A Rotorua lawyer has helped make a film to assist families going through the Family Court.
Tania Williams-Blyth and Kiriana Tan of Hamilton worked with recently retired Family Court judge John Adams to script the film. There are two versions of Without a Lawyer in Family Court - one in Maori, the other in English. .
New rule changes restrict the use of lawyers at early stages of a Family Court case, an issue that concerned Ms Williams-Blyth and Ms Tan and prompted them to make the film that will be launched in Rotorua on Thursday.
Mr Adams said many people going through the courts had little understanding of their legal rights, the court system or the psychological features concerning child development.
"In my experience, a lawyer can often guide a client with sound advice during what can be a stressful time. Without a lawyer, cases tend to be handled less efficiently. These films have been made to help people who need guidance to better cope with the court system."