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.
But little to no data exists about its implementation, Meier said, and elsewhere the concept’s legal applications are too new and too difficult to measure given that many family courts don’t make such proceedings public and don’t compile such data themselves. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 Some experts say the changes will face complications in being added to the existing system for divorces, custody disputes and family court battles. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 The original version of the bill also would have directed family court judges to consider a parent’s acceptance of a child’s gender identity when determining custody. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 This evidence points to family court proceedings as a place where interventions could work. Kathryn Spearman, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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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