Dear People interested in the family law system.

People who have separated are already vulnerable.  They are distressed, and experience grief. They may experience homelessness or family violence. They all experience the loss of their family unit.  They are strapped for cash. 

Litigants in family court aren't criminals.  They are people who don't love each other any more and have asked the court to decide issues so they can finalize their relationship.  They need our community support.  

The family court (FCFCOA) is  getting rid of electronic hearings via TEAMS and returning to in person hearings.  

One of the main purposes set out in the family court's Central Practice Direction is to establish a consistent national case management system that:

• reduces unnecessary cost and delay in family litigation and facilitates proceedings being conducted with the least possible acrimony in order to minimize harm to children and families;
• ensures the safety of families and children; and
• achieves the overarching purpose of the family law practice and procedure provisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (Cth) (FCFCOA Act), being to facilitate the just resolution of disputes according to law and as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.
   
  Facilitating INTERIM HEARINGS and procedural hearings electronically via Microsoft TEAMS ticks all of these boxes.

Returning to in person hearings un-ticks these boxes. 

Why is TEAMS better than going to court in person for family law matters?

A large proportion of matters in family court involve allegations of family violence. Using TEAMS ensures safety of all and diffuses tension.

It is less expensive for interim and procedural hearings to be conducted by TEAMS.   When hearings are by TEAMS, parties and lawyers do not have to travel, find parking and for some, find accommodation.  Parties do not have to organize unnecessary child care for their children - including leaving little ones overnight if they have to travel.

Parties suffer less anxiety and stress if they can appear by TEAMS.   The family court website specifically states that 'stress,  anxiety,  depression and  other forms of mental illness are common' during separation, divorce and coming to court.  These effects can be reduced if they don't have to physically appear.

Hearings were conducted electronically throughout Covid lockdowns. It was demonstrated that except for a few places with internet issues, TEAMS worked just fine.

I am a lawyer. I want TEAMS to be used.  My clients want TEAMS to be used.  Many users of our education platform Family Law 101 want TEAMS to be used.  

A return to in-person INTERIM and procedural hearings is a return to the dark ages. 

Please sign our petition so that litigants in family court can appear electronically for interim and procedural hearings.