Family Court - Richmond County

About This Court

Richmond County Family Court on Staten Island handles custody, visitation, child support, abuse/neglect, and family offense cases for the borough's residents.

Staten Island's Family Court has a smaller caseload than other boroughs, which can mean faster processing and more accessible staff. However, the same formal request process applies. Because the court is smaller, staff may be more responsive to phone or email inquiries about request status.

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

Who Can Request

Only parties to the case and their attorneys of record may request transcripts. The public cannot access Family Court records. Pro se litigants may request transcripts of their own proceedings.

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 with your docket number, hearing date, judge's name, and part.
2. Submit via EDDS, by email to the Richmond County Family Court address, or by mail/in-person at the Richmond Terrace courthouse.
3. The court locates the recording and forwards it to your selected vendor from the OCA-approved vendor list.
4. The vendor provides a price quote and timeline; you pay the vendor directly and receive the transcript upon completion.

Fees & Timing

Vendor rates are typically $1.00-$3.50 per page. Because Staten Island's caseload is lighter, turnaround may be on the faster end of the 30-60 day range. Expedited service is available. Fee waivers are available through UCS poor person application forms.

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)