N.Y. Mental Hygiene Law § 81.14: Record of the proceedings

§ 81.14 Record of the proceedings.

(a) A record of the proceedings shall be made in all cases.

(b) The court shall not enter an order sealing the court records in a

proceeding under this article, either in whole or in part, except upon a

written finding of good cause, which shall specify the grounds thereof.

In determining whether good cause has been shown, the court shall

consider the interest of the public, the orderly and sound

administration of justice, the nature of the proceedings, and the

privacy of the person alleged to be incapacitated. Where it appears

necessary or desirable, the court may prescribe appropriate notice and

opportunity to be heard. Court records shall include all documents and

records of any nature filed with the clerk in connection with the

proceeding. Documents obtained through disclosure and not filed with the

clerk shall remain subject to protective orders under the civil practice

law and rules.

(c) The court shall not exclude a person or persons or the general

public from a proceeding under this article except upon written findings

of good cause shown. In determining whether good cause has been shown,

the court shall consider the interest of the public, the orderly and

sound administration of justice, the nature of the proceedings, and the

privacy of the person alleged to be incapacitated.

(d) At the time of the commencement of the hearing, the court shall

inform the allegedly incapacitated person of his or her right to request

for good cause that the court records be sealed and that a person,

persons, or the general public be excluded from the hearing.