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Family Court Referee & Open Court

Quick Facts

Referees help the courts manage their case loads.
Referee decisions and recommendations are similar to court orders.

The court has the option to refer the proceeding to a referee to take evidence and report to the court its findings. Hearings for dissolution of marriage are heard in open court or before a referee appointed by the court to receive the testimony of the witnesses.

While unusual, the court has the discretion and authority to close a family court hearing to the public.