What to Expect in Court & Family Law Terms
Paolantonio Crawford, PLLC Demystifies Family Court
Whether you're preparing for your first court appearance or navigating ongoing custody or divorce matters, understanding the process—and the language—can help reduce stress and build confidence. This guide outlines what to expect in family court and defines common legal terms in plain language.
What Happens in Family Court?
Family Court in New York State handles legal issues related to custody and guardianship of minor children, child support, and child protective cases brought against parents and caregivers for abuse and neglect. It is designed to be more accessible and less formal than other courts, but it still follows procedures that can feel overwhelming without guidance. That’s why we are here to help.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
Security Screening – Similar to an airport, all visitors pass through security.
Check-in Process – Arrive early and check in with the court officer or clerk.
Waiting Period – You may wait before your case is called. Dress respectfully and bring something to occupy your time.
Court Appearance – Your case may be heard by a judge, magistrate, or referee. The courtroom will be open to the public except in very limited circumstances. As your retained attorney, we will be sitting next to you in the court room and making sure that you understand what is happening during this appearance.
Negotiations– Your attorney might talk to the other attorneys about your case and attempt to reach an agreement for a temporary or final order. You will probably not be present for these conversations but your attorney should keep you informed of what is being said and should not enter into any agreements without talking to you first. Attorneys are not supposed to talk directly to you without your attorney present. If you have an attorney and another attorney tries to talk to you about your case, let your attorney know right away.
Next Steps – The court may issue temporary orders or set a future date for continued proceedings. Once again, this part of the process is something that we will help you understand.
Other questions can be answered on the New York State Family Court Overview page.
Documents You May Encounter:
Petitions – The document that starts a case. When you first meet with us, we will either help you construct a petition or understand a petition that has already been filed.
Affidavit – A sworn written statement used to support your position.
Order – A written directive issued by the judge after a hearing.
Subpoena – A legal request requiring someone to appear in court or provide documents.
Family Law Terms in Plain English
Understanding legal terminology can help you follow what’s happening in your case and speak with confidence.
Here are some of the most common terms:
Custody: Legal authority to make decisions for a child and where the child lives
Parenting Time: The time a child spends with a parent (formerly “visitation”)
Petitioner: The person who starts the case
Respondent: The person responding to the case
Order of Protection: A legal order to help protect someone from harm or threats
Temporary Order: An order that is in place until a final decision is made
Stipulation: An agreement between parties, often made in writing and filed with the court
Adjournment: A delay or rescheduling of a court appearance
AFC (Attorney for the Child): A court-appointed attorney who represents the child’s interests
GAL (Guardian ad Litem): Sometimes used interchangeably with AFC, but may represent the child’s best interests (not necessarily their stated wishes)
For a full glossary of terms, you can visit the New York State website.
What Should I Wear to Court?
Court is a formal environment, and your appearance matters. Wear clean, conservative clothing that shows respect for the process. Avoid hats, shorts, ripped jeans, or revealing tops. If unsure, dress as if attending a job interview.
Tips for Your Court Day
Arrive Early – Aim for 30 minutes early to account for security lines and check-in and make sure to bring your ID!
Bring Documentation – Any court papers, notes, or evidence should be organized and easy to access .
Avoid Confrontation – Keep communication calm and respectful, even outside the courtroom.
Ask Questions – If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask us!
Visit New York Legal Aid for more Family Court Preparation Tips.
Next Steps
Understanding the court process and legal language is the first step toward feeling empowered in your family law case. Whether you’re preparing for a custody hearing, a family offense matter, or seeking a modification, knowing what to expect helps you stay focused on what matters most—your family’s well-being.
