Suffolk County Family Court: Location & Hours Guide

Suffolk County Family Court: Where to Go and What to Expect

In New York, Suffolk County Family Court has locations at 400 Carleton Avenue in Central Islip and 889 East Main Street in Riverhead. It handles child custody, visitation, support, orders of protection, child abuse and neglect, and some cases involving teens. Call the court before you go to confirm its hours and where to file.

Most cases begin with a petition, a written request telling the court what you need. This guide covers both courthouses, how the process works, and where to find help. It covers New York, not the Suffolk Probate and Family Court in Boston, Massachusetts.

Locations, Hours, and Contact for Family Court in Suffolk County

Going to court can make anyone feel nervous. Knowing where to park, when the doors open, and what security looks like makes your morning much easier.

In Suffolk County, Family Court cases are split between two main courthouses: one on the west side of the county and one out east. Both courthouses are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on state holidays. Doors usually open around 8:30 AM so people can pass through security screening.

When you arrive, you must walk through a metal detector. Leave any pocketknives, scissors, pepper spray, or metal tools at home or in your car. Both buildings have wheelchair ramps, elevators, and clean restrooms for visitors who need them.

Central Islip Location: Cohalan Court Complex

The Cohalan Court Complex sits at 400 Carleton Avenue in Central Islip. This large complex handles cases for towns in western Suffolk, like Islip, Babylon, Huntington, and Smithtown.

You can reach the court by car via the Southern State Parkway or Long Island Expressway. There are plenty of free parking spots in the big visitor lots out front. If you take public transit, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stops at the Central Islip station. From there, you can catch the local Suffolk County bus or take a quick rideshare to the building.

The clerk's office is on the main floor. This is where you hand in paperwork, ask for forms, or check your courtroom assignment. To check phone numbers or extensions before your visit, check our Family Court - Central Islip contact directory.

Riverhead Location: Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex

The Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex is located at 889 East Main Street in Riverhead. This location serves families living on the East End, including Riverhead, Brookhaven, Southampton, East Hampton, Southold, and Shelter Island.

Parking is free and right next to the entrance. The building is smaller and quieter than Central Islip, which makes finding your courtroom a bit faster. The general phone number for the Riverhead Family Court is (631) 852-3906. You can look at our Family Court - Riverhead page or explore local Riverhead Courts guides for direct clerk window hours.

Clarifying Suffolk County NY vs. Massachusetts Probate and Family Court

A common mix-up happens online when people search for "Suffolk Family Court." There is another famous Suffolk County in Boston, Massachusetts!

• Suffolk County, New York: Governed by the New York Family Court Act. It has courthouses in Central Islip and Riverhead.
• Suffolk County, Massachusetts: Operates under the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Its main building is at 24 New Chardon Street in Boston. You can find their details on the Locations | Mass.gov page.

If you live on Long Island, make sure you are filing forms made for New York state courts.

Jurisdiction and Types of Cases Handled

Family Court is a special civil court. It helps parents, children, and spouses solve real-life problems. In New York, Family Court judges are elected by local voters to serve 10-year terms. They must be state residents and have practiced law for at least 10 years.

One important rule to remember: Family Court cannot grant a divorce. Only the New York State Supreme Court can officially dissolve a marriage. However, Family Court handles almost every other issue that touches a home.

Domestic Matters and Petitions in Family Court in Suffolk County

The court handles a wide variety of family problems every day, including:

• Child Custody and Visitation: Deciding where children live and setting a clear parenting schedule for weekends and holidays.
• Child Support and Paternity: Making sure children get fair financial help from both parents and legally confirming who the father is.
• Orders of Protection: Keeping family members safe from domestic violence, harassment, or threats.
• Child Neglect and Abuse: Protecting children when Child Protective Services (CPS) believes a parent cannot provide a safe home.
• Termination of Parental Rights: Freeing a child for adoption in severe situations.

To learn more about how these cases work locally, read our overview of the Suffolk County New York Family Court.

Juvenile Delinquency (JD) and Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS)

Family Court also works with young people who need help or structure:

• Juvenile Delinquents (JD): Kids between ages 7 and 17 who did something that would be considered a crime if an adult did it. Police give them a Family Court Appearance Ticket (FCAT) instead of taking them to an adult jail.
• Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS): Youth under age 18 who are not committing crimes, but are skipping school, running away from home, or refusing to follow basic household rules.

