Section 19 in High Court of Andhra Pradesh Family Courts (Court) Rules, 2005
19. Duties and Functions of a counsellor.
(1)The Counsellor shall perform such work and duties as may be entrusted by the Family Court.(2)Counsellor entrusted with any petition shall assist and advise the parties regarding the settlement of the subject matter of dispute between the parties or any party thereof. The counsellor shall also help the parties in arriving at reconciliation.(3)The Counsellor in the discharge of his duties shall be entitled to visit the homes of any of the parties.(4)The Counsellor in the discharge of his duties shall be entitled to interview relatives, friends and acquaintances of parties or any of them.(5)The Counsellor in the discharge of his duties may seek such information as he may deem fit from the employer of any of the parties.(6)The Counsellor may in the discharge of his/her duties refer the parties to an expert in any other area such as psychiatry. Refer the parties to an expert only after taking permission from the concerned Court and after obtaining consent from the parties.(7)The Counsellor shall make an endeavour to uphold the family institution and avoid disruption. He shall conduct proceedings before sunset and make visits only before sunset. The wishes of the children shall be given paramount consideration for reconciliation. He shall use persuasive methods and shall not use misrepresentation of false promise or threats.
