• Expert witnesses in family law

    This fact sheet provides information about the different types of experts that provide evidence in family law matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). 

  • Legal costs in general federal law matters

    In general federal law proceedings, the Court normally awards costs to a successful party. They are intended to reimburse a party (usually the successful one) for their legal costs. The costs awarded are normally only part of the costs incurred. These are referred to as party-party costs. Costs may be awarded before a final hearing; for example if a party has not complied with a timetable and the other party brings the matter back to court for further directions.

  • 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).

  • Children and international travel after family separation

    This fact sheet provides information for people who want to: apply for an Australian passport for a child, but one of the signatories can not or will not sign the application form; prevent a child they have parental responsibility for from leaving Australia.

  • FCFCOA Practice Direction – Transitional Arrangements

    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.

  • 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.

  • Preparing an affidavit

    This fact sheet explains what an affidavit is and when you need to file one in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). It also gives basic information about what you can and cannot include in an affidavit.

  • Complaints policy

    Information about how to make a complaint to the Court.

  • Interpreter policy and guidelines

    If you have difficulty with English and need an interpreter to understand what is being said at a court hearing, you will need to arrange for any interpreter that you or your witnesses may require. A certified interpreter is required to provider interpreter services for hearings where cross examination will occur, except in exceptional circumstances where no certified interpreter is available for the language required.
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