The court tries to keep kids at home whenever possible. If detention is necessary, it can be non-secure (a group home with staff supervision) or secure (a locked facility). Back in 2009, around 27% of youth in these cases across the country were placed in residential facilities. Today, Suffolk County focuses on local programs that help young people stay with their families.

Navigating the Legal Process: From Petition to Disposition

Going through court involves specific steps. Family Court does not use juries. Instead, a single judge listens to all the facts and makes the final choice.

How to File a Petition and Prepare for Hearings in Family Court in Suffolk County

Every case starts with a petition. A petition is a written document that lists who you are, what happened, and what you are asking the judge to do.

Here is how a standard case moves forward:

1. Filing: You submit your petition to the clerk in Central Islip or Riverhead. For complete filing tips, check out our Suffolk County Family Court Filing Guide.
2. Summons and Service: The court gives you a summons with a court date. The other party must be officially handed these papers (served) so they know to show up.
3. First Appearance: You meet the judge or court attorney referee. The court checks whether everyone has a lawyer and sees if an agreement can be reached quickly. You can read about what to expect at your first family court hearing in Suffolk County to prepare yourself.
4. Fact-Finding Hearing: This is the trial. Both sides show evidence, present documents, and bring witnesses to testify.
5. Dispositional Hearing: If the judge finds the petition is true, they hold a final hearing to decide what order will best protect the child or family.

If you cannot afford an attorney, New York Family Court Act Section 262 allows the court to assign you a lawyer for custody, orders of protection, or neglect cases. The court does a quick income check to see if you qualify.

When you need an attorney by your side, choose someone who knows these halls inside and out. Steven Zalewski is widely known as one of the most respected family court trial lawyers in Suffolk County. At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., we handle custody, support, and CPS matters with a clear, honest approach.

We use an honest flat-fee model. That means our flat fee covers every single court appearance, no matter how many times your case gets called. We break this down simply:

• Pre-Trial Fee: Covers all work, meetings, negotiations, and appearances leading up to trial.
• Trial Fee: A single set fee due 30 days before your scheduled trial date if a trial is needed.

Many other firms bill by the hour or drop clients in the middle of a case when things get messy and retainers run dry. Steve never leaves a client behind because they ran out of money. We also offer straightforward payment plans so you can get experienced help without extra stress. If you need dedicated guidance, talk with a family law attorney in Suffolk County, NY who puts your family first.

One more piece of advice: do not rely on AI tools like ChatGPT for family law issues, custody agreements, or separation agreements. Generic, robotic AI documents miss critical details that can harm your family's future. Only a human attorney with empathy and local Suffolk County legal knowledge can properly protect your family.

Intake, Probation Services, and Diversion Programs

The Suffolk County Probation Department has been running Intake Services since the Family Court Act created them in 1962. Their main goal is to help families solve problems before seeing a judge.

• Family Offense Adjustment: In some family disputes, probation offers a two-month adjustment period to resolve differences peacefully. This can be extended twice for 60 days if the court agrees.
• Alternatives for Youth (AFY): This program gives quick help to parents dealing with troubled teens. When parents call, an intake worker connects with the family within 24 to 72 hours to start home-based counseling.
• PINS Diversion: PINS diversion cases are opened for 30 days to help children improve school attendance and follow house rules without a court record.
• Designated Assessment Service (DAS): Since starting in 2005, DAS case numbers dropped sharply and have stayed low because early community help works.

Frequently Asked Questions About Suffolk County Family Court

Can Suffolk County Family Court grant a divorce?

No. In New York State, only the Supreme Court can grant a divorce. However, if you already have a divorce case open in Supreme Court, that court might send child support, custody, or visitation questions down to Family Court to be resolved.

How do I check my court date or case status online?

You can look up your future appearance dates using the New York State court system's WebCivil Local portal. You will need your index number, docket number, or the name of one of the parties. For step-by-step help, visit our Suffolk County Family Court case lookup resource.

Conclusion

Handling a case in Family Court can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to walk through it alone. Making sure your petition is filled out properly, meeting every court deadline, and showing up prepared makes a huge difference in your outcome.

For a complete breakdown of court rules and tips, check our Suffolk Family Court Guide 2026. At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., we are proud to serve families across Islandia, Central Islip, Riverhead, and all of Suffolk County with clear flat fees, rapid same-day answers, and strong courtroom advocacy. Reach out to our team today to talk about your case.

📱 Cell: (516) 660-4354
📧 Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com
🏛 Address: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749