Transforming the family law system
The first review of the family law system since 1976 is currently taking place. This is great news for families who can’t afford the high costs of legal representation in the Family Courts.
There is longstanding recognition that the current family law system is failing many families, with protracted litigation, huge financial costs and delays. The current family law system as it stands today mostly causes more anguish and grief for families, exacerbating parental conflict rather than providing a safe environment where they can achieve a fair and timely outcome to co-parent.
A new statutory authority has been designed to offer self-represented litigants a process that offers more flexibility and an inquisitorial alternative to the litigious approach. Families will be helped by a panel of members who are experts in family law, family dispute resolution, family violence, psychology, mental health and child development. Families won’t be able to have a solicitor attend with him without special leave of the court. It won’t be necessary to have a solicitor as the panel will be well equipped to assist you from a legal perspective.
It is understood that the during the trial period of this new process, families can take advantage of the panel at no cost.
If you would like to know more about the review of the family law system and how it can help you, please contact our legal drafter, Melita Lloyd.