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Helping Families by Maintaining a Strong Well‐Funded Family Court that Encourages Consensual Peacemaking: A Judicial Perspective
Author(s) -
Lewis Hon. Thomas Trent
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
family court review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.171
H-Index - 4
eISSN - 1744-1617
pISSN - 1531-2445
DOI - 10.1111/fcre.12158
Subject(s) - family court , autonomy , perspective (graphical) , peacemaking , mediation , intervention (counseling) , family law , law , child custody , conflict resolution , psychology , political science , psychiatry , computer science , artificial intelligence
This article explores alternatives for the court process that promote a child‐centered approach to resolution of family law issues including a summary of procedures used in Los Angeles County to assist families. The article also explores alternatives to the traditional custody litigation model. Key Points for the Family Court Community: Evaluations and trials are not the only tools available in family law. Structured court ordered counseling can provide a meaningful intervention and reduce family conflict. Alternative forms of mediation can help families address the “need to be heard” and retain personal autonomy in decision making. The court system should help educate families about how to resolve conflict in a safe, effective, and meaningful way.