Family court handles a range of legal matters, such as protection orders, child abuse allegations or custody arrangements. Each time a case is filed it receives its own unique docket number which appears on all related documents such as complaints, summonses and orders.
Family courts differ significantly from civil and criminal courts by not placing blame, so when making inquiries into their court records status they must be specific when making requests.
eCourt Kokua
Hawaii residents have free online access to basic court case information through eCourt Kokua, which provides access to District and Circuit Court criminal, Family (Adult) Civil, Tax Land Appeals cases as well as public records and documents (although certain records may be sealed due to confidentiality orders or confidentiality orders).
Hawaii State Judiciary has introduced an enhanced search feature on eCourt Kokua for public access that allows individuals to locate information regarding upcoming court hearings, marking an important step towards modernizing its information management systems.
The new eCourt Kokua service is now available at most circuit courts, including Honolulu Family Court. This system provides free access to public records and documents in criminal adult cases as well as providing regular and certified copies at a fee schedule for those seeking regular or certified copies of documents. Updates of case information occur daily; however, information displayed does not represent all available data sets to the public.
FindLaw
Since 1995, FindLaw is a legal directory and marketing services company offering resources to attorneys, law students, corporations, law firms and practice management professionals. Their websites feature extensive collections of case law, statutes and blogs as well as resources specifically targeted to these categories. Located in Eagan Minnesota with Internet Brands having acquired them in October 2024.
FindLaw offers various marketing services, such as search engine optimization (SEO), website design and social media management. However, some lawyers claim these strategies don’t deliver as promised while others feel the cost associated with working with FindLaw is too great for their law firm.
FindLaw creates and hosts websites for each law firm it represents, enabling lawyers to showcase their expertise while improving search rankings. In return, FindLaw receives potential client inquiries that come directly to them as potential client inquiries; in exchange for this service they pay FindLaw a fee over three years and sign a three-year agreement.
New York State Unified Court System
The New York State Unified Court System serves to administer legal matters concerning families and children throughout New York State, with courts located in every county and borough of the state. Family courts serve to adjudicate cases concerning custody, child support payments, domestic violence claims and domestic homicide.
Members of the public who want to access family court records must fill out an application form available on courts and counties websites in order to ensure they request only relevant records. Some family courts charge a fee for copies of these documents.
New York State Unified Court System’s free online portal called eCourt Kokua provides information about appearances scheduled in all family courts and IDV courts located within their counties, search by File or Docket Number or generate calendars sorted by County/Judge combination; users can also utilize its comprehensive guidebook covering various family law cases.
New York County Clerk
The New York County Clerk is a government office responsible for handling official documents and records, such as filings and registrations of official documents and records, marriage license applications and property deed registration. Their staff can provide assistance either via telephone or in person with requests made directly to them; an administration fee applies per service rendered.
The Family Court handles legal family matters such as domestic violence, child abuse, custody, support and guardianship cases. Additionally, this court hears cases related to adoption, juvenile delinquency parental rights responsibilities paternity. Although some Family Court records may be openly accessible others remain sealed.
Concerned parties may request copies of records from the Family Court either online or by visiting its location in person. A request should include as much detail about what information is desired as possible and must include identification card as proof. There will also be an administration fee applicable when having documents delivered.