Sunny - Our Newest Court Comfort Dog

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting one of our friendly Court comfort dogs at the Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Conference! Sunny was sworn in on 10 July 2025, her presence is expected to provide emotional support, reduce anxiety and help vulnerable Court users feel more comfortable. One of the many important topics discussed at the conference was the importance of section 95 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), which contains the overarching purpose, to facilitate the just resolution of disputes:

 (a) in a way that ensures the safety of families and children; and

 (b) in relation to proceedings under the FLA in which the best interests of a child are the paramount consideration--in a way that promotes the best interests of the child; and

 (c) according to law; and

 (d) as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.

The overarching purpose includes the following objectives in relation to proceedings under the FLA:

 (a) the just determination of all such proceedings;

 (b) the efficient use of the judicial and administrative resources available for the purposes of courts exercising jurisdiction in such proceedings;

 (c) the efficient disposal of the overall caseload of courts exercising jurisdiction in such proceedings;

 (d) the disposal of all such proceedings in a timely manner;

 (e) the resolution of disputes at a cost that is proportionate to the importance and complexity of the matters in dispute. 

And a reminder that failure to facilitate the overarching purpose may be relevant to costs submissions. 

Until next year!