Divorce education, drug counseling and other such auxiliary services will be arranged by the court's case manager. This puts additional work on the judge and court employees to administer, but it's a wonderful concept and a kinder, more user-friendly way to deal with families. Frye, joined by Judge Tom Ross, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, and Chief District Court Judge John Smith, kicked off the new family court initiative at the New Hanover County Courthouse Dec. 9. 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.