Released on March 30, 2015
A program to help minimize the effect of separation and divorce on family members, especially children is expanding to Regina and Moose Jaw.The Ministry of Justice, with support from the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan, has developed Family Matters: Assisting Families through Separation and Divorce, a three-year pilot program to assist families through separation and divorce.
“The Family Matters program is part of the Ministry of Justice’s larger innovation agenda, which addresses access to justice issues in Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “Our goal is to provide early intervention and resolution to demonstrate that the courts are not the only way to settle a dispute. By consolidating relevant information, couples will feel less stress during this change in their family structure.”
The program, which was provided nearly $1.3 million in funding from the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan, offers families in transition access to an early, affordable and informal opportunity to resolve issues. Information, support and guidance will assist clients in addressing issues such as child custody, parenting plans, children’s developmental needs and property division.
“The Law Foundation of Saskatchewan is pleased with the expansion of the Family Matters program,” Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Executive Director Bob Watt said. “The foundation recognizes the need for couples going through this transition to have cost-effective access to the justice system for the information they require.”
The program launched in Saskatoon and Prince Albert in November 2014. On April 1, 2015, the program will become available to residents of Regina and Moose Jaw. A province-wide expansion will occur in April 2016. For more information on the program, call 1-844-863-3408 or email familymatters@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Lesley Dietz
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4725
Email: lesley.dietz@gov.sk.ca