Delaware Family Court: An Overview of the System and Services

The Delaware Family Court is a specialized court system dedicated to handling family-related legal issues, such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases. Established in 1971, the court was designed to be a more compassionate and efficient approach to resolving family matters compared to traditional courts. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Delaware Family Court, including its jurisdiction, services, and how it differs from other courts.

Jurisdiction of the Delaware Family Court

The Delaware Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over a wide range of family law matters. These include:

1. Divorce and annulment: The court handles all aspects of divorce and annulment proceedings, from initial filings to final decrees, including property division and spousal support.

2. Child custody and visitation: The court determines custody and visitation arrangements for children involved in custody disputes, focusing on the best interests of the child.

3. Child support: The court is responsible for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders.

4. Domestic violence: The Delaware Family Court issues protection from abuse orders (PFA) and handles criminal cases related to domestic violence.

5. Adoption: The court oversees the adoption process, ensuring that the best interests of the child are met.

6. Guardianship: The court appoints legal guardians for minor children or incapacitated adults.

7. Termination of parental rights: The Delaware Family Court has the authority to terminate parental rights in cases where it is in the best interest of the child.

8. Juvenile delinquency: The court handles cases involving minors who have committed criminal acts.

9. Dependency and neglect: The court addresses cases involving child abuse, neglect, or dependency, and may order protective services or remove children from unsafe environments.

Services Provided by the Delaware Family Court

The Delaware Family Court offers a variety of services to help families navigate the legal process. Some of these services include:

1. Mediation: The court provides mediation services to help families resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. This can be particularly useful in cases involving child custody, visitation, and support.

2. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases.

3. Family Court Mental Health Services: These services are available to help address mental health issues that may arise during family court proceedings.

4. Parent Education Classes: The court offers classes designed to help parents learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

5. Supervised Visitation Program: This program ensures that children have safe and structured visits with their non-custodial parent.

6. Domestic Violence Advocacy Program: This program connects victims of domestic violence with advocates who can provide support and resources.

Differences Between the Delaware Family Court and Other Courts

The Delaware Family Court is unique in several ways, designed to better address the sensitive and complex nature of family law matters. Some key differences include:

1. Specialization: Unlike traditional courts, which handle a variety of legal issues, the Delaware Family Court focuses solely on family law matters. This specialization allows the court to better serve families by having a more in-depth understanding of the legal issues at hand.

2. Judges: Judges in the Delaware Family Court undergo specialized training in family law, allowing them to be better equipped to handle the unique challenges that arise in these cases.

3. Informal Atmosphere: The Delaware Family Court strives to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere in the courtroom, compared to traditional courts. This can help reduce stress for families during what can already be a difficult and emotional time.

4. Family-Oriented Approach: The Delaware Family Court places a strong emphasis on family relationships and the best interests of children. This means that judges and court staff will work to find solutions that preserve family connections whenever possible.

5. Services and Programs: As outlined above, the Delaware Family Court offers a wide range of services and programs designed to support families through the legal process. These resources are not typically available in traditional courts, making the Delaware Family Court a unique and valuable resource for families in need.

Conclusion

The Delaware Family Court is a specialized court system dedicated to helping families navigate legal issues related to divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and more. With exclusive jurisdiction over family law matters and a range of services and programs available, the Delaware Family Court is uniquely equipped to address the sensitive and complex nature of these cases. By placing a strong emphasis on family relationships and the best interests of children, the court works to find solutions that preserve family connections whenever possible. If you are facing a family law matter in Delaware, the Delaware Family Court may be able to provide the support and guidance you need.