Military Families and the Courts - Bench Card Resource Packet

Families and couples with active-duty service members live in every community across the country, and not just in locations with military installations nearby. By virtue of their military connection and employment, active-duty personnel have unique priorities, resources, rights, constraints, and obligations that civilian individuals involved as parties in any family law matter do not have. It is important that judges are aware of the active duty status of a litigant as this status triggers a variety of considerations that judges need to take into account.

There are few guides or resources for civilian judges and legal professionals to assist them with obtaining relevant information from parties that have an active-duty status and military assignment. To help bridge this gap, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges has developed bench cards designed specifically to address these matters. These cards provide structured guidance and key questions aimed at eliciting vital information about cases in child welfare, family violence, and juvenile justice involving military-connected families.

Each bench card sets forth targeted questions aimed at gathering relevant details about the family’s circumstances, such as deployment status, base location, and access to military resources. This information will help judges make informed decisions that support the well-being of military families and take into account the unique needs and circumstances of a family’s connection with the military.

In addition to this bench card resource (which also includes a separate terminology sheet that is relevant to each of the three bench cards) a dedicated webpage will be launched, featuring the cards themselves along with a glossary of key terminology and additional resources. This platform is designed to enhance judicial understanding and ensure judges are equipped to address the distinct needs of military connected families effectively.

By utilizing these bench cards, judges can be more informed and compassionate with families and couples in family law cases that include an active-duty service member.