The Family Court

The Family Court helps in disputes and other situations between parents or other adults, where children are involved.

For instance; - When parents have split up and cannot agree on when they should see their children, or who they get to live with. (this is called contact and day-to-day care. Also, the agreement finalized by the Court is called a Parenting Order).
- When parents can not agree on where their child lives, or what school they attend (these are some of the rights of guardianship)
- When a mother of a child asks for an order naming the father of her child (this is called paternity)
- When parents cannot agree on financial support for children after they have split up (this is called maintenance).
- In a situation where a child has been neglected or abused, the Family Court can be asked to make an order for care and protection. This might involve having the child live with someone else like a safe family member.
- When a child is being adopted.

Family Court Judges are chosen for their special knowledge and experience in family matters. The courtrooms are set up so that families and children can feel comfortable, with special waiting rooms and facilities. These cases are not open to the public, so outsiders can’t find out what is happening in your family situation. (2) Usually, nothing that goes on in the courtroom can be reported in the newspapers if it involves a person under the age of 18. (3)


The Family Court deals with disputes between parents over guardianship, custody or access to children. They also deal with cases where the mother of a child asks for an order naming the father of her child (paternity) and cases of maintenance for children.

These cases are not open to the public, so that outsiders can’t find out what is happening in your family situation. In situations where a child has been neglected or physically or sexually abused the

Family Court can be asked to make an order that that child is in need of care and protection, and other orders to save the child from further abuse.

Adoptions are also dealt with in the Family Court.

Family Court Judges are chosen for their special understanding of and experience in family matters. The courtrooms are comfortably furnished with special waiting rooms and facilities. Hearings are held in private and nothing can be reported in the newspapers.