New York Filing and E-Filing: Spend Less Time on Paperwork
FamilyCourtHelp is an independent educational platform. It is not a court, law firm, government agency, or government partner. We organize and link to publicly available resources published by courts and government agencies. Official requirements may change. Always confirm current requirements with the applicable court or clerk.
NYSCEF is New York's e-filing system. If you do not have a lawyer you are never required to e-file, but you can choose to use NYSCEF for divorce cases in counties where it is offered, and Family Court e-filing is available only in some counties and case types.
Whether you can e-file depends on your county and case type, so check with your county clerk or the court help center first.
In New York, online filing is only partly open to a parent without a lawyer, so check what applies to your court before you count on it.
Official New York filing resources
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NYSCEF (NY State Unified Court System): NYSCEF is New York's e-filing system. If you do not have a lawyer you are never required to e-file, but you can choose to use NYSCEF for divorce cases in counties where it is offered, and Family Court e-filing is available only in some counties and case types. https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/HomePage
New York official filing information (New York judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in New York and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.nycourts.gov/divorce/matrimonial-e-filing-through-nyscef
Find a NY court (by county and court type) (New York judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.nycourts.gov/find-court
New York family law forms (official index) (New York judicial branch): The official statewide collection of New York family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.nycourts.gov/forms/familycourt
New York court self-help resources (New York courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own New York family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp
New York rules of procedure (New York judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in New York. https://www.nycourts.gov/rules
Official link data for New York was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file my own family papers online in New York?
In New York, online filing is only partly open to a parent without a lawyer, so check what applies to your court before you count on it. Whether you can e-file depends on your county and case type, so check with your county clerk or the court help center first.
How much does it cost to file a family case in New York?
Divorce filing fee: ~$210-$335. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.
Which court hears family cases in New York?
Family cases in New York are heard in the Supreme Court. In New York, a DIVORCE is filed in the 'Supreme Court' - which is the TRIAL court, not the highest court. Both the Supreme Court and Family Court sit in each county.
Free co-parent text messaging with evidence organization and behavior pattern tools
Preparing for a family court conversation often starts with finding the right information. Free co-parent text messaging, evidence organization and behavior pattern tools help you connect selected messages, supporting records and dated observations so you can review the details and prepare questions for your attorney.
Free co-parent text messaging
Keep everyday discussions about your child's schedule, school and appointments in a time-stamped message history. A clear question and the replies that follow can be easier to review than scattered screenshots. Include the surrounding conversation when selecting messages for your records. Free direct text messaging gives you a starting point; optional calls and other tools have separate plan details.
Evidence Builder for case preparation
Organize selected messages, notes and supporting files with dates, clear titles and source descriptions. Keep original files available and distinguish what a record says from your explanation of it. Evidence Builder helps you assemble exhibits and find the material you want to discuss. It does not submit evidence to a court or determine whether any item will be accepted.
Review behavior patterns in context
Use behavior pattern tools to review communication over time and connect dated observations to their supporting records. Response timing, unanswered questions and member-added notes can provide starting points for your review. Check automated findings against the full conversation, including later replies or explanations. The tools do not establish intent, diagnose a parent or replace an attorney's assessment of your circumstances.
Direct text messaging is free. Optional tools, calls, reports and downloads may require a paid plan. Review the current pricing for what is included. See plans and pricing
New York custody and parenting-time resources
New York Courts also calls visitation parenting time. Use these official resources alongside your own organized records. Court information comes from the court system; these links do not imply endorsement of FamilyCourtHelp.
- New York visitation and parenting time
Official information explaining visitation and parenting time.
- Custody & visitation orders
Official information and help links for custody and visitation orders.
- Find a New York court
Use the official statewide directory to find the relevant court.