The Family Court deals with a wide range of relationships, from children who have not yet been born through to older people who are in need of care and protection.
On this page:
In the video below, Principal Family Court Judge Jacquelyn Moran explains how the Family Court works, what it looks like, who can attend, and what types of cases it deals with.
The Family Court hears cases on a broad range of topics. This includes, but is not limited to, care and protection of children, adoption and surrogacy, separation, relationship property, wills, family and sexual violence, child abduction, mental health, and child support. Wherever possible, the court aims to help people resolve their own problems by way of counselling, conciliation and mediation.
Although the Family Court is essentially a private forum – in that it deals with very sensitive matters – the Court is still a part of our justice system. Family Court decisions must be as open to the public as possible so that the Court can be accountable.
Find out more about: Judicial independence and accountability.
The Ministry of Justice website has a large amount of information related to Family Court matters, including family violence, relationship break up, care of children, relationship property, wills, sex or gender change, paternity, and adoption:
The Family Court(external link)
Care of Children(external link)
Care of children process overview (diagram) [PDF, 1.8 MB]
Family Violence(external link)
No filming or recording of any hearing may be made by members of the public, the media, lawyers, or litigants (parties) without the express permission of the presiding judge.
Guidance on the rules around taking notes, and the prohibition on covert recordings of court hearings, can be found in the following judgment:
S v Family Court at Manukau [2021] NZHC 259 [PDF, 211 KB]
For more information on in-court media coverage, see the page:
Filming, recording, or taking photographs in court
This website explains many of the things you might want to know if you are coming to the Youth Court, or just wondering how the Youth Court works.
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Ministry of Justice website with information on family issues including about going to court, forms and other times when you may need help.
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For information about courts and tribunals, including going to court, finding a court & collection of fines and reparation.
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On this site you will find information about our Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court including recent decisions, daily lists and news.
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