As per Lawkidunya, The Family Courts (Amendment) Act, 2015, is a law in Pakistan that amended the Family Courts Act, 1964. The Act was enacted on February 24, 2015, and it aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of family courts in Pakistan.
Key Provisions of Family Courts (Amendment) Act 2015
1. Establishment of Family Courts: The Act provided for the establishment of family courts in each district of Pakistan, with the aim of providing easy access to justice for families.
2. Jurisdiction: The Act expanded the jurisdiction of family courts to include cases related to:
– Divorce
– Maintenance
– Custody of children
– Guardianship
– Dower
– Inheritance
– Other family-related matters
3. Procedure: The Act streamlined the procedure for filing and hearing family cases, with the aim of reducing delays and improving efficiency.
4. Mediation and Conciliation: The Act emphasized the importance of mediation and conciliation in resolving family disputes, and provided for the appointment of mediators and conciliators.
5. Appeals: The Act provided for appeals from decisions of family courts to the High Court.
Objectives of Family Courts (Amendment) Act 2015
1. Improving Access to Justice: The Act aimed to improve access to justice for families in Pakistan, particularly for women and children.
2. Reducing Delays: The Act aimed to reduce delays in the disposal of family cases, and to improve the efficiency of family courts.
3. Promoting Mediation and Conciliation: The Act aimed to promote mediation and conciliation as a means of resolving family disputes, rather than resorting to litigation.
Impact of Family Courts (Amendment) Act 2015
1. Improved Access to Justice: The Act has improved access to justice for families in Pakistan, particularly for women and children.
2. Reduced Delays: The Act has helped to reduce delays in the disposal of family cases, and has improved the efficiency of family courts.
3. Increased Use of Mediation and Conciliation: The Act has promoted the use of mediation and conciliation in resolving family disputes, which has helped to reduce the burden on family courts.
