A magistrate would hear a domestic violence petition. The county commission might hear a dispute over guardianship of a minor. Several circuit judges might hear juvenile delinquency proceedings, abuse and neglect proceedings, or contempt or appeal proceedings from any of the other decision makers. The unified family court system promotes the idea of one judge per family and is a way to conserve resources. The conservation of resources is crucial in the domestic relations area.
Domestic relations is the fastest growing segment of the circuit courts' caseload.
Divorce filings outrank all other civil filings in 26 of West Virginia's 31 circuits. In 1997, domestic cases comprised 43 percent of the civil caseload, and about one-third of all cases statewide. Believing that a unified family court system is the best way to address the growing caseload and the needs of families, the Commission urges voters to pass Amendment Two.