Nova Scotia’s Family Courts are becoming more streamlined.
Justice Minister Mark Furey announced changes that will combine Family Court and Supreme Court into a unified Supreme Court Family Division.
Furey says that means families will no longer have go through two proceedings to settle matters such as custody and property issues.
“The Unified Family Court will provide an entry point where we have navigators that support individuals who are experiencing marital breakdown or child custody issues.”
The Justice Minister says court is a complicated process.
“Seventy-five percent self-represent. So the confusions and the lack of understanding and clarity with that core process is a huge challenge and it’s important that we correct it.”
Unified family courts are currently used in Halifax, Sydney and Port Hawkesbury.
Furey says at present, there are 17 Justices on the Supreme Court Family Bench and the province will need up to seven more.
He expects new Justices could be appointed by the Federal Government this spring and the programs will be expanded as those Justices are named.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
