Bay of Plenty lawyer facing charges after allegedly claiming almost $450,000

A Bay of Plenty lawyer is being accused of claiming more than $400,000 from a government-funded legal support scheme.

The Serious Fraud Office has filed 30 charges against Paulette Main for falsely claiming almost $450,000.

Charges include obtaining by deception and two charges of obstructing a SFO investigation.

Main appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday and was remanded without plea, the SFO said in a statement.

The SFO alleges that she submitted more than 1500 false claims to the Ministry of Justice's Family Legal Advice Service, which funds eligible lawyers to give out-of-court advice in Care of Children Act disputes.

Lawyers can claim a fixed fee from the ministry for providing services.

Main is next scheduled to appear on 3 August.