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 Resources Forms 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
17 September, 2021 Media Release: Appointment of Deputy Chief Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia The Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Michaela Cash, has today announced the appointment of two Deputy Chief Judges of Division 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). Read more about Media Release: Appointment of Deputy Chief Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
17 September, 2021 AG's Media Release: Appointment of Deputy Chief Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia I am pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland as Deputy Chief Judge (Family Law) of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) and the appointment of Judge Patrizia Mercuri as Deputy Chief Judge (General and Fair Work) of the FCFCOA. Read more about AG's Media Release: Appointment of Deputy Chief Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
14 September, 2021 COVID-19 update: online and telephone services only for Canberra registry There will be no face-to-face services in the Court’s Canberra registry, unless otherwise approved by the Head of Jurisdiction, until Monday 18 October 2021. Read more about COVID-19 update: online and telephone services only for Canberra registry
01 September, 2021 Court-based dispute resolution in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia The Court’s new case management pathway, and particularly the events which are conducted by judicial registrars in court lists and in dispute resolution, is designed to focus parties on potential areas of agreement, and move towards a final resolution of all issues as safely as possible, and without the impact, stress and expense of protracted family law litigation. Read more about Court-based dispute resolution in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia