Family court in operation

Eight years after plans were finalised, the long-awaited family court is now up and running and so far dozens of matters have been heard by the two judges assigned.

The launch of the court is a welcomed development to many as it now means that family law cases, like divorce and child custody, can be concluded more speedily and that the High Court will be less burdened.

Stabroek News was told that the court, which is located in the High Court compound, heard its first case in June.

The two judges hearing matters at present are Justice Dawn Gregory and Justice Sandra Kertzious. Justice Kertzious, who had been practicing family law for years prior to her appointment as a judge in 2012, had long been identified for assignment to the court once it became operational.