Combating coronavirus: 91 distance sessions at RAK court to settle family disputes

Ras Al Khaimah - Twenty cases were amicably settled via video conference technology.

The Ras Al Khaimah Courts have conducted 91 online sessions to settle family disputes in April.
Twenty cases were amicably settled via video conference technology, according to Dr. Ahmed Al Khatri, Chairman, RAK Courts.
"Seventeen cases were unfortunately referred to the court concerned for a final decision. The other cases are still under process, he added.
"Our competent staff counsellors at the family counselling section spare no effort to defuse all family litigation and managed to end many cases amicably," Al Khatri said.
"They have also provided 81 phone consultations over the same period," Dr Khatri pointed out.
"The family counselling section has started offering its services distantly since March 29 in line with the ongoing preventive measures to curb Covid-19 infection and transmission."
He said his staff counsellors contact the litigant couples online from his office.
"They first listen to everyone separately and then hold joint online sessions in an attempt to defuse the litigation and settle the problem amicably."
"This way, the counselling section staff here professionally handles all family litigations," he pointed out.
"Litigants do not need to appear in person at the section and only have to follow seven steps starting with a phone call or a message via WhatsApp."
"A form is then sent to the complainant to fill out and return by email or WhatsApp," he explained.
"Both litigants then receive an SMS including the timing of the session and the video call software to be used."
The online video conference is then held in the presence of both litigants, following which the staff counsellor listens carefully to their complaints and gives all possible advice during the online session which is saved in the electronic system of RAK courts.
"If the case is amicably settled, the counsellor sent the litigants an electronic certificate of the settlement; otherwise the case is referred to the court for hearings and pleadings," he said.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah