NCBA WebLaw(Understanding Nassau County’s Court System)

NCBA WebLaw – Nassau County Courts and Jurisdiction

Understanding Nassau County’s Court System

There are 8 types of courts located in Nassau County: Supreme Court, Court of Claims, Surrogate’s Court, County Court, Family Court, District Court, City and Village Courts. The nature of the claim or controversy determines which court is responsible to hear the case.

Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2400
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/10jd/nassau/index.shtml
The Nassau County Supreme Court is a court of general jurisdiction. This means that the court may hear any claim or controversy. The Supreme Court is the only court with the authority to address matters related to the termination of a marriage, including separation, annulment and divorce.

Court of Claims,/h4>
262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2800
http://nyscourtofclaims.courts.state.ny.us/index.shtml
The New York State Court of Claims is the exclusive forum for civil litigation seeking damages against the State of New York or certain other state-related entities. The Court of Claims has no jurisdiction over any city, county or town government, or over any individual defendant.

Surrogate’s Court

262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2847
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/10jd/nassau/surrogates.shtml
The Nassau County Surrogate’s Court generally hears cases involving the affairs of deceased individuals, including the probate of wills and the administration of estates. Guardianships and adoptions are also handled in Surrogate’s Court.

County Court

262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 571-2800
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/10jd/nassau/county.shtml
The County Court generally handles felony crimes committed in Nassau County.

Family Court

1200 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York 11590
(516) 571-9055
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/10jd/nassau/FamilyCT/index.shtml
The Family Court has jurisdiction over child support, custody and paternity proceedings, family offenses, juvenile delinquency, adoption, guardianship, and child protective proceedings.

District Court

99 Main Street, Hempstead, New York 11550
(516) 571-2200
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/10jd/nassau/district.shtml
The Nassau County District Court handles civil matters for money damages up to $15,000, small claims (including night small claims) for damages up to $5,000, landlord/tenant proceedings, traffic violations and criminal matters involving misdemeanors, violations and infractions.

City Courts

City Court of Long Beach
One West Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
(516) 431-1000 City Court of Glen Cove
13 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542
(516) 676-0109
Nassau County has two city courts, Long Beach and Glen Cove. Each city court handles civil matters for money damages up to $15,000, small claims for money damages up to $5,000, landlord/tenant proceedings and criminal matters involving misdemeanors, violations and infractions.

Village Courts

Every incorporated village in Nassau County has a village court, except for three – Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck and Thomaston. Each village court may handle civil matters for money damages up to $3,000, landlord/tenant proceedings, traffic violations and criminal matters involving misdemeanors, violations and infractions. More information may be found at http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/townandvillage/introduction.shtml

The information provided by the Nassau County Bar Association is not meant to serve as specific legal advice for a particular situation or as a substitute for consultation with a lawyer. If you require the services of a lawyer, you may call the Nassau County Lawyer Referral Service at (516) 747-4832, emailreferral@nassaubar;, or go to www.nassaubar.org.

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