This Office would like to recommence the listing of Family Motions before the County Registrar. This can only be achieved if Court Appearances are conducted in accordance with strict compliance with procedures issued from the office because of the C-Virus. The County Registrar is prepared to hear any Motions provided there is compliance with the new system but this will need the full cooperation of the Professions. In light of the foregoing the present system and days for the listing of Motions may be parked for the duration.
The purpose of the interim system is in the interests of all Parties and to cause the minimum inconvenience to solicitors and barristers.
The proposed system which will be introduced is as follows
1 - There will be the a Family Law Preliminary Motions List issued next week for 5th June 2020.
2 - Not later than 26th May 2020, the Initiating Solicitor will advise the County Registrar by email as to the approach been taken to the Motion. The County Registrar's email address is "limerickcountyregistrarlists@courts.ie".
In emailing the Office the "Subject" panel of the email should set out the list number and name of the case in full.
3 - In respect of approaching the Motion the following shall apply:
3 (i) - If the motion is compromised the Office should be advised of same on or before 26th May. The terms of agreement should be set out and an Order will issue from the Office in due course. In this regard it will be necessary for the Solicitor for the Opposing Party should similarly email the Office confirming the terms of the agreement reached. If same is not received, then the matter will be adjourned to the next motions list.
3(ii) - In respect of those matters that are to be Struck Out with no Order an email from the Initiating Solicitor on or before 26th May will suffice.
3(iii)- If the matter is not proceeding and is being adjourned then the Office needs to advised by the Initiating Solicitor of same.
3(iv)- If the Office does not receive any email communication in respect of a matter then the case will be adjourned automatically to the next family motions list on a date which will be decided by the Office.
4 - Then within 5 days of the hearing date the Office will prepare the Family Law Final Motions List in which the cases proceeding will be listed for hearing at intervals of 10 minutes.
If it is thought that any matter should take longer than 10 minutes the Solicitors for both Parties should advise the Office of the estimated time and this will be allowed for the in the listing.
5 - The Initiating Solicitor or a solicitor from his / her firm or her/his Barrister will require to be in attendance. Agents will not be entitled to represent any party.
6 - The time for the hearing of matter will be strict and any matter will not be heard in any form before the time allotted and will only be heard after the time set out if the proceeding matter takes longer than the time allotted it.
7 - If there is no Appearance the matter will be struck out with no Order - If the Opposing Solicitor/Barrister is present Costs may be awarded (if sought).
8 - Costs will be an issue in any matter where there is non-compliance with the foregoing.
I trust you will appreciate the necessity for the strict format and presentation of any matter which I would hope will be for the benefit of all.