• 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.

  • Etiquette and tips

    This page explains the etiquette required and some tips on how to prepare to go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

  • Court-based dispute resolution in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

    The Court’s new case management pathway, and particularly the events which are conducted by judicial registrars in court lists and in dispute resolution, is designed to focus parties on potential areas of agreement, and move towards a final resolution of all issues as safely as possible, and without the impact, stress and expense of protracted family law litigation.

  • Update to the profession: Issue of the Special Measures Information Notice – Hearing Protocol

    The Chief Justice has issued the Special Measures Information Notice – Hearing Protocol to replace the Special Measures Information Notice – COVID-19 Hearing Protocol, with effect from Monday, 7 November 2022.

  • I don’t understand a question in the risk screen, who can I ask about it?

    Lighthouse FAQ response

  • Practice and procedure update: Changes to urgent Initiating Applications and Family Law Watchlist process

    From 22 April 2025, changes will be introduced to how urgent Initiating Applications and Family Law (Airport) Watchlist applications are managed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and (Division 2). These changes aim to improve the efficient review and prioritisation of urgent applications.

  • National rollout of Webex for electronic hearings

    Following the successful expansion of the Webex pilot to NSW and ACT, the Court will progress with a national rollout of Webex for electronic hearings.

  • Natural disasters

    If you are concerned about the status of your family law proceedings while you or your former partner are managing immediate issues following a natural disaster you can consult the Court to enquire about the assistance we can offer you.

  • Reply

    This form is used in both family law and general federal law proceedings to reply to a respondents response or cross-claim when you wish to oppose the orders sought by the respondent or have the Court make other orders.

  • Submitting Notice

    This form is used if a party does not contest an application, response or reply.
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