The Unofficial Men's Access to Justice Project

Do men get a fair hearing in the Family Court?

Here are a few recent experiences:

R - custody hearing, was given no opportunity to present his case, her side did, including her new partner (who was even involved in the psychological assessment).

S - mediation conference applying for custody, judge only considered the option of halving his time with the children (allowed to present case, but issues ignored)

P - had custody, mother applied for custody, mediation conference, she was allowed to present her case, he was not, judge suggested he change to weekend access

C - applied for custody, mother made interim application for custody elsewhere. This was granted without any input from the father although the judge was aware of his application for full custody

Do you want to make a submission?

Stuart Birks

11 June, 1996