Between January and March of 2019, more than 66 thousand new cases were brought before family courts across America.

Many people wonder what the family court is for. If you’ve been told to bring a case before the family court, you might be confused. Continue reading to find out the types of cases that are family court cases.

What is Family Court?

The term “family court” usually refers to several smaller courts that deal with specific matters arising out of family relationships. For example, a “family court” might have a courtroom that deals with adoption or custody and a different court for restraining orders.

What Are Family Court Cases?

Which types of cases are dealt with in family court? There are many different types of family court cases. The most common are listed below.

Divorce

Divorce is one of the most common reasons people go before the family court. Many divorces can be settled out of court. When the two parties can’t agree on the terms of the divorce, however, it is taken before the family court.

Adoption and Child Custody

Both adoptions and child custody disputes are handled in family court. During these proceedings, a judge will rule in favor of guardianship. Sometimes, a guardian might be a relative of the child in question.

Adoption proceedings are usually formalities meant to approve the paperwork. Child custody hearings are often held because the parents can’t agree on a custody arrangement out of court.

Protection Orders

A protection order is often referred to as restraining orders. When domestic violence has occurred, the victim can file for a protection order that helps keep them safe from their abuser.

To receive a protection order, the two involved parties must appear before a judge in the family court. The victim must prove their life is in danger if the abuser is allowed continued contact. A judge will make the final decision in these family court cases on whether a final (or permanent) protection order is warranted.

Paternity

Family court cases include paternity disputes. This is when a father questions whether a child is his. These cases also occur when the mother or grown child is unsure of paternity.

Juvenile Issues

All juvenile cases are family court cases. This includes criminal charges leveraged against minors. The only time a minor is tried as an adult is in the case of severe felonies.

Emancipation orders and underage marriage approvals are also family court cases. A family court judge will also be responsible for approving work orders for minors.

Name Changes

When an adult wants to legally change their name, the matter is considered a family court case. If you live in California and need help with your name change process, the experts at EZ Name Change can take care of all the court forms, filings, and appointments for you so you don’t have to struggle. Typically, these cases are a formality and the courts don’t have to find out more than the basics. Most name changes are granted as long as the paperwork is filed and a fee is paid.

Find Out More

Family court cases can stem from a variety of different issues. The one thing they all have in common is that they are issues arising out of family relationships.

Do you still have questions about family court cases? Check out our other blogs for more useful advice and information.

Mandy X

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.