***********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
A spokesman for the Judiciary today (May 16) urged legal professionals, interested parties and members of the public to give their views on the Interim Report and Consultative Paper (the consultation paper) by June 16 when the four-month consultation on the Review of Family Procedure Rules is due to end.
After considering the comments received during the consultation, the Chief Justice's Working Party on Family Procedure Rules will refine its recommendations as appropriate and prepare its Final Report for the Chief Justice's consideration.
In February, the Working Party published the consultation paper to seek the views of relevant stakeholders on some 130 proposals it has made to reform the procedural rules of the family justice system.
One of the key proposals is the adoption of a single unified court procedural code for all family and matrimonial proceedings. The proposals facilitate a more streamlined procedure and contribute to a common approach across the Family Court and the High Court, resulting in a more efficient, effective and user-friendly family justice system.
In addition to a briefing session for relevant stakeholders, including the legal profession, welfare agencies, relevant advisory committees and government bureaux/departments, held on March 22, four briefing/discussion sessions have been arranged for the legal and welfare profession as well as some relevant advisory committees. The Judiciary Administration has also briefed the relevant Panel of the Legislative Council.
The Working Party, appointed by the Chief Justice in March 2012, is tasked with advising the Chief Justice, among other things, on the desirability, impact and practicalities of formulating a single set of procedural rules for the family jurisdiction applicable both to the Family Court and the High Court.
The consultation paper is available at the Judiciary's website at www.judiciary.gov.hk/en/other_info/family_review.htm .
Views can be sent via:
Mail: Secretary, Chief Justice's Working Party on
Family Procedure Rules
LG2, High Court
38 Queensway
Hong Kong
Fax: (852) 2501 4636
Email: fpr_consultation@judiciary.gov.hk
Ends/Friday, May 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:08
NNNN
