GF-41: Petition for Enforcement of an Order of Custody/Visitation
Broken order compliance, not a stealth rewrite - quote the clause, date the misses.
GF-41 is New York's official Petition for Enforcement of an Order of Custody/Visitation. Parents generally file it in Family Court when a custody or visitation order exists, the language is readable, and someone is not following it. It is not GF-17 (start a first case) and not GF-40 unless your real remedy is new signed terms because life changed. CourtHelp describes enforcement when an order is not being followed; confirm local filing rules with official court resources or counsel you hire.
Official sources
- GF-41 PDF (English): https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/FORMS/familycourt/pdfs/gf-41.pdf
- NY Family Court custody/visitation forms index: https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/FORMS/familycourt/custodyvisitation.shtml
- CourtHelp custody and visitation hub: https://www.nycourts.gov/help/families-children/custody-visitation-orders
When to use GF-41
GF-41 is generally for parents who have a signed custody or visitation order and need the court to address non-compliance - for example when exchanges keep disappearing under the same readable rule. You will generally need a copy of the current order and a dated log matched to operative clauses. The CourtHelp custody/visitation hub describes enforcement paths and filing context; papers are generally printed and filed at Family Court. Copy counts and attachments may vary by county - check with your clerk.
| Sounds like GF-41 | Sounds like GF-40 instead |
|---|---|
| Clause is readable; exchanges keep disappearing on the same rule. | Schedule is obsolete after a move or school change; you need fresh paragraphs. |
| You can quote the paragraph that governs the missed block of time. | You need new holiday language or a new primary residence framework. |
Proof ladder (build bottom-up)
Clause pull
Copy the operative lines that define the time or decision you say failed.
Row log
Planned versus actual, neutral anchors, child-impact only when observable.
Exhibit match
Every row points to a PDF page or message ID you can find in under a minute.
GF-41 (this form)
Enforcement petition: ask Family Court to address non-compliance with an existing custody or visitation order.
Organize your enforcement log
MyCustodyCoach can help you gather clause quotes, planned-versus-actual rows, and an exhibit index in one place before you complete GF-41 or talk with counsel. MCC does not file forms for you and is not a substitute for a lawyer.
Related guides
More New York forms
State guides (overview)
General support (not New York-specific)
GF-41 questions
What is New York GF-41?
GF-41 is New York's General Form 41, the Petition for Enforcement of an Order of Custody/Visitation. Parents generally use it in Family Court when a custody or visitation order already exists, the language is readable, and someone is not following it. It is not the form to start a first case (GF-17) or to rewrite order language after a material change in circumstances (GF-40).
Where can I download the official GF-41 PDF?
New York State Unified Court System publishes GF-41 on its statewide Family Court forms repository at nycourts.gov (LegacyPDFS/FORMS/familycourt/pdfs/gf-41.pdf). The custody/visitation forms index and CourtHelp custody/visitation hub also point to official court resources. Use the official links on this page rather than third-party copies so you get the current court form.
When should I use GF-41 instead of GF-17 or GF-40?
Use GF-41 when you have a signed custody or visitation order, you can quote the operative clauses, and the problem is compliance - missed exchanges, denied time, or similar failures to follow readable language. Use GF-17 when you need a first order. Use GF-40 when life changed enough that you need new signed terms, not just pressure on the old ones. If you are unsure, review official CourtHelp materials or talk with counsel you hire.
Is GF-41 filed in Family Court?
Yes. New York Family Court custody/visitation materials describe filing an enforcement petition in Family Court. Papers are generally printed and filed at the court; the process is not e-fileable through the legacy DIY paths. County copy counts, attachments, and local filing rules may vary - check with your Family Court clerk and the official CourtHelp custody/visitation hub before you file.
Do I need an existing custody or visitation order for GF-41?
Yes. GF-41 is an enforcement petition. You generally need a custody or visitation order signed by a judge from a New York State court. You will generally need a copy of the current order and dated facts showing how the order was not followed. Confirm current filing requirements on the official CourtHelp custody/visitation hub linked on this page.
How does GF-41 differ from GF-40?
GF-41 addresses non-compliance with terms that are already written and readable. GF-40 asks the court to change order language when circumstances changed enough that the old terms no longer fit. If your relief sounds like replacing a holiday grid after a move, compare GF-40. If your relief sounds like quoting a clause and dating the misses, GF-41 may fit better.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm. Court rules, fees, and form versions change by county; confirm what applies to your case with official court resources or counsel you hire.