Finding a better way- the Family Court changes direction with children

The Family Court has long been criticised for delays and undue formality, with mums and dads often critical that they have not been listened to in matters concerning their children.

The Court has met this criticism head-on, by taking a less formal approach in children’s proceedings. Rather than the usual adversarial approach with opposite numbers of snapping lawyers, the less adversarial approach is designed to have the parties talk to the judge direct without the filter of their lawyers, so the judge knows exactly what the matter is about, and the parties feel that they have been heard.

The Family Court considers that the approach has been a roaring success, with its report recently released.