a young child holding the hands of both parents

a large happy family hugging each other with young daughter in the middle

Mother with three young children, a young toddler in a suit on the left, a baby with a pink bow in the middle of the mother's lap, and a young girl in a pink dress holding flowers on the right.

The National Family Court Watch Project

Working to bring justice to the family court system.

Mission Statement

We gather and publish data and insights to advance stronger family court policy and practice to protect children and families.

National Family Court Watch Project Community Virtual Open House

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola will be the featured speaker at the National Family Court Watch Project Community Open House on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Observation as Evidence™

We achieve this through independent courtroom observation. Using a standardized 176-point instrument, we translate courtroom activity into empirical data that supports institutional transparency and safer outcomes for families.

Scope of Observation

Our research focuses on procedural integrity and safety in cases involving:

• Custody and Visitation Disputes
• Domestic Violence and Coercive Control
• Child Protection and Dependency Proceedings
• Juvenile Proceedings

National Family Court Watch Partners

Learn More

Get Involved

Become part of the most extensive attempt to monitor family court proceedings to date. Join other volunteers using a single instrument in multiple states to collect data on the family court environment. Our goal is to use this data to improve the family court system, increase accountability, and protect our children and families from violence.

Universities

If you are interested in using our program for your classroom or extern program, please contact us. Externs must be eligible to receive academic credit from their institutions.