What to Write Down at Every Appearance
This guide is about New York Family Court. Other states run on different rules.
Many court parts announce dates out loud. They hand you nothing on paper to take home. If you do not write it down yourself, you may not have it at all.
The five things to write down
- The next date and time.
- The part and the judge.
- What the court directed each side to do before that date.
- Whether a written order was issued.
- How to get a copy of that order.
Why each one matters
The next date and time is the one most people remember. The other four are the ones people forget. They are often the ones that matter most later.
The part and the judge help you find your case again. What each side was told to do lets you check whether it happened. Whether an order exists tells you if the date was final. How to get a copy means you are not stuck relying on memory.
Take this with you
Print the capture sheet below and bring it to every appearance. Fill it in before you leave the courtroom, while the details are fresh.
Case name or number: ____________________________
Today's date: ____________________
1. Next date and time
2. Part and judge
3. What each side must do before that date
4. Was a written order issued?
5. How to get a copy of that order
Sources
- 22 NYCRR 205.12 — the rule under which a Family Court conference sets dates and directs next steps.
Where Jethro Justice fits. We help you understand the process and get organized. For advice about your specific case, or to be represented in court, we will help you connect with a licensed attorney. Find a lawyer or legal aid →