Learn How the Legal Process Works: Gain valuable insight into how family court hearings are conducted and how cases are decided.
Exposure to Other Cases and Stories: Witness a variety of cases that can broaden your understanding of the issues faced by other families, particularly in high-conflict custody and domestic violence cases.
Reduced Fear of Court: As you observe more hearings, you become familiar with courtroom procedures, which can reduce anxiety when entering the courtroom yourself.
Learn Courtroom Etiquette and Procedures: Understand the expectations for behavior in court, including how to address the judge and other participants, and how proceedings typically unfold.
Network with Others in Similar Situations: Connecting with other court watchers who are navigating similar experiences can provide a valuable support network.
Access to Case Law and Legal Insights: Exposure to court proceedings allows volunteers to learn more about case law, legal procedures, and how attorneys present cases, potentially helping them with their own legal matters.
Our Court Watch Program is a volunteer-driven initiative focused on promoting transparency and accountability in family court proceedings. Since 2003, we have served as a powerful advocate for children's safety, particularly in cases involving domestic violence and high-conflict custody battles.
We connect individuals in need of court watch support with our dedicated volunteers who attend virtual and in-person court hearings. Our court watchers observe and document proceedings, offering a visible and supportive presence to survivors and families. This service provides comfort to those navigating the legal system by showing them they are not alone.
Request Support: Individuals can request court watch services through our website form.
Volunteer Assignment: We match each request with trained volunteers available to attend the hearing.
Court Watch Execution: Volunteers attend the hearings, take notes, and report back on observations, helping to ensure transparency and fairness. This provides valuable data that we are working to analyze and understand family court outcomes better.
Follow-Up: Our team may provide additional resources and support to the families after the hearing.
Over the years, our Court Watch Program has:
Supported Countless Survivors: Providing comfort and solidarity during challenging legal proceedings.
Built a Strong Community: Connecting parents focused on child safety and helping each other navigate family court.
Influenced Change: By documenting and reporting on patterns observed in court, we contribute valuable insights to advocate for family court reform and child-centered policies.
Our volunteers play a critical role in shining a light on court practices and ensuring that the safety and well-being of children remain a priority.