A family court is a court convened to decide matters and make orders in relation to family law, such as custody of children. In common-law jurisdictions "family courts" are statutory creations primarily dealing with equitable matters devolved from a court of inherent jurisdiction, such as a superior court. The Family courts were first established in the United states in 1910, when they were called domestic relations courts although the idea itself is much older.[1]
Family courts hear all cases that relate to familial and domestic relationships although each state has a different system utilized to address family law cases, each state strives to provide families with the best possible outcome in family law cases. Family courts can also issue decisions regarding divorce cases.[2]
Cases involving children are primarily dealt with under The Children Act 1989, amongst other statutes. Two types of scenario are covered by The Children Act 1989: private law cases, where the applicant and respondent are usually the child's parents; and public law cases, where the applicant is the local authority and the parents are usually respondents. There is much debate at present over whether the manner in which the law is administered generally leads to outcomes that are beneficial to the families concerned. In this context, see fathers' rights.
If an accredited DNA tester is required the Ministry of Justice maintains a list of accredited laboratories to which to refer to. Alpha Biolaboratories based in Warrington, UK is at the top of that list
Cases involving domestic violence are primarily dealt with under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996.