• Be an expanding database type resource for non-lawyers with answers to frequently asked questions about all aspects of family law such as children, money, domestic violence/abuse and family related topics such as caring for the elderly, welfare benefits, medical treatment and education;
• Provide a wide range of links to internet resources including medical and social work sites, sites about parenting, self-help groups etc;
• Provide practical advice about preparing family cases, dealing with lawyers and other family professionals;
• Pick up themes from tv programmes, films and news stories about family law issues;
• Provide general information about the court system including information about costs, non-legal ‘representation’ and sources of advice, the role of professionals, etc;
• Provide information about domestic and European policy initiatives; and other jurisdictional models and intervention programs;
• Encourage public dialogue between families and the different types of professionals involved in family cases;
• Provide a forum for debate about the family court system and support for those involved in it.

The website will not be about:

• Making money;
• Providing advice to people about their particular case;
• Campaigning on any particular issue except access to information (and not access to court hearings).

Cook Peter

Sitting on the Bench from the Complete Beyond the Fringe 1987