Panel to study issues facing New York Family Courts

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New York State Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson and Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas announced the formation of a panel that will study issues affecting Family Court cases.

The state’s Family Courts have been beset by longstanding challenges and heightened scrutiny, according to a news release from officials at the state Unified Court System.

The 53-member panel is a centerpiece in the Unified Court System’s reassessment of the best approach to a broad range of complex and persistent issues impacting families who litigate in New York’s courts, according to the release.

The panel’s aim is to promote equity, access, transparency and understanding within the family justice system statewide, court officials said.

“Our family courts and justice system handle urgent matters involving deep-rooted, systemic issues. We are striving to do better in responding to the essential needs of New York’s children and families in crisis,” Zayas said in the release.

The panel’s findings and recommendations will be reported to Wilson and the court system’s judicial leadership team.