The family law sector is poised for a +3% growth in 2024, according to the GLP Index. Associate, Lisa Payne, has written an article for Today's Family Lawyer about the how family lawyers and courts will handle the increasing demand, amidst already significant delays in the Family Court system.
The emphasis on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) is growing, with the Family Procedure (Amendment No 2) Rules 2023 introducing measures that encourage alternatives to litigation, such as mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law.
The article underscores the importance of a holistic approach to resolving family disputes, stressing that lawyers must broaden their strategies beyond traditional court proceedings to improve both client satisfaction and case outcomes. With the evolving legal landscape, including a future uptick in pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, family lawyers need to stay adaptable and considerate of their team's well-being amidst these challenges.
Lisa writes: "Offering a holistic approach to resolution can only be beneficial to clients and your reputation. Family lawyers cannot be linear in their approach, it will not bode well for the overall outcome and client satisfaction." This highlights the imperative for family lawyers to innovate and collaborate more broadly within their practice to meet the growing needs of their clients effectively.
Read the full article here.
