Louisiana Senate Bill SB240

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/12/18

Caption

Provides relative to the Civil District Court for the parish of Orleans and domestic relations divisions. (8/1/18)

Impact

The implementation of SB 240 is set to streamline the legal processes dealing with family relations by creating designated judgeships focused solely on these issues. This move is seen as beneficial to improving the speed and effectiveness of court proceedings in domestic matters, which can often be complex and time-consuming. By concentrating these cases in a specialized section, the bill aims to enhance the overall functioning of the civil court system in Orleans Parish.

Summary

Senate Bill 240, introduced by Senator Morrell, aims to modify the composition of the Domestic Relations Division of the Civil District Court for the parish of Orleans. Under current law, specific judgeships are abolished and new judgeships are created to handle family and domestic relations matters. The bill proposes the establishment of a Domestic Relations Section composed of three judgeships dedicated to handling cases specifically related to family and domestic issues, expanding the court's capacity to address these matters efficiently.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 240 appears to be generally positive among legal practitioners and advocates for family law reform. Proponents believe that the specialization brought by dedicated judgeships will better serve the needs of families involved in domestic disputes. However, there may be concerns regarding potential budget implications or challenges associated with the transition to a new structure within the court system. Overall, stakeholders recognize the importance of addressing domestic relations matters more effectively.

Contention

Notably, discussions around the bill highlight a few points of contention. There may be challenges related to the allocation of resources necessary for the establishment of new judgeships, as well as potential opposition from those who believe that existing structures should be maintained. Additionally, the proposed changes may lead to debates over the efficiency of the new system as it is put into practice and its impact on access to justice for families in Orleans Parish.