Book Review: Family Cases in Court

Abstract

The role of the courts in divorce cases raises troublesome questions concerning which there is much difference of opinion. To what extent should the courts seek to aid divorce litigants in solving family problems beyond mere adjudication of status and property rights within the narrow limits of adversary proceedings? Should such aid be given if one or both spouses do not want it? Is an expanded court role in divorce worth the expense, considering the limited financial resources of local government and the pressures on it to expand other costly services? Should the jurisdiction of divorce courts be broadened to include all legal problems of disorganized families? Should the existing disparity between formal legal divorce doctrine and its judicial application be continued?