Modern Courts' Family Court Task Force issued a report to the Chief Judge of the State of New York calling for the major reforms to the Family Court in New York. The Family Court faces an ongoing crisis and emergency. This is especially true during unprecedented negative economic conditions that will further flood the already inadequate resources of Family Court. This Call to Action outlines recommended reforms that, when grounded upon strong leadership, can begin to deliver quality justice in a timely fashion to the families seeking relief in the Family Court.

The Task Force offers recommendations in the following areas:
Administrative leadership, Allocation of judicial resources, Courtroom control and case management, Judicial education and support, and Resources for litigants and technological solutions

Read the Report:

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White Paper on Improving Family Help Centers in Family Court

Equal access is a cornerstone principle of our judicial system. In New York Family Courts, where more than 80 percent of litigants proceed without counsel, that principle is at risk. Unrepresented litigants are often overwhelmed by legal complexities and procedural hurdles. Court staffs are not prepared (or, sometimes, permitted) to provide the assistance litigants may need. Given the critical importance of the issues addressed in Family Court, unrepresented litigants are in dire need of support.
This report examines the challenges faced by unrepresented litigants and the valuable role that help centers play in ensuring that such litigants can effectively advocate for their interests and the interests of their families and children. Broadly defined, help centers are operational systems that assist unrepresented litigants in navigating the court system.

Read the Report

Family Court Help Center Report

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Other Issues

Modern Courts supports increasing the number of Family Court judges. Modern Courts is a lead member of the Coalition for More Family Court Judges. To join the coalition please e-mail advocacy@moderncourts.org.

2010 Proposed Legislation:

Follow S5968/A8957A Bill for More Family Court Judges

2010 Memo for Family Court Judges

Members of Coalition
2009 Memo to Assembly
Press Release on Senate Passage of Bill

Court Monitoring Project

Modern Courts is actively monitoring Family Courts in New York State. A project was recently completed in Warren and Washington Counties. We are now seeking volunteers for Suffolk County for a project to begin in April/ May 2010. For more information on the program please see our Court Monitoring page or email us at justice@moderncourts.org to volunteer.