This Information Notice was revoked 3 May 2024.

This information notice establishes the manner in which files in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may be constituted.

This Practice Direction was revoked 4 November 2022.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has developed new rules of court for all proceedings in the Court with effect from 1 September 2021. Various new Practice Directions and Information Notices have been issued to accompany the new rules. This Practice Direction formally revokes a number of outdated or superseded Practice Directions and Information Notices issued by the Family Court of Australia or Federal Circuit Court of Australia prior to the commencement of the operation of the Court on 1 September 2021.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) is the nation’s largest court dealing with both family law and general federal law matters. The Court’s rules and procedures are generally less formal, making the Court accessible to the community. The Court’s procedures provide for cases to be completed in a timely and cost efficient manner.

This fact sheet provides information for people who allege a parenting or other child-related order has been contravened (breached). It explains some of the options available. When a parenting or other child-related order is made, each person affected by the order must comply with (follow) the order.

This fact sheet is for people who are representing themselves in court. It covers some of the things you can do to prepare for your court hearing, as well as what you should and should not do inside the courtroom.

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025 - Rule 31.11(2)

Information about what a de facto relationship is and how to apply to the court

All family law matters must be commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). More complex matters that are filed in Division 2 can be transferred to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) or in some cases the Federal Court of Australia (whichever has jurisdiction). Similarly, there are provisions to transfer less complex matters from other courts to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).