domestic relations exception
domestic-relations exception. The exclusion of suits regarding the granting of divorce, alimony, and child custody from federal diversity jurisdiction. • The domestic-relations exemption to federal diversity jurisdiction originated as dictum in Barber v. Barber, 62 U.S. (21 How.) 582 (1858). Federal courts do not have jurisdiction to grant divorces, award alimony, or determine child custody. In general, matters of domestic relations are left to the states. But the federal courts may hear other diversity matters involving family members, such as tort claims or suits seeking to enforce alimony orders. Ankenbrandt v. Richards, 504 U.S. 689, 112 S.Ct. 2206 (1992).
