This form is used in general federal law or migration proceedings to make an application to be exempted from paying a court fee. Use this form if: you are receiving legal aid for your proceeding from a State/Territory Legal Aid Office or an approved legal aid scheme or service (including an approved community legal centres); or, you are the primary cardholder of a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or any other card that entitles you to Commonwealth health concessions (this does not extend to a dependant of the primary cardholder); or, you are serving a sentence of imprisonment or otherwise detained in a public institution; or, you are younger than 18; or, you are receiving youth allowance or Austudy payments or ABSTUDY benefits.

This form is used in general federal law and migration proceedings to make an application to be exempted from paying a court fee, or to pay a reduced fee, on the basis of financial hardship. In considering whether payment of a fee would cause financial hardship to an individual, the Court must consider the individual’s income, day to day living expenses, liabilities and assets. If you are applying for an exemption or reduction of a filing fee, then this form must be lodged at the same time as the document on which that fee must be paid is lodged. If you are applying for the exemption of a setting-down or hearing fee, then this form must be lodged once the hearing date is set. For more information, see regulations 2.06 and 2.06A of the Federal Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court Regulations 2012.

This form is used by lawyers to advise the Court that they no longer act for their client. A lawyer may file a notice of withdrawal without leave of the Court only if, at least 7 days before filing the notice, the lawyer has served a notice of intention to withdraw on the party for whom the lawyer is acting.

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.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) deals with a wide range of matters, sharing jurisdiction with the Federal Court of Australia and, in some cases, state courts. The Court’s rules and procedures are simpler and less formal, and aim to reduce the cost and number of court appearances for clients.

This information notice establishes the manner in which files in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may be constituted.

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.

This fact sheet is for people who are representing themselves in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). People who are not represented by a lawyer are commonly referred to as ‘unrepresented litigants’ or ‘litigants in person’. This information is about the first court event, otherwise known as the ‘duty list’.