Before your court event you should see the Attending court section of this website. It provides information about etiquette and tips, different hearing types and attending electronic hearings (if your hearing is being conducted remotely).
There is also information about notifying the Court if you have any safety concerns or require any additional support to attend a hearing or court event.
You should bring with you all of the documents relevant to your matter, noting which ones have already been filed with the Court. Including:
- all of the documents you wish to show the judge or registrar. You will need to provide three copies: one set for you, one set for the other party and another set for the judge or registrar
- all documents the Court or the other party has given to you, and
- a pen and paper to take notes.
For more information, see the Attending court section.
You should also familiarise yourself with the Family Law Practice Direction – Parenting proceedings, which sets out the procedural requirements and steps in proceedings about parenting matters.
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
An AUSLAN version of this video is also available.
Family Advocacy and Support Service
The Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS) is an integrated duty lawyer and social worker service available for families affected by family violence or abuse. FASS is run by Legal Aid and is free. FASS may be able to help you with preparing documentation, organising a referral to a service and helping with court proceedings.
Visit https://familyviolencelaw.gov.au/fass/ to find the contact details of FASS in your state or territory.
