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).

This fact sheet is for people who are representing themselves in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). People who are not represented by a lawyer are commonly referred to as ‘unrepresented litigants’ or ‘litigants in person’. This information is about the first court event, otherwise known as the ‘duty list’.

This fact sheet explains some of the legal words used in family law proceedings in the Court.

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about legal costs in family law matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court).

This fact sheet is for people who have been ordered to attend a Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) conference in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

This brochure sets out guidelines to assist people to comply with Part 7.1 of the Family Law Rules (expert evidence). It should be read in conjunction with those Rules.

This fact sheet is for people who need information on the procedures and requirements for compulsory Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) prior to the commencement of family law proceedings.

The Chief Justice/Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has made new rules of court for all proceedings in the Court with effect from 1 September 2021. The new rules apply to all proceedings in the Court commenced before 1 September 2021 but not finally determined before that date in accordance with the transitional arrangements described at Part 2 of this PD. The Court retains the discretion to dispense with compliance with any provision of the new rules at all times, including where application of the new rules would operate unfairly or cause injustice.

This fact sheet provides information for parties who have had a Family Report ordered by the Court.