This section applies where a party to family proceedings is prevented from cross-examining a witness in person by virtue of any of sections 31R to 31U.
The court must consider whether (ignoring this section) there is a satisfactory alternative means—
If the court decides that there is not, the court must—
Subsection (5) applies if, by the end of the period specified under subsection (3)(b), either—
The court must consider whether it is necessary in the interests of justice for the witness to be cross-examined by a qualified legal representative appointed by the court to represent the interests of the party.
If the court decides that it is, the court must appoint a qualified legal representative (chosen by the court) to cross-examine the witness in the interests of the party.
A qualified legal representative appointed by the court under subsection (6) is not responsible to the party.
For the purposes of this section—