The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease!

In filing complaint it is one should understand that the systems in place are self review systems and don't often result in any action.  DO NOT LET THIS DISSUADE YOU FROM FILING COMPLAINTS.  Any complaints you file should be sent to FaFNY and also to your Senator and Assemblyman.  In fact, it is a good idea to develop a CC list that is longer than the complaint letter and include local, county state and federal elected officials, government agencies, bar associations, non profit agencies and news outlets.  When I first met with government policy makers I would point out a problem and they would dismiss the argument because they had no COMPLAINTS ON FILE.  Be careful of filing a complaint against a Judge that you are going to be before and may consider waiting until you case is over before filing.  Once you file a complaint against a Judge, or any other person, you need to request that they not participate in your case due to a potential conflict of interest and ask for their removal on the record. 

    The Unified Court System has an award system in place to reward their employees for good behavior.  They also post "letters" on their web site stating what a good job they are doing.  I suggest that each person who has been victimized by the NYS Courts download "Clean Floors Don't Guarantee Civil Rights" and send it to the Office of Court Administration at the address below and ask them what they are doing to correct this problem.

Child Support:

Problems with child support collection need to be filed with the county in which the collections occur.  You may also want to send a copy to the NYS Office of Child Support Enforcement.  You can find a list of contact information by County Here.  You can also send a copy of your complaint to FaFNY.  While we can't advocate for you on an individual basis we can request of NYS Office of Child Support Enforcement to correct the systemic problem which is causing your individual problem.

Attorney Complaints: 

[To File a Complaint Against an Attorney click Here] They usually fall into two categories;  First are billing disputes which can be sent to arbitration and the second is malfeasance, or improper or criminal conduct.  If an attorney is incompetent you might consider a fee complaint and then follow that up with a formal complaint against his/her actions.

Court/Judge Complaints:

For assistance with questions about the court system in general, legal information, or any court-related matter, please send an e-mail to: question@courts.state.ny.us Your email will be forwarded to the appropriate court personnel who will handle your request.

Mailing Address:

New York State Unified Court System
Office of Court Administration
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
1-800-COURTNY / 1-800-268-7869

[To File a Complaint Against a Judge click Here]

[To File A Complaint Concerning a Court Employee click Here]