Family courts: serving the best interest of the child: an integrated model

M.A.It is a gross injustice that the future care of the child from divorced parents should depend on the economic status of the parents. This is insulting towards the constitutional rights of equal access to the law. The Department of Justice is concerned with the transformation of the Justice System to become a fast, efficient and a cost-effective service that reflects the basic constitutional ideals. The creation of a Family Court in South Africa is such an initiative. By using developmental research, the best interest of the child in relation to his developmental needs and rights are explored. The application of these principles is investigated within a psycho-legal context