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

Sunday May 6, 2007

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… Read More »Custom Single Post Header

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award

International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL

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

Sunday, May 06, 2007

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.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

Forced Marriage

On November 1st 2023, Accredited Family Law Specialist and Page Provan Director Stephen Page presented a paper at the Brisbane Zonta Club about forced marriage. I acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, on whose lands we meet today, their elders, past, present and emerging. Ruqia Hidari was aged 21 and living in Victoria, when, according to police,… Read More »Forced Marriage

ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

The ACT Government has today introduced a bill to amend the ACT’s surrogacy laws. The proposed changes are more incremental than fundamental. They include allowing a single person to undertake surrogacy, for the surrogate to be single if needed, a requirement for legal advice and counselling beforehand, a written agreement being required, that traditional surrogacy is… Read More »ACT Government Surrogacy Bill

Planning to resolve: ADR in ART

ADR can help resolve disputes in ART cases. ADR is not limited to mediation and arbitration. Other types of informal dispute resolution can resolve disputes. When assisted reproductive treatment cases go off the rails, they can have the next level of bitterness and volatility. There can be a keen sense of betrayal when things don’t… Read More »Planning to resolve: ADR in ART