Family

Family business within the civil division currently deals with all matters relating to:-

• divorce;
• financial provision matters relating to divorce;
• adoption proceedings;
• children's matters such as contact orders and parental responsibility; and
• judicial separation.

Children

If an application is regarding children, the court may make decisions on;

• where the child(ren) will live;
• who the child(ren) will see; and
• financial support for the child(ren).

Please note: If you are an unmarried couple who have children, and you are no longer in a relationship, maintenance payments are dealt with by the Court of Summary Jurisdiction - Financial Provision.

Divorce

The court deals with all matters relating to divorce including the granting of divorce applications and financial support.

Attending a family court

A family court is usually a 'closed' court, meaning members of the general public are not permitted to come and sit in the public gallery. In family cases only certain people will be allowed in the courtroom, these include:-

• the applicant (the person who has made an application to the court for an order);
• the respondent (the person against whom any order applied for may be granted);
• advocate(s) if either or both parties are legally represented;
• court welfare officer (if requested);
• a Guardian ad Litem (if appointed); and
• any witnesses.

The court may decide that other people should be included in the proceedings and will make an order to that effect.

You may be allowed to take a 'friend' in to court with you. To do this you must first ask the Deemster's permission.