Emergency Family-Law Resources in New York
Official starting points for immediate safety, temporary child-related orders, protective orders, and NY child protective services.
Temporary orders involving children
New York does not promise same-day rulings on any private emergency or temporary filing. Use the Family Court's emergency / temporary procedure and approved forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.
A parent or relative can request a temporary custody order through the Family Court procedure; a parent usually proceeds through the custody/visitation petition (Form 17 / GF-17) and, where applicable, the family-offense route.
Orders of protection
A Family Court order of protection is issued under the Family Court Act (Article 8) by a family or household member — no filing fee. A judge may issue a temporary order ex parte. A final order generally lasts up to 2 years (up to 5 in aggravated circumstances). Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.
NY child protective (OCFS / ACS)
Reports of abuse/maltreatment go to the NYS Central Register / Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720 (24/7); call 911 for immediate danger. The report can lead to a child protective investigation (by ACS in NYC or local CPS) and, if warranted, an Article 10 child protective proceeding in Family Court. An 'unfounded' finding does not prove a report was knowingly false and does not by itself end parenting time.
- DRL § 240 — custody and child support
- Family Court Act — orders of protection
- NYS OCFS — Child Protective Services
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the receiving court.