What is family court and how does it relate to juvenile court?

Family court and juvenile court are both part of the Washington State court system. Family court deals with family law issues such as adoption, divorce, parenting plans, and domestic violence. The court also handles legal guardianship and dependency cases. Juvenile court, on the other hand, handles matters involving minors between the ages of 8 and 18 who are accused of committing delinquent acts that would, if they were an adult, be considered a crime. Family court and juvenile court are often handled by the same judge, or in the same court house. Family court cases may arise from matters brought to the attention of the juvenile court, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In such a case, the juvenile court could order a child to be placed in protective custody and transferred to family court for further proceedings. In other words, juvenile court may refer a case to family court for resolution. In family court, the main focus is on the child’s best interests and finding a resolution that will provide a stable and safe home for the child. The court would also typically consider the wishes of the family and look at how the child is doing in school, how he or she is getting along with their peers and the community, and their overall well-being. The court may also consider rehabilitation services to help the child succeed. Juvenile court and family court both have the same aim—to provide a safe and stable environment for the child. The difference is that when the juvenile court deals with delinquency issues, family court is focused on the best interests of the child and finding a long-term solution to their current situation.

What is family court and how does it relate to juvenile court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts