The Law Society has welcomed news that the Cabinet has given approval for the drafting of the Family Courts Bill, which will oversee a major reform of the family courts and the family law system. 

President of the Law Society Michele O’Boyle, said: “Over the last number of years, the Law Society has frequently highlighted the logistical and practical concerns facing users of the family law and courts system.

“The new bill largely reflects the Law Society’s recommendations for an improved family court system,” the president said.

Law Society recommendations

“In 2014, the Law Society’s submission, Family Law – The Future, highlighted the key changes needed to the family law system, including the modernisation of courts’ facilities, operational reform, alternative-dispute-resolution services – and proposed a number of key reform recommendations in these areas.”

“We are pleased to note that many of our recommendations have been adopted in the Family Courts Bill. This bill is reflective of the vision the Law Society called for, and is reflective of the roadmap of how family law systems should operate,” said President O’Boyle.

Families first

“The Law Society warmly welcomes the establishment of a District Family Court, Circuit Family Court, and Family High Court, as well as the proposed establishment of new specific positions within the judiciary for these courts,” she said.

“Appointing dedicated members of the judiciary to the family courts will ensure improved efficiency, as well as effective management. 

“With these changes implemented, I am confident that the family courts will be a more suitable environment for dealing with the sensitive nature of these cases and, indeed, the difficulties and inevitable pressures that the family courts can, and do bring.”

“I believe the Family Courts Bill will be widely welcomed by practitioners across the board. It will reshape and modernise how the family courts operate by modernising systems, improving access to justice and putting families first,” explained President O’Boyle. 

Future engagement

The president thanked Helen McEntee, the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the Government for their approval to progress the bill.