• Practice and procedure update: Family Law Rules

    Today the Courts are providing an update in relation to amendments to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021 (Family Law Rules). The Family Law Rules have been amended by the passage of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Amendment (2024 Measures No.1) Rules 2024 which has been approved by a majority of Judges. The amendments take effect from 6 May 2024. The full instrument is available to download above.

  • Human rights: I have been served

    This page explains what to do if you have been served with an Originating Application – Human Rights and how to file a Response – Human Rights.

  • Lighthouse expansion - Update to the profession August 2023

    The Courts continue to see a high uptake in parties completing the risk screen, with 50% of parties completing the risk screen within 48 hours of receiving the invitation to do so. This impressive response rate means that the Courts’ specialised Lighthouse team are able to provide early service information and support after the filing of a party’s Initiating Application or Response.

  • Increase to family law fees - 1 July 2025

    The fees payable in the Federal Circuit and Family Court are changing from 1 July

  • How do I...?

    Family Law Divorce Apply for divorce Prove I am divorced

  • Consumer law: I have been served

    This page explains what to do if you have been served with a consumer law application.

  • Guidelines for Independent Children's Lawyers

    These Guidelines have been issued to provide guidance to the Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) on fulfilling their unique role and responsibilities, as the independent lawyer appointed to represent and promote the best interests of a child in family law proceedings.

  • Practice and procedure update: Practice directions

    With today’s commencement of the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and the Family Law (Information Sharing) Act 2023, amendments have taken effect to four practice directions: Central Practice Direction: Family Law Case Management, Family Law Practice Direction: Parenting Proceedings, Family Law Practice Direction: Financial Proceedings and Family Law Practice Direction: Critical Incident List. In addition, the COVID-19 List Practice Direction has been revoked.

  • Family law

    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.

  • Financial or property: Spousal maintenance

    What are spousal and de facto maintenance? Spousal maintenance Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by a party to a marriage to their husband or wife (or former husband or wife) in circumstances where they are unable to adequately support themselves. De facto maintenance De facto maintenance is financial support paid by a party to a de facto relationship that has broken down to their former de facto partner in circumstances where they are unable to adequately support themselves.
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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.