New York Family Courts Open to the Public
New York officials reaffirmed that the state's Family Courts are open to the public. People going to those courts should follow some rules of court etiquette.

January 15, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- New York Family Courts Open to the Public

The idea of going to court can be daunting. Those who have had no prior encounters with the law may suddenly find themselves needing to go to court for a domestic matter such as divorce, child custody or child support. One way to calm fears regarding a court appearance is to observe other hearings to see what goes on in the courtroom beforehand. In New York, Family Courts are open to the public, a rule that top court officials recently reaffirmed. People may also benefit from following a few courtroom etiquette tips during their hearings.

Reaffirming Open Courts

In 1997, New York court officials issued rules that opened its Family Courts to the public. Officials emphasized the need for the public to have confidence in the judicial process, which only comes with transparency. A New York Times investigation in November 2011 revealed that many Family Court judges were not allowing the public into their courtrooms. As a result of the newspaper's story, the state's chief administrative judge issued a memorandum emphasizing that Family Courts should be accessible to the public and offering tips for judges to help facilitate the process.

The memo stressed the need for open courts to Family Court judges. The memo acknowledged that judges do have the power to exclude the public from the courtroom for particularly sensitive cases, but noted that if they choose to do so they must issue written findings justifying the decision. The memo suggested that court officers ask people entering the courtroom "in a respectful manner" if they have personal interests in the case or merely observing. If they are observers, the officer should still allow them in the courtroom, "subject to the limitations of courtroom capacity."

Tips for the Courtroom

Many people feel nervous about appearing in court for the first time. Those who are going to court should follow some simple guidelines for behavior:
-Dress appropriately: dark suits, long-sleeved shirts, closed toe shoes
-Be on time
-Do not chew gum or bring food or beverages into the courtroom
-Silence cellphones and other electronic devices
-Be polite to the judge
-Avoid emotional outbursts and yelling
-Answer questions directly and succinctly

Having some knowledge of what to do in court before a hearing can remove some of the stress associated with a court appearance. Having an attorney who can advise you will also help. If you are having problems with a domestic matter, contact an experienced family law attorney who can help you work through your situation.

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