Legal Definitions - family meeting

A family meeting is a gathering of family members to discuss important matters that affect the family as a whole. In the past, it was also used in civil law for two purposes:

1. As an advisory council to help the court in family-law matters, such as arranging guardianship for a minor or an incompetent adult. If the person had no relatives, the court could summon friends of the person instead.
2. As a council of relatives of a minor to advise the minor in their affairs and help administer their property.

For example, a family meeting could be called to discuss a family member's health, financial situation, or to plan a family vacation. In the past, a family meeting could also be called to help a minor make important decisions or manage their property.

Overall, a family meeting is a way for family members to come together, communicate openly, and make decisions that benefit the family as a whole.