West Henrietta Family Attorney
Family lawyers can help with cases that involve matters related to family relationships, especially those of children and parents. Family-related legal proceedings can be stressful and often difficult. Representation from a West Henrietta family lawyer can help protect your family and your interests.
Hire a Family Lawyer
Trotto Law Firm, P.C., provides a client-centered approach to family law cases. Our law firm understands the importance of resolving family matters and strives to help our clients rebuild their lives and families. We view family law matters as problems to solve instead of battles to fight.
What Cases Are Heard in Family Court?
In New York, the Family Court hears cases related to familial legal matters. The court hears cases involving the following:
- Custody and visitation rights for children
- Abuse and neglect of children
- Juvenile delinquency
- Family offenses that involve abuse
- Support of children, spouses, and ex-spouses
- Termination of parental rights
Most cases are heard by a judge, but support and paternity cases are heard by a support magistrate.
How to Start a Case in Family Court
To start a case in Family Court, you and your attorney will need to complete and file a petition with the court. The individual who files the petition is known as the petitioner, and the other party is called the respondent.
Typically, you will file your petition in the county where the child involved in the case resides. Each county in New York has its own Family Court.
In Monroe County, the Family Court is located at 99 Exchange Blvd., Hall of Justice, Rochester, NY 14614. All petitions will need to be filed either electronically or in person at the court clerk’s office, which is located on the 3rd Floor, Room 360.
In 2024, the Monroe County Family Court heard over 23,000 cases, including 7,996 that dealt with custody and visitation, and 7,957 support-related cases.
What to Expect at the Initial Hearing?
During the initial hearing or appearance, the judge will review the petition and explain the charges. The judge will also set a date for the attorneys to meet with the judge’s law clerk to discuss the petition and determine if the parties can reach an agreement out of court. If the parties can’t reach an agreement, the judge will set the date for a trial.
If you are unable to make it to court on the day of your hearing, it is extremely important to inform your attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will be able to request a different hearing date with the court.
It is important to arrive at the courthouse on time on the day of your hearing. If you fail to arrive or you arrive late, the judge may dismiss the petition (without a further hearing) if you are the petitioner. If you are the respondent, the judge may decide to grant the petition in your absence. In some cases, the judge may even arrest an individual who does not come to court.
Contact a West Henrietta Family Attorney
Trotto Law Firm, P.C., feels clients should be involved in the process and have a right to understand how the legal system works. Our team will make you feel like a participant and listen to your needs. To schedule an initial consultation with our experienced team, please contact the office.
