• The Courts and your privacy

    In most circumstances, courts and their decisions are accessible to members of the public. This policy of 'open justice' is reflected in section 97 of the Family Law Act 1975, which provides that all proceedings should be heard in open unless a court decides otherwise. The principle of open justice is fundamental to ensuring that courts remain transparent and accountable for their decisions.

  • Financial or property: Overview

    When people separate (whether from a marriage or a de facto relationship), they usually need to sort out how to divide their property and debts.

  • Going to court – tips for your court hearing

    This fact sheet is for people who are representing themselves in court. It covers some of the things you can do to prepare for your court hearing, as well as what you should and should not do inside the courtroom.

  • Separating with debt: a guide to your legal options

    This guide (linked to the Attorney-General's Department) provides family law and consumer credit law information, options and referral points to assist separating couples to proactively manage debt in the context of relationship breakdown

  • Are you having trouble serving your divorce application?

    If you are having trouble serving your divorce application on your spouse, this fact sheet may help you. It explains the two options you have when you cannot serve your divorce application on your spouse – seeking an order to serve the other party in a way other than personal service or seeking to ‘dispense with service’. A Court order is required for both options.

  • Financial or property: We have agreed

    This page explains how you can formalise your financial agreement without going to court.

  • Financial or property: Superannuation

    How does the law treat superannuation? The superannuation splitting law treats superannuation as a different type of property. It lets separating couples value their superannuation and split superannuation payments, although this is not mandatory. Splitting does not convert superannuation into a cash asset – it is still subject to superannuation laws (for example, it is usually retained until retirement ages are reached). 

  • Financial or property: Death of a party

    This page explains the Court’s jurisdiction in family law financial or property matters if one of the parties dies.

  • Financial or property: Financial agreements

    This page provides information about formalising your financial arrangements after separation with a financial agreement rather than court action.
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