A summary of the significant changes for Courts dealing with family law

As of 1st September 2021, there have been some significant changes for Courts dealing with family law. Below is a summary of the changes and benefits of these changes.

The Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court have been combined to be now known as the Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia.

The Court has introduced a Central Practice Direction which has the core principles of: -

  • Reducing unnecessary cost and delay in Family Law litigation;

  • Ensuring the safety of families and children;

  • To facilitate the just resolution of disputes according to law as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.

The new family law Central Practice Directions ensure that: -

  • The parties are given every opportunity to resolve matters without the necessity of introducing proceedings;

  • If proceedings are required, then appropriate notice is given to the other party including details of the Orders that will be sought if proceedings are being introduced;

  • Parties are notified of their legal costs at every stage, both up to that point in time but also in the event there were to be a Final Hearing.

The new family law Central Practice Direction will help keep parties and practitioners focused on the solution and not the problems.

If you would like to discuss these changes further with a member of the CE Family Law team, please contact us on 03 9596022.

kate liscombe