New-look Manchester Family Court opens today

The new Manchester Family Court, which was last month handed over to the judiciary by the Ministry of Justice, will become operational today.

Kadiesh Fletcher, director of client services, communications and information at the Court Administration Division, said "All family-related matters that were previously listed in the Manchester Parish Court will now be heard at the Manchester Family Court."

The Manchester Family Court, like other specialised family courts in the island, has jurisdiction dealing with matters of maintenance, domestic violence, matters arising under the Child Care and Protection Act, offences involving children under 18 years of age, guardianship and custody of children and adoption.

The Manchester Family Court is located at 2 Park Crescent and was established following refurbishing work on the old Mandeville courthouse. That court was substantially damaged by fire in November 2019.

It has now been outfitted with new office spaces, audiovisual equipment and a children lounge.

Meanwhile, the operating hours for the Clarendon Parish Court have been adjusted. The court will open at 9:30 a.m. and will close at 2:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

"The revised operating hours are due to construction activities to upgrade the courthouse. As a result, these revised hours will remain in effect for the duration of the project," Fletcher said.