The Family Law Committee (“FLC”) has met five times since the start of the new term in March 2011.
During this term, FLC will focus, amongst others, on the following:
(1) Campaign to create public awareness on the need to amend section 95 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 to provide for the maintenance of children until they complete their education
The public campaign is aimed at gathering support from non–governmental organisations and political parties to urge the government to amend section 95 of the Act to extend the legal obligation of parents to maintain their children beyond the age of 18 years.
(2) Study, and if need be, to revamp the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce Act) 1976 and the Divorce and Matrimonial Proceedings Rules 1980 (“Rules”)
FLC will study the Act and the Rules and propose amendments to, or replacements for, outdated and obsolete provisions.
(3) Assist the court in drawing up a set of guidelines to be used in Family Courts
FLC has drawn up a set of guidelines to standardise the procedures and practices of the Family Courts throughout the country. The set of guidelines was forwarded to the Family Courts in August 2011 and FLC is awaiting their feedback and approval.
(4) Proposed establishment of a separate Family Court
As a step towards the proposed establishment of a separate Family Court, FLC plans to hold a seminar on Family Law Courts. The seminar would focus on what we envisage the Family Courts to be.
(5) Establishment of a panel of child psychologists for all Family Courts in the country
FLC would compile a list of child psychologists, who would assist the court by interviewing children and giving their input regarding custody and access.
(6) Submit a memorandum on proposed amendments to the laws affecting the families of those who have converted to Islam
FLC proposes to prepare and submit a memorandum to Bar Council on proposed amendments to the laws affecting the families of those who have converted to Islam.
Gunasegaran Singaravelu
Chairperson
Family Law Committee
Dated 16 Aug 2011
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(1) Gunasegaran Singaravelu (Chairperson)(2) Lalitha Menon (Co–Deputy Chairperson)(3) Foo Yet Ngo (Co–Deputy Chairperson)
Members:
(4) Alex Tan Jee Hian(5) Anita Shukla Sharma(6) Bernard Scott(7) Chandrika Jaganathan(8) Chew Swee Yoke(9) Chin Yeow Chong(10) Chuah Siew Ean(11) Honey Tan Lay Ean(12) Kiran Dhaliwal(13) Lee Kong Fee(14) Maria Cheng Swee Kee(15) Martin Tay Tze Chian(16) Oon Hooi Lim(17) Pushpa Ratnam(18) Serene Ong Si–Oui(19) Shahin Akhtar Mohmamed Yunus(20) Sharmini Thiruchelvam(21) Tharumarajah Thiagarajan(22) Vignesvary Alahakone
Officer–in–charge: Sumitra Penesar (until July 2011); Gayathiri Pannerselvam (from August 2011)