Established in September 1962, the New York State Family Court is celebrating its silver anniversary. The court’s direct predecessor was the Children’s Courts, founded in 1922. In constructing a comprehensive Family Court the forerunner’s jurisdiction was expanded by adding child custody, domestic violence, paternity, adoption, and concurrent with the Supreme Court, post-divorce modification and enforcement actions.1
The 50th anniversary represents an opportunity to sketch both the court’s history and its possible future. This article will outline the pre-Family Court history, briefly describe the post-1962 developments, and conclude by suggesting initiatives to further the court’s ability to adjudicate contemporary family issues.
