The Family Law Division represents the Department of Social Services in Family Court on matters of paternity, support, child abuse and neglect, foster care, severance of parental rights, persons in need of supervision (PINS) and juvenile delinquency (JD) cases. Works cooperatively with the County Attorney's office with regards to County matters in Family Court.

The Legal Department is responsible for all litigation by or against the Department of Social Services including: Article 78 Proceedings, Article 81 Proceedings and Administrative Hearings. Provides legal advice to all other units of the Agency. Prepares and processes contracts entered into by the Agency. The Fair Hearings Unit subdivision of the Legal Dept. represents the Agency in administrative reviews requested by public assistance applications/recipients who request case reviews. The Legal Department oversees two enforcement units: (i) Special Investigations, and; (ii) Resource Recovery. See separate service listings for detailed descriptions of these units.