Media Release: The Family Courts’ new rules short-sighted

The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ) are concerned that the announcement of new costs for women to fight for their children and family assets may be short-sighted.

The Minister announced new court fees for family court cases last week which range from $250 for Parenting Order Applications to $950 per half day for Relationship Property Hearings.

Court fees should be based on what available funds women have in each instance, while it is acknowledge that they can apply for exemptions in specific cases,” says Carolyn Savage, President BPW NZ

“Women are often disadvantaged when suddenly becoming single parents and an increase in court costs could act as a deterrent to them seeking a fair outcome for their family.”

“We want assurances that where women and children are at risk of family violence, their cases should be a priority and no financial restrictions should be put in place.

While there is no cost to apply for a protection order, it does appear that without applying for an exemption there would be a charge for an accompanying parenting order.

“Women need to feel supported by the courts, not excluded because they can't afford the fees or are denied exemptions under the new financial restructuring.

“We challenge the Minister to ensure that no woman, or her children, are penalised by the new financial costs being imposed in the Family Courts.”
“If our women and children suffer due to the increased costs, where this service is taken out of their financial reach, will the Minister take responsibility for his decision or will they become just another statistic in the future” asks Mrs Savage.

ENDS

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