Family Court

Family Court

Family Court, the common name of courts established by provincial statutes to administer FAMILY LAW. Judges are appointed by the provincial government. Although the 3 main consequences of the breakup of a marriage or common-law relationship - custody of and access to children; support obligations among spouses, parents and children; and division of property - fall under family law, provincially appointed judges cannot adjudicate on property division or divorce and its consequences - matters which must be heard by a superior court. Family courts also deal with adoption in some provinces. Most provinces have a family and youth division of their provincial court. These courts deal with family matters (maintenance and custody under provincial legislation, child welfare matters and young offenders). Some provinces have unified family courts. In these courts the judges are appointed by both the federal and provincial governments and can deal with all aspects of family law.