A modern, innovative court leading change The new Court provides a modern, transparent and more efficient system of justice aimed at assisting parties through the process as safely quickly and fairly as possible without undue cost and delay. The Court will continue to embrace innovation and technology to operate on a truly national basis. In particular, we aim to change the culture and conversation around family law litigation. Use dispute resolution to reduce costs and emotional stress Court proceedings should be a last resort. The Court expects people to make genuine attempts to engage in dispute resolution, to avoid the time, cost and stress associated with litigation. You can separate smarter Where it is safe to do so, you can take ownership of your dispute. Whether you agree, partially agree or don’t agree at all. You can mediate at any stage, as many times as you need. It is time we started thinking differently about family law disputes. A court responsive to family violence and risk to children The Court places children, litigants and their safety at the heart of the process. For some families, it may be unsafe to resolve their disputes without the help of the Court process and Court orders. Remember, there are people who can help you. Expertise and resources to deliver initiatives For those matters that need to proceed to trial parties can be confident in the process which has integrity, the expertise of judges, judicial registrars, court child experts and staff, delivering a world-leading federal law system. 1 2 3 4 5 QUICK LINKS Daily court lists Court locations Safety at court Judgments News & media Resources Forms Practice directions Family law Divorce, separation, children, property and other family law matters. Migration law The Court can review some decisions made under the Migration Act 1958. General federal law Bankruptcy, fair work, human rights, consumer, admiralty, administrative and IP. Attending court Etiquette and tips Information about the etiquette required in court as well as tips and other important information on how to prepare for coming to court. Read about court etiquette and tips Electronic hearings Information about attending an electronic court hearing via video link or telephone. Read about electronic hearings Representing myself Information about the things you need to consider if you are representing yourself in court. Read about representing yourself Safety at court Information about what to do and how the Court can assist you if you have any safety concerns when attending court. Read about safety at court Court support Information about the range of support services that are available and what you need to do if you have special circumstances. Read about court support Hearing types Information about the types of court events that are held. Read about hearing types Helpful videos You can separate smarter Did you know, you don’t need to argue? If it is safe to do so, there is a better way to separate. You can take ownership of your dispute. This video provides tips on how to separate smarter - whether you agree or partially agree, perhaps you can’t agree at all. 3:45 min What to expect when attending a court hearing An introduction and guide to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. This video shares tips to help you understand what to expect if you have to attend a court hearing, whether in person or electronically. 4:19 min A new court structure This video guides you through what has changed and what you can expect from the new court system following the amalgamation of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Our host shares where you can find information such as New Forms, New Rules and New Practice Directions via the New FCFCOA Website. 2:36 min
09 September, 2022 Media Release: Acknowledging the passing of Queen Elizabeth II On behalf of the Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Division 1 and Division 2, I acknowledge and express a deep sense of sadness following the news announcing the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Read more about Media Release: Acknowledging the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
14 August, 2022 Media Release: Chief Justice Alstergren AO shines light on family violence at National Family Law Conference, Adelaide The Chief Justice (Division 1) and Chief Judge (Division 2) of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Hon Will Alstergren AO, together with the Commonwealth Attorney-General the Hon Mark Dreyfus, will deliver the State of the National address at the opening of the 19th National Family Law Conference in Adelaide on Monday 15 August. Read more about Media Release: Chief Justice Alstergren AO shines light on family violence at National Family Law Conference, Adelaide
05 August, 2022 Supreme Court of Indonesia and the FCFCOA continue strong collaboration in family law outcomes for women and children Judges of the FCFCOA visited the Supreme Court of Indonesia in July 2022 to continue discussions under the Memorandum of Understanding between the courts that focuses on improving the quality of services and judicial decisions in family law cases affecting women and children. Read more about Supreme Court of Indonesia and the FCFCOA continue strong collaboration in family law outcomes for women and children
16 June, 2022 Increase to general federal law court fees - 1 July 2022 The fees payable in the Federal Circuit and Family Court are changing from 1 July 2022. The table below shows the current general federal law fees payable and the new fees from 1 July. Read more about Increase to general federal law court fees - 1 July 2022