Changes to the Family Law Act due to the commencement of the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and Family Law Amendment (Information Sharing) Act 2023 commenced on 6 May 2024. This included changes to how the Courts will make parenting orders in the best interests of the child. Some court processes and forms changed.
The expansion of Lighthouse means that risk screening, triage and differentiated case management, including the Evatt List, is now available in 15 family law registries and offered to any party filing parenting only, and parenting and financial orders.
Watch the informative webinar about this important family violence and safety initiative.
Watch the informative webinar about this important family violence and safety initiative.
Court proceedings should be a last resort. The Courts expect people to make genuine attempts to engage in dispute resolution, to avoid the time, cost and stress associated with litigation.
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.
The Courts place 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 Courts process and Court orders. Remember, there are people who can help you.
For some families, it may be unsafe to resolve their disputes without the help of the Courts process and Court orders. Remember, there are people who can help you.
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.
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.
Electronic hearings
Information about attending an electronic court hearing via video link or telephone.
Representing myself
Information about the things you need to consider if you are representing yourself in court.
Safety at court
Information about what to do and how the Court can assist you if you have any safety concerns when attending court.
Court support
Information about the range of support services that are available and what you need to do if you have special circumstances.
Helpful videos
What is an Indigenous Family Liaison Officer?
This video is for families that need help and support to resolve issues relating to the care and living arrangements of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children. The video features Indigenous Family Liaison Officers from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, who talk about the role and how they can provide support to families.
3:30 min
What is family violence?
Family violence is a serious problem in our community. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Court) deals with families and relationships and a significant proportion of matters before the Court involve allegations of family violence. The focus of this video is on family violence and what it means.
4:03 MIN
How the voice of the child is heard?
The court process is designed to balance the need to protect children from conflict with the child’s right to have a voice in decisions being made about them. This video is about how a child’s voice is considered in a family law case in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
3:56 MIN
How the Court process works for parenting cases
Every case is different and may be handled differently depending on the needs of your family. This video explains the usual process of a family law case involving children and provides an overview of what can be expected in most cases in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
7:00 MIN
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