Family courts 'running up a down escalator' due to increase in cases

Top judge says parents need to be persuaded not to bring childcare cases to court Family courts are having to “run up a down escalator” to keep pace with unprecedented increases in childcare cases. Launching a review of the overburdened system, Sir Andrew McFarlane, president of the family division, said some parents needed to be persuaded not to bring claims to court in order to reduce the pressure. Cuts to legal aid had also resulted in an influx of “litigants in person”, exposing district

Federal Government announces inquiry into family law and child support systems

The Federal Government will launch an inquiry into the family law system, after accusations the court system is failing vulnerable Australians. Key points: Coalition backbenchers had joined with Pauline Hanson in pushing for an inquiry into the family law system The review, headed up by former social services minister Kevin Andrews, will also examine child support A report released earlier this year recommended sweeping changes to the system Coalition backbenchers and the crossbench, including

Family Court psychologist hit with ban after labelling father 'psychopathic' without evidence

A Perth psychologist appointed by the Family Court has been found guilty of professional misconduct for writing an official report labelling a father's personality style as "psychopathic" without a clinical diagnosis. Key points: The psychologist wrote an expert report tabled in a family court case It resulted in the father being separated from his son when he was moved overseas The psychologist was fined $20,000 and banned from acting as an expert witness In disciplinary action published by the