Queens County Supreme Court, Civil Term

Overview of the Civil Term

The Queens County Supreme Court, Civil Term is a primary trial court within the 11th Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. Located in the heart of the Jamaica Civic Center in Queens, this court exercises broad jurisdiction over civil matters. Unlike ‘Supreme Courts’ in other legal systems which are often courts of last resort, in New York, the Supreme Court is a court of general original jurisdiction. This means it has the authority to hear virtually any type of case, although in practice it primarily focuses on complex civil litigation, cases involving monetary claims exceeding the jurisdictional limits of lower courts (typically over $25,000), and matters of equity such as divorce, foreclosure, and injunctions. The court plays a vital role in the administration of justice for the diverse population of Queens County.

Court Locations and Administration

The Civil Term operates primarily out of the historic Jamaica Courthouse at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard. This neoclassical building is a landmark in the community and serves as the central hub for civil filings and trials. Additionally, the court maintains a presence at the Long Island City Courthouse for specific matters. The Queens County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Supreme Court, overseeing the maintenance of court files, the processing of judgments, and the collection of fees. The court is divided into specialized parts to handle cases efficiently, including:

• Matrimonial Department: Adjudicates actions for divorce, separation, and annulment, including issues of child custody and equitable distribution of assets.
• Commercial Division: A specialized venue designed to resolve complex business and commercial disputes with streamlined procedures.
• Foreclosure Part: Manages the high volume of mortgage foreclosure actions, often mandating settlement conferences to explore alternatives to home loss.
• Guardianship Part: Handles proceedings under the Mental Hygiene Law for the appointment of guardians for incapacitated persons.

Security and Visitor Protocols

Security is a top priority at the courthouse. All visitors are required to pass through magnetometer screening (metal detectors) upon entry. Bags and personal items are subject to X-ray inspection. To ensure a safe environment, strict policies are enforced:

• Prohibited Items: Weapons of any kind, pepper spray, sharp objects (including scissors and knitting needles), and glass bottles are strictly forbidden.
• Electronic Devices: While cell phones are generally permitted in the building, they must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms. Taking photographs or recording video within the courthouse is strictly prohibited without a specific judicial order.

Accessibility and Transit

The Jamaica Courthouse is exceptionally well-connected to public transportation, making it accessible from all parts of New York City and Long Island. It is situated just a few blocks from the Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave subway station and the Jamaica LIRR Station, which also serves as a transit point for the AirTrain to JFK Airport. Numerous bus lines stop directly outside or near the building.

Filing Fees and Payments

Litigants filing documents must pay statutory fees. The County Clerk accepts payments via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), postal money order, or certified bank check made payable to the ‘Queens County Clerk.’ Cash payments are accepted but only in person at the cashier’s window. Personal checks are generally not accepted for court fees. Fee waivers (Poor Person Orders) are available for eligible indigent litigants upon application.