New Zealand Acts

CARE OF CHILDREN ACT 2004 - SECT 55

55 Content and explanation of parenting orders

1 An order under section 48(1) —

a) must contain an explanation, based on the precise terms of the particular order, of—

i) the effect of the order (for example, of the obligations the order creates); and

ii) any processes for the monitoring and review of the order, and the means by which the order can be varied or discharged; and

iii) the consequences that may follow if the order is not complied with; and

b) without limiting paragraph (a), must be accompanied by general information, in a form approved by the Secretary, about the matters stated in paragraph (a)(i) to (iii).

2 A lawyer acting for, or other person representing, a party to an order under section 48(1) must explain to the party the effect of the order.

3 Explanations required by subsections (1)(a) and (2) must be given in a manner and in language that the recipients of those explanations understand.

4 A lawyer acting for, or other person representing, a child, must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the effect of an order under section 48(1) is explained to the child, to an extent and in a manner and in language that the child understands.

5 A failure to comply with a requirement imposed by this section does not affect the validity of the order concerned.

Note: 1989 No 24 s 10 ; 1995 No 86 s 87

History: Section 55(1)(b): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 15 of the Care of Children Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 74).