QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 4836)
The purpose of Republic Act No. 4836 is to create a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Quezon City by amending the Charter of Quezon City.
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is presided over by a judge appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, who has experience or demonstrated ability in handling cases involving children and families.
The court has exclusive original jurisdiction over criminal cases where the accused is 16 years old or younger, cases involving custody, guardianship, adoption, paternity, annulment of marriages, legal separation, support actions, proceedings under certain Civil Code provisions, petitions for declaration of absence and change of name, cases affecting dependent or neglected children, and actions for separation of spouses' property.
A 'dependent' or 'neglected' child is defined as any child 16 years old or under who is destitute, homeless, abandoned, lacking proper parental care, or living in an unfit environment due to neglect, cruelty, or depravity by parents or guardians.
The Social Service and Counselling Division conducts social case studies, probation, counseling, and other social services related to cases filed with the court and may recommend consultative services from specialists such as psychiatrists and psychologists.
A social case study of the child must be conducted by a social worker of the court, and the report with recommendations must be submitted to the judge before the trial.
The court may take custody of the child for placement with authorized persons, institutions, or agencies during the trial. It shall appoint a suitable representative if no parent or guardian is found, and make orders concerning the care and custody of the child that are in the child's best interests.
No, hearings in cases between husband and wife or between parent and child are private and all information therein is confidential unless approved by the court for disclosure.
Either party may request a petition for conciliation before issues are joined, which suspends the hearing on merits. The case is referred to the Social Service and Counseling Division, which submits findings to the court. If parties fail to settle amicably, the case proceeds to trial.
They are appealed in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as appeals from the Court of First Instance.