• Transfer of proceedings

    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).

  • Intellectual property: I have been served

    If you have been served you should read the application as soon as possible. The person who filed the application with the Court is known as the applicant and you (as the other party) are known as the respondent. What should I do next? All intellectual property matters filed in the Court are docketed in the National IP List and case managed by the IP List judge.

  • Practice and procedure update: Family law Rules

    The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (the Amendment Act) commences on 10 June 2025. As a result, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021 (the Rules) have been amended.

  • Lighthouse Project - Update to the Profession July 2021

    With the Pilot now well underway, the Court calls upon the profession to familiarise themselves with this important project and to communicate the process and benefits with their clients.

  • Applying for a decree of nullity

    This fact sheet is for people who need information about applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) for an order that a marriage is a nullity, described in the Family Law Act 1975 as a ‘decree of nullity’.

  • Before you file – pre-action procedure for financial or property cases (prescribed brochure)

    This brochure provides information for people considering applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) for financial or property orders. In particular, it provides information about pre-action procedures required before starting a case.

  • Practice and procedure update: Regulation changes in family law commenced 1 April 2025

    The following Regulations commenced on 1 April 2025: The Family Law Regulations 2024 replace the 1984 Regulations; The Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025 replace the 2001 Regulations; The Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025 replace the 2008 Regulations. As a result, there will be changes to the following family law court forms which are to be used from 1 April 2025. Please note that the changes are largely updating section references where the…

  • Family Law: Costs

    This page explains party and party costs, how to dispute an itemised account for party and party costs, and the steps involved in disputing a costs account

  • Guide to Communicating with the Courts

    This guide addresses how to appropriately communicate with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), including chambers staff, Court Children's Services, and registry and other Court staff.

  • Migration: Directions, callovers and court hearings

    There are a number of different court events that can occur in Migration matters: Directions Callovers Summary judgment hearing Extension of time hearing Final hearing Each migration application is different. You may not have all of the court events listed occur in your matter. Whenever you are required to attend court for a hearing, the Court will write to you at your address for service and give you, and the Minister’s lawyers, the details of when and where you must attend.
flag
flag

The Courts acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders, past, present and emerging.