Which court has subject matter jurisdiction for matrimonial actions in New York?

• A. Supreme Court
• B. Family Court
• C. County Court
• D. Court of Appeals

Answer: (A)

In New York, matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, or annulment) are civil actions that fall under the Supreme Court, which is the court of general jurisdiction. The Supreme Court handles these matters as the trial court for such actions, including related issues like property division and alimony. Family Court deals with many family-law issues, especially those involving children and protective orders, but it does not adjudicate a divorce itself. The Court of Appeals is the highest appellate court, not a trial court, and County Court does not handle matrimonial actions as its main role. So the action for divorce is brought in the Supreme Court.