Family Law

The implementation of laws affecting families is one of the most difficult both for mothers and fathers and for the practitioners assisting them in finding resolution to legal issues related to children. In the public hearings the Commission held in the summer of 2008 to learn about issues impacting women and their families, testimony on family law provided information that suggests that California is failing to protect its most vulnerable children.

Whether it is child support enforcement, the foster care system, or the family courts, the rights and safety of many women and children are at risk. Courts are overburdened and court personnel often lack knowledge and resources needed to address the complex issues of domestic violence and child abuse. Women often suffer financially and emotionally as a result of unjust rulings. While family law is a very complex issue, the Commission is committed to continued work to improve outcomes for all family members.

To learn more about this issue, please see below.

• Child Support Collection: Should California Standardize or Privatize? (PDF) - A report summarizing expert testimony discussing whether the current "county-driven" child support collection system is working, and to explore options to standardize or privatize California's overall system.
• Legal Recognition of LGBT Families (PDF)

Please visit our family law links/resources section for additional information.