Research

Administrative History

The Committee on Matrimonial and Family Laws was created by concurrent resolution of the Senate and Assembly (Senate Resolution 33; Assembly Resolution 55) in 1956 and continued in 1957 by Senate Resolution 93 and Assembly Resolution 122. It was charged with investigating and preparing a study of the adequacy of existing statutes of procedure in matrimonial and family actions; reviewing the jurisdiction, rules, operations, and practices of various courts in the state in this area; and making recommendations for revisions in laws governing legal procedures, jurisdiction, rules and operations. Citing an increase in divorces and annulments and "widespread" fraud, collusion, and perjury in matrimonial actions and procedures, the Legislature charged the committee with making recommendations that would "improve the administration of justice" in those areas and "preserve the marital relationship and the family unit."