Family law | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

The Court’s family law jurisdiction includes applications for divorce, proof of divorce, applications for spousal maintenance, property and financial disputes, parenting orders, enforcement of orders, location and recovery orders, warrants for the apprehension or detention of a child, and determination of parentage.

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Divorce

Children

Finances and property

Family violence

Lighthouse

Indigenous

Appeals

Other matters

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Attending court

Etiquette and tips

Information about the etiquette required in court as well as tips and other important information on how to prepare for coming to court.

Read about court etiquette and tips

Electronic hearings

Information about attending an electronic court hearing via video link or telephone.

Read about electronic hearings

Representing myself

Information about the things you need to consider if you are representing yourself in court.

Read about representing yourself

Safety at court

Information about what to do and how the Court can assist you if you have any safety concerns when attending court.

Read about safety at court

Court support

Information about the range of support services that are available and what you need to do if you have special circumstances.

Read about court support

Hearing types

Read about hearing types

Helpful videos

What is family violence?

Family violence is a serious problem in our community. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Court) deals with families and relationships and a significant proportion of matters before the Court involve allegations of family violence. The focus of this video is on family violence and what it means.

4:03 MIN

How the voice of the child is heard?

The court process is designed to balance the need to protect children from conflict with the child’s right to have a voice in decisions being made about them. This video is about how a child’s voice is considered in a family law case in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

3:56 MIN

How the Court process works for parenting cases

Every case is different and may be handled differently depending on the needs of your family. This video explains the usual process of a family law case involving children and provides an overview of what can be expected in most cases in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

7:00 MIN

You can separate smarter

Did you know, you don’t need to argue? If it is safe to do so, there is a better way to separate. You can take ownership of your dispute. This video provides tips on how to separate smarter - whether you agree or partially agree, perhaps you can’t agree at all.

3:45 MIN

What to expect when attending a court hearing

An introduction and guide to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. As part of your separation, to legally resolve arrangements for your children or divide up your assets, you might find yourself at the FCFCOA. This video shares tips to help you understand what to expect if you have to attend a court hearing, whether in person or electronically.

4:19 MIN

Resources

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Forms

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Fees

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Publications

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Legislation

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Practice Directions

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