Paulette Main appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday. Photo: Google Maps / Supplied
A Bay of Plenty lawyer is being accused of claiming more than $400,000 from a government-funded legal support scheme.
The Serious Fraud Office has filed 30 charges against Paulette Main for falsely claiming almost $450,000.
Charges include obtaining by deception and two charges of obstructing a SFO investigation.
Main appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday and was remanded without plea, the SFO said in a statement.
The SFO alleges that she submitted more than 1500 false claims to the Ministry of Justice's Family Legal Advice Service, which funds eligible lawyers to give out-of-court advice in Care of Children Act disputes.
Lawyers can claim a fixed fee from the ministry for providing services.
Main is next scheduled to appear on 3 August.
