Family Court - New York County

About This Court

New York County Family Court in Manhattan handles custody, visitation, child support, abuse/neglect, and family offense cases for Manhattan residents.

As the Manhattan Family Court, this location serves as a central hub for family matters in New York County and often handles complex multi-party cases. The court accepts transcript requests via EDDS, email, and mail, and coordinates closely with OCA-approved vendors. Manhattan's courthouse is near multiple other courts, which can cause confusion about where to submit requests.

Proceedings are recorded using a mix of digital and stenographic methods. Audio recordings are not released to litigants; the court sends recordings to an approved transcription vendor.

Who Can Request

Only parties to the case and their attorneys of record may request transcripts. The public does not have access to Family Court records. Self-represented litigants may request transcripts of hearings in which they participated.

What You Can Request

• Certified transcript: Yes. Official transcripts are available.
• Audio copy: No. Audio recordings are not provided to litigants.
• On-site listening: Yes. You may request to listen to the recording at the courthouse.

Recording method: Mixed (digital audio and stenographic)

What You Need (Data Checklist)

• Case name and index/docket number
• Date(s) of the proceeding
• Judge's name and courtroom/part (if known)
• Your contact information (name, phone, address)
• Selected transcription vendor from the approved list

Court-Specific Process

1. Complete the Request for Transcript (Electronic Recording) form, listing the docket number, hearing date, judge's name, and part.
2. Submit via EDDS, by email to the Manhattan Family Court address, or by mail/in-person at the Lafayette Street courthouse.
3. The court identifies the recording and transmits it to your chosen vendor from the OCA-approved vendor list.
4. The vendor contacts you with pricing and timeline; you pay the vendor and receive the transcript directly.

Fees & Timing

Vendors charge $1.00-$3.50 per page for standard service. Expect 30-60 days for delivery. Expedited and daily copy service are available at premium rates. If cost is a barrier, you may apply for poor person relief using UCS fee waiver forms (UCS-FW1 through UCS-FWO1).

Common Pitfalls

Before You Submit

Required Forms

Fee Waiver (Poor Person Relief)

Fee waiver available via poor person relief; submit fee-waiver application and supporting forms

To apply for a fee waiver, you'll need these forms:

• Application to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FW1)
• Notice of Motion to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FW2)
• Affirmation of Service (Motion to Waive Fees) (UCS-FW3)
• Order – Application to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FWO1)