From 1 September 2021, the two family law courts in Australia will be amalgamated into a single court – the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The Commonwealth Government made the decision to amalgamate the courts in an effort to help people get through the court process as “safely, quickly and fairly as possible without undue delay”. In recent years, delays in the courts have been increasing with no end in sight – with many people waiting more than 2 years for Judge to hear their matter at a final hearing.
In short, the amalgamation is aimed at streamlining the court process with the goal of having:
- one point of entry into the family law courts (instead of two);
- one common approach to the court’s management of cases;
- one set of procedures, court rules and court forms (instead of two).
Division 1 of the new court will be made up of what has been the Family Court of Australia, which deals with complex matters and hears appeal cases. Division 2 will be made up of what has been the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, which deals with the bulk of the cases and will now become the single point of entry into the system.
Whether you’re already in court, consider court to be a real possibility, or even if you are likely to settle with your ex-partner amicably, it’s important to have someone on your side who is across these latest changes so that your interests and rights are looked after.
Our specialist family lawyers stay on top of the latest cases and changes in the family law system and are in a position to advise and guide you through the process.
Click here to get in touch online or contact one of our expert family lawyers on 9803 5673 for an obligation free chat.