Stated Purpose/Mission Statement
Committee on Families and the Law
January 2017
The Committee on Families and the Law is charged with
serving as the Association’s focal point for examining the functions of New
York’s courts as those courts address issues involving families. While the
primary focus of the Committee involves the New York Family Court, the
Committee’s charge is not limited to Family Court because families may also be
involved in other parts of the court system.
The Committee researches, studies and recommends measures,
including legislative and administrative approaches, and promotes
implementation of these recommendations for:
*Increasing
assistance for parties, particularly the unrepresented and those with special
needs or circumstances, such as those in rural areas, immigrants and others
with language difficulties, and those with disabilities that affect their
ability to access the courts, through closer work with the court system,
development of more pro bono resources through the bar, law schools and other
institutions, and greater use of technology.
*Seeking greater
consistency in the standard for appointment of counsel for adults in the Family
Court.
*Increasing the use
of magistrates and mediation in the Family Court.
The goals listed below will likely involve consideration of
the views of the Committee on Children and the Law and other appropriate NYSBA
entities, either through joint efforts or consultation:
*Providing greater
resources for court functions, both primary and ancillary (for example, the
resources needed for Family Court in response to the proposed raise the age
legislation or to re-open the Children’s Centers in all of the Family Courts).
*Assessing the need
for additional judgeships.
*Supporting the
development of standards for the use of psychological evaluators and other
forensic experts.
*Increasing the use
of technology in cases involving family issues.
*Furthering
communication among NYSBA, other bar associations, law schools, other relevant
institutions and the court system on issues relating to families and the law.
VIEW THE COMMITTEE'S APRIL 2018 REPORT HERE.
VIEW THE TASK FORCE ON FAMILY COURT'S FINAL REPORT HERE.
Committee Roster
