family court

noun

Examples of family court in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some guardians in family court cases reviewed by the Sun Sentinel have charged parents over $200,000. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026 The internet has made Boyne something of a celebrity among some family court critics. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2026 In both cases, the systems designed to protect families—family courts, mental health services, domestic violence intervention programs—were present in the background but did not converge in time. Earl Smith, Time, 5 May 2026 The remaining 10% are either on a legal hold placed by an outside agency – such as federal authorities or a correctional facility in another state – are awaiting transfer to a different facility or are ordered to be incarcerated for allegedly violating family court orders. Nancy La Vigne, The Conversation, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for family court

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of family court was in 1917

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Cite this Entry

“Family court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20court. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

family court

noun
: a court that has jurisdiction and often advisory powers over domestic disputes involving the rights and duties of husband, wife, parent, or child especially in matters affecting the support, custody, and welfare of children compare juvenile court

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