WordNet
n. a court in some states in the United States that has jurisdiction over family disputes (especially those involving children) [syn: domestic relations court, court of domestic relations]
Wikipedia
A family court is a court of Equity convened to decide matters and make orders in relation to family law, such as custody of children. In common-law jurisdictions "family courts" are statutory creations primarily dealing with equitable matters devolved from a court of inherent jurisdiction, such as a superior court. Family courts were first established in the United States in 1910, when they were called domestic relations courts although the idea itself is much older.
Family courts hear all cases that relate to familial and domestic relationships. Although each state has a different system utilized to address family law cases, each state strives to provide families with the best possible outcome in family law cases. Family courts can also issue decisions regarding divorce cases.
Family court may refer to:
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Family court, any court that deals with family law
- Family Court of Australia
- Family Court of Western Australia
- Family Court (Hong Kong)
- Hawaii State Family Courts
- Family proceedings court in England and Wales
- Family Courts Act 1980 of New Zealand
The Family Court (Ireland) is a division of the District, Circuit and High Courts that deals with family law matters in Ireland. In principle all hearings are in camera and reporting is anonymous, restricted and issued quarterly by a single journalist. The following matters are covered by the Family Court:
- Judicial Separation including maintenance and custody
- Divorce
- Nullity
- Relief following a foreign divorce or separation outside the jurisdiction
- Declaration of Marital Status
- Determination of property disputes
- Remedies against the estate of a deceased spouse
- Declarations of parentage
- Barring Orders and Injunctions
The court has been the subject of criticisms which have led to its procedures being included in the Third Programme for Law Reform, as well as the attempted implementation of new procedures.
Usage examples of "family court".
We were separated, and the probate and family court was in the process of cleaning me out, but good.
I was in Family Court once, listening to Davidson sum up on a case, watching him for the UGL - they wanted to know what he was made of before they hired him for a homicide case.
They walked down Centre Street past the black Family Court Building.
He guessed that the wouldn't arrest Leavey, they'd let him off with a warning, poor bastard, they saw it at the courthouse, in family court, all the time, a father, custody suit, he's desperate to see more of his kids, discovers after he loses them how he loves them, and the wife, too.
With her mother and two brothers in prison, and her father's identity yet to be revealed, Mordecai was of the opinion we should petition the Family Court for the appointment of a trustee to handle the affairs of Lontae's estate.
One morning I went to a family court to interpret for a young man accused of attacking a woman with a knife while trying to steal her purse.