New Circuit Court Rules for Family Law Matters - 2008
Practitioners should be aware that new Circuit Court rules dealing with family law matters are due to be published shortly. It is understood that these rules will have effect from October 2008 for proceedings instituted after that date, although some transitional provisions will continue to apply for Circuit Family Court proceedings instituted prior to that date.
At time of writing, the Family Law Committee has not seen a copy of these rules, but our understanding is that they will introduce fundamental changes to Circuit Court practice throughout the country, to include a requirement to serve all relevant vouching documentation, together with affidavits of means and the introduction of case-management conferences. The objective is also to harmonise Circuit Family Court practice throughout the country.
When the rules have been made available, a detailed practice note will be provided in the Gazette. The Law Society Family Law Conference on 5th December, 2008 will also include the new rules in its list of topics.