Wilmington is the state's fifth pilot family court. The judge to whom the case is assigned will be much more aware of what's going on with each case, while a case manager will address the root causes of a problem and help find resolution for family conflicts. Family courts provide a more consistent, efficient use of trial court resources. The new family court concept is underway in Mecklenburg and Durham counties and the 20th district consisting of Anson, Richmond, Stanly and Union counties. The General Assembly appropriated funds during the 1999 session to expand the concept to three additional sites.
Family court is one of the most significant developments in our court system's history.
It is a real change in the way we address the problems facing our families, and I believe it will prove to be very successful and will provide many benefits, particularly for our children.