Family Court Overview

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. In dealing with these matters, the Family Court facilitates the following:

• Court applications and variations to existing court orders
• Requests for copies of court orders
• Access to domestic violence court services including protection orders
• Registration for online court-ordered maintenance payments
• Enforcement of maintenance orders (e.g. preparation of warrants)
• Family mediation to resolve family disputes
Supervised access visits by parents/guardians
• Psychosocial enquiries for evidence-based decision-making
• Referrals for psychosocial assessments and evaluations for court matters
• Counselling for children, parents/guardians and other family members
• DNA testing as ordered by the Court
• Divorce proceedings and finalisation
• The adoption process 

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.

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.

Until further notice, all Family Court applications must be filed online at eservices.ttlawcourts.org. To pay maintenance payments, visit courtpay.ttlawcourts.org. Members of the public may contact the Court via email or via telephone at: 

• Family Court, Port of Spain - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (868) 223-1060 ext. 1254-1258
• Family Court, Princes Town - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (868) 223-1060 ext. 6400
• Family Court, Tobago - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (868) 223-1060 ext. 1259 – 1261 / 1265
• Convert2CourtPay Hotline - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 866-CPAY (2729)
• CourtPay Help Desk - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (868) 628-8529 ext. 3619
• Domestic Violence Hotline - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 866-DVCT (3828)

Click to download the Family Court Fact Sheet

Click to download the Family Mediation Fact Sheet

Click to download the Divorce Handbook