The Family Court of New Zealand (Māori: Te Kōti ā-Whānau Aotearoa) is a court that specifically exists to assist New Zealanders with family issues. There are 58 Family Courts throughout New Zealand.[1]
| Family Court of New Zealand | |
|---|---|
| Te Kōti ā-Whānau Aotearoa (Māori) | |
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| Established | 1 October 1981 |
| Location | Level 3, Justice Centre, 19 Aitken Street, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Composition method | Appointed by the Governor-General on behalf of King Charles III on the advice of the Prime Minister (Chief Justice) and Attorney-General (Justices) |
| Authorised by | Family Courts Act 1980 |
| Appeals to | High Court of New Zealand |
| Judge term length | Life tenure (Constitution Act 1986, s 23) |
| Number of positions | 43 |
| Website | www |
| Principal Family Court Judge | |
| Currently | Judge Jacquelyn Moran |
| Since | 2018 |
Although the Family Court is technically a division of the District Courts, it retains its own identity.
Role
editThe Family Court most commonly deals with issues relating to the welfare of children and relationship property division. It also deals with issues relating to births, deaths, marriage, and mental health.[1]
Legislation
editThe Family Court deals with applications under the following legislation:
- Adoption Act 1955
- Adoption (Intercountry) Act 1997
- Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act 1966
- Care of Children Act 2004
- Child Support Act 1991
- Civil Union Act 2004
- Family Violence Act 2018
- Family Proceedings Act 1980
- Family Protection Act 1955
- Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003
- Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949
- Marriage Act 1955
- Mental Health (Compulsory) Assessment and Treatment Act 1992
- Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
- Property (Relationships) Act 1976
- Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988
- Wills Act 2007 [1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Quick facts". Family Court of New Zealand. Ministry of Justice. Retrieved 13 November 2013.