Introduction to Domestic Relations Case Reporting

 

The domestic relations case reporting matrices are new to this edition of the State Court Guide to Statistical Reporting.  Previously, domestic relations cases were reported as a subcategory of civil cases.  However, since domestic relations cases make up approximately 25 percent of the total state court civil caseload, there are sound management and policy reasons for improved understanding of these unique, sensitive, and resource-intensive cases.

 

Three features of these new reporting matrices deserve special mention and discussion since they are not typically distinguished in state court caseload reporting at the state or local trial court level.

 

First, a reporting category has been included for domestic relations cases involving individuals who have not been married to each other.  Typically, these cases stem from an action for child support brought by the state under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act of 1973 (Title IV-D).  Given the continued emphasis on establishing paternity and support obligations, such cases are likely to contribute to the court’s workload and should be counted and distinguished from post-judgment, divorce-related custody and support cases.

 

Second, a subcategory has been created under child support-related matters to distinguish and report child support cases that are brought by private parties outside the framework of Title IV-D.  Making this distinction allows courts to accurately record and analyze what percentage of the child support caseload qualifies for financial support from the federal government through the state IV-D agency.

 

Third, the Caseload Summary matrix has been redesigned to capture more detailed information about case activity.  In addition to reporting new filings and dispositions, the prototype now allows for the reporting of Active and Inactive pending cases, Reopened and Reactivated cases, Entry of Judgment and Reopened Dispositions, and cases that are Placed on Inactive Status.  The reporting categories have been augmented to gain a better understanding of court workload.  Examples assist in explaining how to record different case management events.