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Simple English definitions for legal terms
family court
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A quick definition of family court:
Family court is a special court that deals with problems that happen in families. This court only handles certain kinds of problems, like when parents get divorced, when they fight over who gets to take care of their children, or when someone in the family is being hurt or abused. Each state and city has its own rules for how family court works. Sometimes, family court also helps decide who should take care of someone who can't take care of themselves, like an older person or a child with special needs.
A more thorough explanation:
Family court, also known as domestic court, is a type of court that deals with cases related to family law. This court has limited jurisdiction and only hears cases that involve family law matters. Examples of cases that are heard in family court include:
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Domestic abuse
- Guardianship (in some jurisdictions)
- Incompetence hearings (in some jurisdictions)
Family court is governed by state and local law, which means that the procedures and rules can vary depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, some jurisdictions may have family courts that handle guardianship and incompetence hearings, while others may leave these matters to probate courts.
The examples given illustrate how family court deals with cases that involve family law matters. For instance, if a couple decides to get a divorce, they would need to go to family court to settle issues related to property division, child custody, and spousal support. Similarly, if a child is being abused by a family member, the case would be heard in family court to determine the best course of action to protect the child.