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.
This fact sheet provides information about family violence and its harmful effect on children.
A person owed money by another person under an order of a court or child support liability can enforce payment of the debt in the Court. One of the methods of enforcement is a Third Party Debt Notice. Under this Notice, the Court directs a third party to pay money that the third party owes to the respondent to the payee instead of the respondent. This brochure must be served on the third party named in a Third Party Debt Notice at the same time as the Notice.
All family law matters must be commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). More complex matters that are filed in Division 2 can be transferred to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) or in some cases the Federal Court of Australia (whichever has jurisdiction). Similarly, there are provisions to transfer less complex matters from other courts to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
The Courts acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders, past, present and emerging.
