About Family Court Services
The First Step Toward Healing in High-Conflict Custody Cases
Family Court Services (FCS) is a vital unit within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County. It serves as the court’s in-house resource for families involved in high-conflict cases—especially those related to divorce, paternity, domestic violence, substance abuse, and allegations of neglect or abuse.
When a judge or magistrate determines that a family needs additional support to move forward, they issue an Order of Referral to Family Court Services. Family Court Services steps in to assess the situation and guide families toward the services required to protect the child and promote long-term healing.
What Family Court Services Provides
Family Court Services offers a range of essential services to help courts make informed decisions and families find a path forward. Some services are provided in-house at no cost to families, while others are referred out to private professionals at a reduced rate.
In-house services may include:
- Supervised visitation at the courthouse visitation center
- Crisis intervention and emergency assessments
- Parenting coordination and co-parenting support
- Limited evaluations and intake assessments
When services are referred out, families may be responsible for the cost of:
- Individual and family therapy
- Psychological evaluations
- Reunification therapy
- Substance abuse assessments and drug testing
- Social investigations and home studies
- DNA testing
For families with limited or no income, these costs can be an insurmountable burden and that’s where KidSide steps in.
Our Partnership: KidSide + Family Court Services
KidSide is the nonprofit funding partner to Family Court Services. We do not provide services directly or select providers. Instead, we work closely with Family Court Services to ensure that families referred for court-ordered services are not denied help simply because they can’t afford it.
KidSide pays licensed providers on behalf of families who qualify for assistance through Family Court Services. These services are essential for:
- Helping children reconnect safely with parents
- Supporting parents through mental health and co-parenting treatment
- Empowering the court to make life-changing decisions based on full evaluations
Together, Family Court Services and KidSide provide a coordinated path for families to get the care they need—so children aren’t left waiting in the middle of conflict.
Family Court Services Contact Information:
Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center
175 N.W. 1st Ave Suite 1503
Miami, FL 333128
Telephone: (305) 349-5508 Fax: (305) 349-5634
Without KidSide, our story would have been very different
Without KidSide, our story would have been very different
About Family Court Services
Copyright 2023 KidsideMiami.org. All Rights Reserved.
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.