Family Courts under The Family Courts Act, 1984

The purpose and aim of establishing the Family Courts is to protect and preserve the institution of marriage and to promote the welfare of children and provide for settlement of disputes by conciliation. The Family Courts Act extends to the whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir.   Every State Government after consultation with the High Court establishes in every area in the state, a Family Court. One or more judges head it and preference is given to women judges.   SUITS OR PROCEEDINGS FILED IN FAMILY COURT   The Family Courts are empowered to deal with the following matters: A suit or proceeding between the parties to a marriage for nullity of marriage or restitution of conjugal rights or dissolution of marriage. A suit or declaration as to the validity of a marriage or as to the matrimonial status of any person A suit or proceeding between the parties to a marriage with respect to the property of the parties or of either of them. A suit or proceeding for an order or injunction in circumstances arising out of a marital relationship. A suit or proceeding for a declaration as to the legitimacy of any person A suit or proceeding for maintenance. A suit or proceeding in relation to the guardianship of the person or the custody of, or access to, any minor. Family Courts also have jurisdiction exercisable by a Magistrate of the 1st class relating to an order for maintenance of wife, children and parents under the Code of Criminal Procedure.   DUTIES OF FAMILY COURT   The family Court shall make an endeavor to assist and persuade the parties in arriving at a settlement.   If the Court feels that there is a reasonable possibility of a settlement the Court may adjourn the proceedings for such period as it thinks fit to enable attempts to be made to arrive at a settlement.   FAMILY COURT- A CIVIL COURT   Family Court shall be deemed to be a civil Court (except for proceedings relating to Maintenance of wives, children and parents relating to the Code of Criminal Procedure).   PERSONAL APPEARANCE MANDATORY   No party shall be entitled as a right to be represented in a Family Court by a legal practitioner. The parties to the proceedings have to appear themselves and put forward their case. RECORD OF ORAL EVIDENCE AND BY AFFIDAVIT   The Court shall record what the witness deposes and the memorandum shall be signed and form a part of a record. The Court may on the application of any of the parties summon and examine any such person as to the facts contained in the affidavit.   APPEAL   An appeal lies to the High Court from every judgement or order passed by the Family Court. However no appeal lies against a decree or order passed by the Family Court with the consent of the parties under proceedings relating to maintenance of wives, children and parents under the Code of Criminal Procedure.   LIMITATION   An appeal to the High Court from every judgement or order not being an interlocutory order passed by the Family Court has to be filed within 30 days.   ADDRESSES   DELHI   BANGALORE   BOMBAY