Family Justice

An adversarial system can’t meet families’ real needs

Family law cases involve some of the most personal, emotional, and high-stakes issues people will ever face. Yet the traditional, adversarial model used by most family courts is often ill-suited to resolving them—prolonging conflict, increasing costs, and placing unnecessary strain on parents and children alike. For many families, the process itself becomes part of the harm. A system designed for winners and losers struggles to support healing, stability, and long-term problem solving.

  • 50 %

    of marriages in the United States end in divorce.

  • 80 %

    or more of family law cases involve at least one self-represented party.

  • 1 M

    people enter the justice system to finalize a divorce each year.

Transforming family justice

Family justice demands an approach that reduces conflict, centers children, and helps families move forward—not one that deepens divisions. When family justice systems are designed around the realities families face, outcomes improve for all.

IAALS is helping chart a new path for family justice by advancing research-driven, non-adversarial models that prioritize efficiency, dignity, and long-term family well-being. Our work reimagines how family cases are resolved—both inside and outside the courtroom—so families are supported and empowered to thrive in their next chapters.

Family sitting together at a table while daughter colors

Non-Adversarial Family Law Model

While many non-adversarial approaches to divorce and separation exist, families are frequently forced back into adversarial proceedings when those alternatives break down. IAALS is innovating to end this cycle by developing a non-adversarial model for family cases that can be adopted nationwide. This emerging model will focus on reducing time, stress, and expense for families, while also easing burdens on courts.

More about our prior work on non-adversarial models
A family together outdoors

The Cady Initiative for Family Justice Reform

Focused on collaboration and practical change, the Initiative creates space for judges, practitioners, and experts to rethink how family courts operate—and how they can better serve children and families. At its heart, 13 Principles for reform shift the way courts handle domestic relations cases and emphasize problem solving and cooperation between parties, especially when children are involved.

More about the project
woman using a compass

Design thinking and the future of family justice

Navigating the family court system can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly for people without legal representation. IAALS helps courts better understand what court users experience—and where systems fall short. Court Compass provides actionable insights and guides based on multiple design sprint workshops with the public, which help courts improve clarity, accessibility, and fairness.

More about the project

More family justice resources

  • Cases without Counsel

    IAALS has developed insights into how courts can respond more effectively to self-represented litigants based on talking with people who have been through the family justice process.

  • Unbundling Legal Services

    Our work on unbundled legal services explores how limited-scope representation can expand access to legal help while aligning services with families’ needs and resources.

How can we help? IAALS partners with stakeholders nationwide to build, implement, and evaluate legal system innovations. Learn more.

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