Family Court
Historic changes to Family Court system behind backlog?
The New Zealand Bar Association is adding its voice to concerns over the huge backlog of cases across the judicial system, that has prompted the Chief District Court Judge Jan-Marie Doogue to divert… Audio
Judges pulled from criminal cases to work Family Court backlog
Lawyers working in the family and criminal courts say more judges need to be appointed now to address shortages.
Family Court backlog could delay criminal cases
The Chief District Court judge has had to move judges from the criminal juridiction to help clear a backlog in the Family Court. Video, Audio
Children left suffering by Family Court changes - Little
Controversial changes to the Family Court aimed at getting lawyers out of family disputes do not seem to have worked and children were suffering, says Justice Minister Andrew Little.
Boy, 13, spent night in cells with adults
The boy was held in police cells overnight before being transferred to court where hours later the charges were withdrawn.
Children being forcibly removed under court orders horrifies
There are concerns about the court orders which mean children are forcibly removed from homes by police as footage is aired of a five year being taken from her mother. Audio
Urgent Family Court cases rise after mediation change
The proportion of Family Court cases going through on an urgent basis on behalf of just one parent is "very, very high," and lawyers are blaming a push towards mediation.
Judge Eugene Hyman: Preventing domestic violence
US judge Eugene Hyman has spoken all over the world on the subject of domestic violence and its end result in the criminal and family courts. He has a special interest in domestic violence as it… Audio
Family Court 'broken and dangerous' - lobby group
The Family Court is failing to protect women and a Royal Commission of Inquiry is needed, a group pushing for changes to the court says.
Calls for a Royal Commission into the Family Court
The Backbone Collective says it's "hugely disappointing" its plea to the Justice and Courts Minister for change has also fallen on deaf ears, and it's now calling for a Royal Commission into the… Audio
Judge dismisses Family Court criticisms
The principal Family Court judge has fired back at criticisms from a new independent group that is pushing for changes to the way courts deal with violence against women.
Top Family Court judge rejects women's group's criticisms
The top Family Court judge, Judge Laurence Ryan, has issued a three-page statement, disputing allegations by The Backbone Collective that the Family Court is closed and secret; that it's… Audio
Family Dispute Resolution Service failing
Radical changes to the Family Court to get warring couples into mediation appear to be faltering with a large number of people granted exemptions simply because they don't want to go, as Catherine… Audio
Families not turning up to dispute resolution
Radical changes to the Family Court to get warring couples into mediation appear to be faltering, with large numbers granted exemptions simply because they don't want to go.
CYF told by judge it put toddler at 'unacceptable further risk'
A judge has told Child Youth and Family it put a Wellington toddler at unacceptable further risk by giving misleading information about her father to the Family Court. Audio
CYF told by judge it put toddler at 'unacceptable further risk'
A judge has told Child Youth and Family it put a Wellington toddler at unacceptable further risk by giving misleading information about her father to the Family Court. Audio
Commisioned: The Law Commission
The Law Commission turned 30 last year. It's responsible for reviewing and developing this country's law, and to make it as understandable and accessible as possible.
It's not a large organisation… Audio
Family Court delays at tipping point, lawyers say
Long delays in the Family Court are evident at every court in the country and the government can no longer ignore the problem, lawyers say.
Family Court delays adding to stress for families
Government denials of significant delays at Family Courts are wearing thin for those tied up in the system. Audio
'Greying workforce' could create crisis for Family Court
A looming workforce crisis in the Family Court could add to delays and uncertainty for vulnerable children, psychologists say.