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FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA<br />
SRLs at the Parramatta registry for both FCoA and FMS. To provide referrals,<br />
limited representation, enhance coordination of existing services. Expectation<br />
that it would increase opportunity for settlement, reduce the number of times<br />
SRLs need to come to court, reduce their impact on court processes. Benefits<br />
would be expected to flow to the court, the legal profession and the SRLs.<br />
At the time of filing it is intended to provide applicants with information about<br />
the program. There is an assumption that at this point they have made a choice<br />
to represent themselves in court proceedings, so it is not aiming at the general<br />
public.<br />
They are given an opportunity to attend an introductory workshop, and one on<br />
one interview with a student to look at documentation and an opportunity for<br />
referral to other services.<br />
Workshops to be offered on how to go about representing oneself, preparing a<br />
case for trial etc.<br />
Hopes to bridge the gap between having information and being able to<br />
implement it. There would be an opportunity for representation in very specific<br />
circumstances, e.g. uncontested divorces.<br />
The program should be available once or twice per week.<br />
Students would be supervised and have completed study in family law and the<br />
skills of family law practice.<br />
Addresses issues about line between information and advice and also meets<br />
educational needs.<br />
Law Society is not supportive. If Commonwealth funding is available it could be<br />
up and running by mid 2002. Legal profession may prefer use of paralegals<br />
when people can’t afford a lawyer. They might be persuaded by the removal of<br />
frustration they experience when the other side is un<strong>represented</strong>.<br />
The Dandenong project has been evaluated. It has had marginal impact on time<br />
and numbers measures but impact on experience of participants was significant,<br />
particularly reduced stress on clients as well as benefits for students who gain<br />
excellent skills for practice.<br />
Needs clear exclusionary criteria e.g. a Magellan approach for the complex<br />
cases. Expectations also need managing.<br />
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