The Family Division is a separate division maintained by the Superior Court, pursuant to 4 V.I. Code Ann. § 174. There are secured courtrooms and support personnel to provide the child and the family with a facility and an atmosphere that enhances the overall goal of privacy, rehabilitation of the child, and conciliation of the family unit. Most Proceedings before the Family Division are governed by the title 15 of the Virgin Islands Code, Virgin Islands Rules of Family Procedure and the other rules referenced therein,
The Family Division maintains Domestic Relations case files, which include:
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Divorce |
Visitations |
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Separation |
Adoptions |
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Annulments |
Paternity Suits |
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Custody |
Domestic Violence |
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Actions relating to the support of relations |
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Juvenile Matters
In accordance with Superior Court Rule 81 (a), the term “child” shall apply to any person under the age of eighteen years. Further, in accordance with Superior Court Rule 81 (b), “Juvenile Causes” shall include any proceeding originating through a complaint to the court alleging that a child is within the jurisdiction of the juvenile and domestic relations division of the court under 4 V.I. Code Ann. § 4. Legal matters involving children include:
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Delinquency |
Termination of parental rights |
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Status offenses |
Guardianships |
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Abuse and neglect |
Detention |
Probate Matters
Probate matters include the settlement of estates of deceased persons and the associated fiduciary relations.
The other matters handled by the Family Division include:
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Guardianships |
Involuntary commitment |
The Court Clerks are committed to providing you with excellent customer service. However, Virgin Islands law prohibits Court staff from providing legal advice. If you do not have an attorney, you can contact the Virgin Islands Bar Association at (340) 778-7497 and ask about their lawyer referral program or you may also visit the Bar Association’s website.
You may also contact Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. at (340) 774-6720 on the island of St. Thomas and (340) 718-2626 on the island of St. Croix.