FAMILY LAW REFORM ACT 1969

Part I sets out provisions regarding the reduction of age of majority and related provisions.  The reduction of age of majority from 21 to 18 is set out under Section 1.  Provisions relating to marriage are addressed under Section 2.  Section 4 provides for the maintenance fro children under Guardianship or Infants Acts to continue to the age of 21.  Section 5 sets out the modifications of other enactments relating to maintenance of children so as to preserve benefits up to age of 21.  Section 8 allows consent by persons over 16 to surgical, medical and dental treatment.  Section 9 explains the time at which a person attains a particular age.  Section 12 provides that persons under full age may be described as minors instead of infants.

Part II sets out provisions relating to the property rights of illegitimate children.  Section 14 sets out a right of illegitimate children to succeed on intestacy of parents, and parents to succeed on intestacy of illegitimate child.  Section 15 allows for the presumption that in dispositions of property references to children and other relatives include reference to, and to persons related through illegitimate children.  Section 18 allows for illegitimate children to count as dependants under Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1938.

Part III relates to the provisions for use of blood tests in determining paternity.  Section 20 empowers the court to require use of blood tests.  Section 21 sets out the consents required for taking blood samples.  Section 23 sets out provisions when there has been a failure to comply with direction for taking blood tests.  Section 24 provides a penalty for personating another, etc for the purpose of providing a blood sample.

Part IV contains the miscellaneous and general provisions.  Section 26 provides for a rebuttal of presumption as to legitimacy and illegitimacy.  Section 27 applies to the entry of fathers name on registration of birth of illegitimate child.

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1 – Statutory provisions amended by substituting 18 for 21 years.