Surge in 'urgent' Family Court cases as COVID-19 pressures boil over
Family Law: 28 April 2020
The Family Court and Federal Circuit Court will establish COVID-19 list due to commence on Wednesday 29th April 2020. The COVID-19 list will hear cases that have been listed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. All urgent cases will be assessed by a Registrar of the Court and heard by a Judge within 72 hours.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there has been a 40% increase in urgent applications to the Family Court. There has also been a 23% increase in urgent applications in the Federal Circuit Court in the past month. This is as a result of pressures being placed on families during these unprecedented times.
The Courts continue to hear cases and cases are now being conducted remotely by computer or mobile phone.