Family Court Overview

The Family Court

The Family Court falls under the Family and Children Division of the High Court, Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a problem-solving court which seeks to resolve conflict in family matters by providing specialist support where necessary. Family matters include divorce, legal custody, maintenance, property issues and access.

Family Court Services

The Family Court is a ‘one-stop-shop’ which offers a range of support services located within one building. Family mediation and counselling services are readily available and the Court can refer parties to these services. The Court also recognises that certain family issues require support which may not be available at the Court. In those instances, persons in need of special types of assistance can be referred to service providers including psychologists, psychiatrists and other social services providers.

Family Court Facilities

The Family Court is designed to promote collaboration between parties and reduce the feeling of intimidation that hinders conflict resolution. The Court is fully computerised and has an automated case management information system - the Trinidad and Tobago Judicial Information Management System (TT.jim). This facilitates speedy and efficient means of dealing with routine operations such as filing, processing and retrieving case information.

Matters at the Family Court are heard in Hearing Rooms. These rooms are designed to provide a more comfortable and less intimidating environment for all parties. This atmosphere facilitates more open discussion of issues and affords the parties an opportunity to speak directly to the Judge or Master. The rooms create a level of privacy and comfort resulting in parties feeling empowered.

The Family Court provides appropriate child-friendly waiting spaces which are utilised when parents or guardians are conducting business at the Court, including attending a court hearing, filing an application or attending a session with the Social Services Unit. Well trained court staff supervise children in this room. The waiting rooms are equipped with books, toys and educational material for child occupants.