The new Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
On 1st September 2021, the former Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia merged to create the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). But what does that mean for family law matters?
The purpose of the merger of the two Courts is to facilitate resolution of matters as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible. The Court aims to resolve 90% of matters within 12 months of filing, putting less pressure on individuals and their families.
As part of the Court merger, the FCFCOA is implementing some new programs and initiatives as follows:
The Lighthouse Project
This project aims to assess the level of risk in each matter when Applications are filed seeking Parenting Orders only. The program aims to provide an expedited response to matters involving family violence and focuses on protecting vulnerable parties and children in family law proceedings.
The Court will allocate resources and apply urgency to relevant matters, making it a critical pilot to assist families who have experienced family violence or have other safety concerns.
National Contravention List
Upon the merger of the FCFCOA, also came the creation of the specialised National Contravention List. This List is available to parties where one party elects not to comply with Orders, whether they be a breach of parenting Orders, where one party does not allow the other party to spend time with the children, or in property matters, where for example, a particular sum of money is to be paid, but has not.
The purpose of this specialised list, is for matters to be expedited and where the Court ensures that all parties are complying with the relevant Court Orders. Breaches of Court Orders are taken very seriously and are dealt with in this new list, in a quick and cost effective manner.
The purpose of these two pilots, together with the merger of the courts, is to expedite matters by triaging each matter during the litigation process, and will hopefully mean that families can move on with their lives sooner.
Our experienced family law team will be able to assist you to navigate your way through the Court system, if required, and advise you along the way.
Click here to contact Bill Zahr for a confidential discussion about your family law matter