This fact sheet is for people who need information about applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) for an order that a marriage is a nullity, described in the Family Law Act 1975 as a ‘decree of nullity’.
What is a decree of nullity?
It is an order which has the effect of saying that there is no legal marriage between the parties, even though a marriage ceremony may have taken place. (See Section 51 of the Family Law Act 1975 and Sections 23 and 23B of the Marriage Act 1961).
What grounds constitute a decree of nullity?
The Court may declare a marriage invalid on the following grounds:
- At the time the parties were married, one of them was married to someone else.
- The parties are in a prohibited relationship.
- The parties did not comply with the laws in relation to the marriage in the place they were married.
- Either party was not of a legal age to marry.
- Either of the parties did not give their real consent to the marriage because:
- consent was obtained by duress or fraud,
- one party was mistaken as to the identity of who they were marrying or the nature of the ceremony, or
- one party was mentally incapable of understanding the nature and the effect of the marriage ceremony.
The Court will NOT declare a marriage invalid on the following grounds:
- non-consummation of the marriage
- never having lived together
- family violence, or
- other incompatibility situations.
See Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021 for more information on what grounds a party may apply for a decree of nullity.
What form should I file?
An application for a decree of nullity should be filed using the Initiating Application (Family Law) form.
When filing, you need to include:
- the completed Initiating Application (Family Law) form
- an affidavit (a sworn or solemnly affirmed statement) stating the facts relied on to have the marriage annulled, stating whether the respondent resides in or outside Australia at the time of filing, and details of the type of marriage ceremony performed (see Family Law Practice Direction – Nullity and Validity of Marriage Proceedings), and
- a copy of the marriage certificate, unless this is already on file.
How much will the application cost?
There is a filing fee for an application for a decree of nullity. Details of the current fee can be found in the Fees section.
In some cases a reduced fee may be sought for a divorce application, or decree of nullity, or in respect of other fees, an exemption if you hold certain government concession cards or you can demonstrate financial hardship.
How do I serve the application?
If you are the applicant, you will have to serve the papers on the respondent to the application. The application must be served as soon as practicable by special service. More information on special service can be found in the Court’s Service Kit.
With your application, you must also serve a copy of the supporting affidavit, the Court brochure Marriage, Families and Separation and an Acknowledgment of Service form.
What is filed in response?
A Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) form may be filed by the respondent to the application. This must be supported by an affidavit setting out any facts the respondent relies upon in opposing the application or if they say that the Federal Circuit and Family Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the application.
Additional information
- Upon filing the Initiating Application (Family Law) and supporting documents, the Court will fix a date as soon as practicable for the first court event.
- Making an application for a decree of nullity is not subject to the 12 month separation period that applies to divorce.
- When the Court grants a decree of nullity, it becomes effective immediately.
- Where a decree of nullity has been made, you should obtain legal advice regarding parenting and financial matters.
Legal advice
You should seek legal advice before deciding what to do. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities and explain how the law applies to your case. A lawyer can also help you reach an agreement with the other party without going to court. You can seek legal advice from a legal aid office, community legal centre or private law firm. Court staff can help you with questions about court forms and the Court process, but cannot give you legal advice.
Personal safety
If you have any concerns about your safety while attending court, please call 1300 352 000 before your court appointment or hearing. Options for your safety at court will be discussed and arrangements put in place. By law, people must inform a court if there is an existing or pending family violence order involving themselves or their children. More detail is available in the brochure Do you have fears for your safety when attending court?.
More information
For more information, including access to any of the legislation, forms or publications listed in this fact sheet:
- go to www.fcfcoa.gov.au
- Live Chat at the website
- call 1300 352 000 or
- visit a family law registry near you
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