Family Cases
Family cases include dissolution of marriage, separation, marriage annulment, paternity actions, alimony and spousal support,
child support, domestic abuse actions, termination of parental rights, and reproductive technology. It also includes custody,
support, and visitation issues. In some court jurisdictions, adoption matters may also be heard in family court while other
court jurisdictions include adoptions in juvenile court.
Most family court matters are open to the public, which means that hearings and files are open for public viewing. However,
paternity and adoption hearings are not open to the public. They are considered confidential, and only the parties involved
are allowed to participate or have access to the information in the files. Domestic abuse actions are confidential when they
are filed. However, once the respondent is served with the petition, they are open to the public and are no longer confidential.
In family court matters, there are usually two main parties. Typically, the party filing the case is considered the petitioner,
and the other party is considered the respondent. In matters of paternity, the county may be involved as a joint petitioner
in the case. Most matters are heard before a judge or a referee. It is unusual for family matters to have a jury trial.
Note: In Odyssey, juvenile family cases are considered to be a part of family cases.Juvenile Family Cases
Juvenile family cases include child protection cases that involve allegations of neglect or abuse that are made against the
parents or legal guardians of the child. The final outcome of child protection matters can be the reunification of the family,
permanent placement of a child outside of the home, or termination of parental rights whereby the child becomes a ward of
the state.