How the system works

Press, 29 September 1988, Page 16

How the system works

People may be referred for early counselling by a doctor or lawyer, or can approach the Family Court Counselling Service themselves. After talking the problem over with a co-ordi-nator, people are referred to a specific counsellor trained in that field. Among the 70 coun-

sellors used by the service are specialists in budget advice, marriage guidance, anger management, alcohol problems, child abuse and family therapy. The problem can range from communication difficulties — “He doesn’t talk to me any more” — to parenting problems, violence, or desertion.

Clients can usually get an appointment. within a fortnight, and the service pays for a minimum of six sessions. i At the end of counsell-’ ing the counsellor writes a brief report stating whether the partners wish to continue the marriage and if not, whether they have been able to agree on any matters in dispute. Each person gets a copy of the report. The procedure's similar when someone applies for a separation order: counselling . is normally arranged for both parties. > Under the lawj the counsellor must explore the chances of the marriage continuing (reconciliation). If this does not seem possible, the

counsellor will try to help the partners reach agreement on matters such as custody of the children and what should happen to the family home (conciliation). The court can order attendance at a counselling meeting. When someone applies for a separation, maintenance, custody, or access order, they or their partner or the Family Court judge may ask for a mediation conference. This gives both parties a chance to discuss with the judge matters still in dispute and get agreement on some or all of them. Any matters not agreed may then be dealt with in a formal Family Court hearing.

The judge can ask for reports on maintenance or arrangements for the children, appoint a lawyer to represent the children, ask for medical, psychological, or psychiatric reports, or refer the parties for further counselling. Leaflets about the Family Courts and their counselling services are available from the Family Court, Marriage Guidance offices, and Citizens Advice Bureaux. The Family Law series also includes pamphlets on separation and dissolution of marriage, custody and. access, maintenance, the Domestic Protection Act, and the Matrimonial Property Act.