• What is Lighthouse?

    Frequently asked question response relating to lighthouse

  • Update to the profession: Consent orders forms updated

    The Chief Justice has approved changes to the following Court forms: Application for Consent Orders, and Annexure to Proposed Consent Parenting Order (Current Case). These forms have been amended in consultation with the Courts’ Family Violence Committee as part of the Courts’ commitment to improving and refining its processes.

  • Lighthouse overview

    The Court is committed to the protection of vulnerable parties and children in family law proceedings. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) are leading the way in helping families that have experienced family violence and other safety risks to navigate the family law system.

  • Lighthouse - Triage Counsellors

    Lighthouse is an innovative approach taken by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to screen for risk, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for families.

  • Speech for the Launch of the Lighthouse Expansion

    Speech given by The Hon Chief Justice William Alstergren AO at the launch of the Lighthouse Expansion on 5 December 2022 in Sydney.

  • Practice and procedure update: Family law form updates

    As a result of the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) commencing on 10 June 2025, there will be changes to some family law court forms. Some changes are substantive, for example if new questions have been added to forms. A number of forms have minor changes only, where sections of the Act have changed and references need to be updated.

  • Update to the profession: family law practice direction updates

    On 7 September 2022 two family law practice directions were updated. Family Law Practice Direction – Divorce Proceedings was updated at paragraph 2.17 to clarify that if a party files an Application in a Proceeding in a divorce, such as an application seeking orders for substituted service or to dispense with service, they are required to attend the hearing unless excused by the presiding Registrar.

  • Lighthouse Latest News

    New court reform focused on the safety of children and their families by identifying and addressing issues of family violence and other risks. The expansion of the Lighthouse model and risk screening from 3 current locations to 15 locations strengthens the Courts’ ability to identify risks early, and respond to those risks. The expansion will benefit many more families, not only because of the expanded number of locations, but it will also include parties filing ‘parenting only’, and ‘parenting…

  • Where is Lighthouse available?

    Frequently asked question response relating to lighthouse

  • Lighthouse information sheet for practitioners

    Information for practitioners about the Lighthouse risk screening and case management
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