The goal of the Evatt List is to prioritise cases where a family’s immediate safety is at risk. The court ensures that these cases are dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible to protect those in danger.
Mental Health Concerns: Cases involving a parent with significant mental health issues that may put the safety of the child at risk can also be given priority access to the Evatt List.
Not everyone will qualify for the Evatt List, but those who do will receive quicker access to hearings and court resources to help resolve their case and ensure that families are safe.
Also Read: Domestic Violence Statistics Australia: Breaking the Silence
What Types of Cases Are Referred to the Evatt List?
The Family Court refers specific kinds of cases to the Evatt List, primarily those that involve significant risks to the safety of children or adults. Below are some of the most common types of cases that are typically referred to the Evatt List:
Parenting Orders Involving Family Violence: When a parent applies for parenting orders and there is a history of family violence, the court might refer the case to the Evatt List to ensure the child and the victim of violence are protected.
Applications for Urgent Protection: If a parent or child needs immediate protection, such as an urgent order for their safety, the case may be placed on the Evatt List. These applications often involve the risk of harm, violence, or abduction.
Breach of Parenting Orders with Safety Concerns: When one parent does not follow a parenting order and there are serious safety concerns, the court might prioritise this case under the Evatt List. This is particularly important when the breach puts a child’s safety at risk.
Cases Involving Relocation with Safety Risks: If one parent plans to relocate with the child and there are safety concerns, such as a history of family violence or the possibility of the child being taken without proper permission, this case may be moved to the Evatt List.
How Does the Evatt List Expedite Family Violence Cases?
The Evatt List expedites family violence cases by ensuring that the most urgent cases are heard by the court sooner than regular family law matters. The court recognises that cases involving violence or safety risks cannot wait the typical months or even years it might take to resolve other family law disputes. Here’s how the Evatt List speeds up the process:
Early Identification of Risk: As soon as a case is filed, it is reviewed to see if it meets the criteria for the Evatt List. This early identification means that serious cases are fast-tracked from the beginning.
Specialised Handling: Judges who are familiar with family violence and child safety issues are assigned to these cases. These judges have experience in making quick decisions that prioritise the safety of the family.
Shorter Timeframes for Hearings: Once a case is on the Evatt List, the court will schedule hearings much sooner than it would for other cases. In many instances, the court may hear these cases within weeks, not months.
Quicker Access to Support Services: Families dealing with violence often need more than just legal help—they may require support services like counselling, housing, or medical assistance. The Evatt List ensures that families have quicker access to these essential services through the court’s networks.
By streamlining the process and focusing on the most critical cases, the Evatt List ensures that families facing immediate danger get the help and protection they need.
Read Also: How to Get an AVO in NSW: A Comprehensive Guide
Keeping Families Safe Is Our Priority
If you believe your case involves urgent safety concerns or family violence, the Evatt List may be able to provide the protection you need. At Justice Family Lawyers, we have experience handling high-risk family law cases, including those referred to the Evatt List. Our dedicated team can guide you through the process, ensuring your voice is heard and your safety is prioritised. Call us today at Justice Family Lawyers for a confidential consultation and expert advice on your family law matters. We’re here to help when it matters most.
