Let’s talk about Family Court cases
Family Court is where families go when parents are fighting each other. The truth is Family Court is where parents go when they’re seeking a divorce, but a judge needs to decide things like where you should stay and financial matters.
If you’ve been to a CAC, you probably have an ongoing criminal case or CHINS case.
You might even have all three.
In Family Court, it’s just you, your family, and the judge
No DCS caseworkers are involved. You don’t need an attorney. Just you and the judge. The judge may ask you some questions. Just be honest and speak your mind if they do.
Your parents might have attorneys
It’s not always the case, but your parents may have attorneys in Family Court. You don’t need one, though.
A judge may assign a “special advocate” (a “CASA”) to you, but this is pretty rare.
Family Court can take a long time
The average Family Court case lasts about a year, but they can take many years if parents disagree about a lot of important things, like money, houses, and cars.
The Judge can order your parents to do things
Family Court may require your parents go to counseling, or separate, or maintain a specific schedule for you to visit each parent. A judge will usually decide how much Child Support one parent pays to the other, too.
