Mediation laws help spare divided couples court pain

LAWS aimed at keeping separating couples out of court by forcing unresolved disputes to mediation may have contributed to a decline in bitter court contests.

Children overload

Ahead of the state Ombudsman's imminent report on child protection, Carol Nader looks at a system swamped with referrals and buckling under the pressure.

'Rough justice' fear in Family Court blitz

THE Family Court will fly judges to Sydney from four other states for a September blitz in an attempt to clear a backlog of 30 of its most difficult cases.