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If Family Court charges are increased,
that could lead to an increase in domestic violence.
That is what an executive
of a domestic-violence-prevention group believes.
But one community health service group says
there's value for families who go to court.
Changes are expected in July.
Sometimes the Family Court is the last the resort.
But court charges are now increasing which has some people up in arms.
Poor families are being oppressed again.
So what are the new charges?
From $0 to $220 for a parenting order;
for a property rights application, it will be $700;
and it costs $906 to have your case heard.
Families get in lawyers to settle their disputes.
The problem now is the additional cost
to hear cases in the courts.
Rangi McLean also says
the Family Court isn't the only way to finding a solution.
He says marae also hold the key for poor families.
Sometimes solutions are found from sitting down and talking;
even eating together as a family helps.
The Ministry of Justice say
charges could be waived on financial or other grounds.
The new charges will also ensure the Family Court remains accessible
for children and families.
Anzac Pikia, Te Karere.