by all. Learn more about this service.

Interstate/International Child Support

Attorneys appear on behalf of out-of-state as well as international custodial parent petitioners who are seeking to establish paternity and obtain child support from New York City residents. These cases are referred to our office by the NYS Child Support Processing Center Interstate Central Support Registry; and then to our office by the county Family Courts.

Our Division also assists NYC residents, and a custodial parent who lives in New York City may seek the Unit's assistance in filing for child support from parents who live outside the state and the country. Learn more about this service.