Parenting applications made before this date will be eligible for financial assistance under systems such as Lawyer for Child and lawyer-led mediation. Afterwards, however, some people will ‘need to appear for themselves in these situations, at least in the initial stages’, according to Lisa Thorsen of Mackenzie Elvin.

Self representation

She adds: ‘Parties are being encouraged to resolve their own disputes outside of the court system through the introduction of an out-of-court mediation process, known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), supported by preparatory counselling and the availability of Parenting Through Separation courses…Under the new system, people will have to pay $897 for FDR mediation. If they are eligible for legal aid, the cost will be met but not otherwise.’ Source: Sun Live