Family Courts

Established by statute in 1965, the Family Court's mission is to provide a fair, speedy, economical, and accessible forum for the resolution of matters involving families and children.

Children

The Family Court hears legal matters involving children. These include:

• Delinquency.
• Status offenses.
• Abuse and neglect.
• Termination of parental rights.
• Adoption.
• Guardianships.
• Detention.

Domestic Relations

The Family Court also hears domestic relations cases, including:

• Divorce.
• Child support.
• Paternity.
• Uniform child custody jurisdiction cases.
• Miscellaneous custody matters.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases include:

• Requests for civil restraining orders involving family members.
• Persons charged with the offense of abuse of family and household members.
• Felony charges limited to offenses against household members.

Other Cases

The Family Court also hears civil commitment cases, guardianships of adults, and adult abuse cases.