New Zealand Acts

CARE OF CHILDREN ACT 2004 - SECT 46Q

46Q Settlement conferences

1 At any time before the hearing of a proceeding,—

a) a Family Court Associate may convene a settlement conference; or

b) a Family Court Judge or Family Court Associate may direct the Registrar of the court to convene a settlement conference.

2 However, a settlement conference may be convened under subsection (1) on 1 occasion only, but may be adjourned at any time and to any place.

3 At a settlement conference, a Family Court Associate or Family Court Judge may, with the consent of the parties, make an order settling some or all of the issues in dispute between the parties.

4 Before a party consents to the making of an order, a Family Court Associate or Family Court Judge may advise that party to obtain legal advice.

History: Section 46Q: inserted, on 31 March 2014, by section 10 of the Care of Children Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 74).   Section 46Q(1): replaced, on 6 October 2023, by section 19(1) of the Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 25).     Section 46Q(3): amended, on 6 October 2023, by section 19(2) of the Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 25).     Section 46Q(4): amended, on 6 October 2023, by section 19(2) of the Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 25).