Recently as a court conference was coming to a close, a petitioner thanked me profusely and said, “You must help so many people every day. It’s so nice.” I could tell that she was sincere and I was appreciative.  It is a truly magical moment when a litigant values the tireless work being put forth by myself and the other Family Court staff. Countless people stream through our doors seeking relief when faced by challenges in their personal lives. They come, or are brought, to Family Court for assistance.

Family Court Act Section 141 “defines the conditions on which the family court may intervene in the life of a child, parent and spouse.” N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 141 (McKinney’s 2024). Family court jurists are granted “wide discretion and grave responsibilities” for “dealing with the complexities of family life so that its action may fit the particular needs of those before it.”