The Singapore Courts will introduce the newly gazetted Family Justice Rules 2024 (FJR 2024) on 15 October 2024. This is yet another major step towards making the process less cumbersome, more accessible, and more efficient for court users in the evolution of family justice.
The FJR 2024 culminates in a multi-year effort undertaken by the Family Justice Courts (FJC) and the Family Justice Rules Committee. Consistent with comprehensive reforms recommended by the Committee to Review and Enhance Reforms in the Family Justice System (RERF Committee), the FJR 2024 aims to de-complexify, speed up, and make family litigation less expensive. For families navigating these changes in Harrisburg, consulting with a family law attorney can provide valuable guidance through this evolving legal landscape.”
Key Innovations in FJR 2024
The changes introduced in FJR 2024 include the adaptation of various amendments for friendliness, specifically a purpose-built framework of family justice, which encompasses:
- Streamlined Structure with Specific Volumes
The rules are categorized under four volumes, each being dedicated to specific family law proceedings as illustrated below:
- Family Justice (General) Rules
- Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules
- Family Justice (Protection from Harassment) Rules
- Family Justice (Criminal Proceedings in Youth Courts) Rules
This might be because FJR 2024 decreases the number of provisions while they put into the lifecycle, which saves the time of the users and it will be possible to identify appropriate rules without any delays.
- Reduction in Complexity as well as Accessibility
Provisions have been made less technical and legal terms simplified in such a manner so that the public can easily understand them. In this connection, the term “counterclaim” is now superseded by “cross-application.” These amendments are within the ambit of the Rules of Court 2021 which established updating nomenclature to be uniformly applicable to all courts.
- Expansion of the Simplified Track for Divorce and Judicial Separation
The streamlined procedure includes proceedings for judicial separation as well as divorces. Couples who agree on grounds for divorce or judicial separation but not on ancillary issues can expedite issues on which they agree and address the rest. For expert assistance, consult divorce lawyers in Harrisburg, PA.
- Better Judge-Controlled Procedure
Judges will play a more active part in controlling procedures, refusing vexatious applications, and protecting vulnerable witnesses. Key improvements include:
- The power to refuse lodged applications that unduly prolong procedures.
- Additional powers to dispense with the need for formality applications and to act on the court’s own initiative.
- Greater control over the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses in order to avoid undue distress to any of them.
Family Justice Rules 2024 Guiding Principles
The Family Justice (General) Rules outlines six aims designed to make the rules easier to use, especially for litigants in person:
- Access to justice is fair.
- The proceedings are speedy.
- Enable case resolutions that are cost-effective.
- The results of the cases must be practical and fair.
- Courts’ resources should be exploited efficiently
- Child welfare above all else in proper cases.
Supplementary Resources and Practice Guidance