Louis Chua on Family Justice Reform Bill

While a proposed new Maintenance Enforcement Process (MEP) allows for a smooth application for financial assistance, it does not guarantee successful outcomes, said MP Louis Chua in Parliament on Monday (May 8). He proposed that the Ministry of Law consider granting additional consideration for, or even guaranteeing a baseline level of financial assistance to parties referred by Maintenance Enforcement Officers (MEOs), especially if a reduced maintenance amount is involved. With MEOs being empowered to obtain information about parties’ assets and provide this to the Family Justice Courts as well as social service officers, he asked if paperwork for applicants can be done away with, to reduce the administrative burden on those already going through a difficult time in their lives. In cases where the wishes of a child are to be considered by the court, the new Bill states that Family Justice Rules can set out the mode by which the child’s wishes may be determined, including through judicial interviews. Mr Chua proposed training for this, such as how a judge can build rapport and effective communication with the child, as well as guidelines to provide an environment that facilitates the process - for example, determining the parties to be present, the tone of the meeting and the information to be provided to the child.