Marriages, families and separation

The following is a mandatory brochure issues by the Family Court. If you have issues relating to your marriage, de facto relationship, separation and/or parenting, you can telephone Kathy for assistance and advice on: (02) 9918 6565 or 0418 285 307 or send her an email at: pittwaterfamilylawyers@gmail.com

Marriage, families & separation

This brochure provides information for people considering, or affected by separation or divorce.

It includes information about:

• the social and legal effects of separation
• the services provided to families by the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia and by government, community and other agencies, and
• some of the steps involved in court proceedings.

Separation

Separation can be an upsetting experience for everyone involved. It is understandable that you may be stressed at this time. It is important for you and your children that you have the appropriate support to help you through this difficult time.

When you separate, you and your former partner may need to make important decisions about the future care of your children and how to divide your property, money and belongings. Working through these issues is often difficult and emotionally challenging.

Separation can also be a stressful time for your children. They may experience a range of emotions that are difficult for them to deal with and talk about with you. They may also behave in ways that are unusual for them.

There are services in the community that can help:

• you and your partner work through any problems in your relationship
• you and your children adjust to separation or divorce
• you and your former partner reach an agreement, and
• you and your family adjust to and comply with court orders.

To find a community service near you:

• Go to familyrelationships.gov.au
• or call 1800 050 321

Legal advice

If you are considering separation or have separated, you should seek legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, and explain how the law applies to your case. A lawyer can also explain and help you reach an agreement with your former partner without going to court. You can get 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 court processes, 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 the Court if there is an existing or pending family violence order involving themselves or their children. More detail may be found in the fact sheet Do you have fears for your safety when attending court?

Family violence

If you are in danger you should call 000 immediately (Australian emergency number).

NATIONAL

National Domestic Violence Hotline      1800 799 7233 www.thehotline.org

1800 RESPECT                                       1800 737 732    www.1800respect.org.au

Mensline                                              1300 789 978    www.mensline.org.au

Men’s Referral Service                          1300 766 491    www.ntvmrs.org.au

Lifeline                                                 13 11 14           www.lifeline.org.au

Family Violence Law Help                                             www.familyviolencelaw.gov.au

See the courts’ websites for more information on family violence support and contact and referral information.

Non-court based family services

People considering separation or divorce, and those affected by it, are encouraged to use services in the community to help resolve issues.

Community-based services that can help you and your family include:

FAMILY COUNSELLING – a process in which a family counsellor helps people deal with personal and interpersonal issues relating to families, relationships, marriage, separation and divorce.

FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION – a process in which a family dispute resolution practitioner, independent of all the parties, helps people resolve some or all of their disputes with each other during and after separation and divorce.

ARBITRATION – a process in which parties to a dispute present arguments and evidence to an arbitrator, who makes a determination to resolve the dispute. You can get a list of arbitrators from the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM). Go to www.aiflam.org.au or call 07 3117 0849.

If there is a history of family violence, it may not be appropriate to attend the services listed above. Speak to staff at the agency about your options and the support services that are available.

Confidentiality in non-court based family services

Generally, what is said during family counselling and family dispute resolution is confidential and cannot be used in court later. There are exceptions; for instance:

• where there is a legal requirement to report a suspicion or risk of child abuse and violence or threats of violence, and
• the Court may order that a family counsellor or family dispute resolution practitioner give evidence of an admission or disclosure of abuse made during a session.

NOTE: Meetings, discussions or other exchanges with arbitrators are not confidential, and may be used in court.

Reaching an agreement

What are the advantages?

Reaching an agreement with your former partner can offer many advantages, such as:

~ you make your own decisions

~ you greatly reduce the financial and emotional costs of legal proceedings

~ your continuing relationship as parents, if you have children, is likely to work better

~ you are more able to move forward and make a new life for yourself, and

~ you may improve communication with your former partner and be better able to resolve disputes in the future.

Parenting plans

A parenting plan is a written agreement that sets out parenting arrangements for children.

Because it is worked out and agreed jointly, you and your former partner do not need to go to court. Unless the Court orders otherwise, you and your former partner can agree to change a parenting order (made on or after 1 July 2006) by entering into a parenting plan. A parenting plan is not legally enforceable. It is different from a parenting order, which is made by the Court.

For more information about parenting plans and how they work, speak to staff at a community-based service and/or seek legal advice.

Consent orders

A consent order is a written agreement that is approved by the Court. A consent order can cover parenting arrangements for children as well as financial arrangements such as property and spouse or de facto maintenance.

Consent orders have the same legal force as if they had been made by a judicial officer after a court hearing.

You and your former partner can apply for consent orders to be made without going to court. For more information see ‘Applications and orders’ at www.familycourt.gov.au/howdoi

Going to court

If you cannot reach an agreement, you may consider applying to the Court for orders. Going to court is often a stressful time for many people. It can also be expensive and time consuming. However, sometimes it may be the only way to deal with a dispute.

Even when a court application is filed, it is possible to reach an agreement, at any stage, without the need for a court hearing. In fact, a judicial officer is needed to make a final decision in only a very small percentage of cases started in court.

Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution

Before you apply to the Court for a parenting order, including those seeking changes to an existing parenting order, you need to attend Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and obtain a certificate from a registered FDR provider.

There are some exceptions to this requirement, such as cases involving family violence, child abuse, or urgency. For more information about these exceptions, see the fact sheet Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution – court procedures and requirements.

For more information about FDR and how to locate a registered FDR provider, go to www.familyrelationships.gov.auor call the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321.

NOTE: If you are required to provide a certificate and you fail to do so, the Court cannot accept your application.

Pre-action procedures – Family Court

In the Family Court, parties intending to apply for parenting and/or financial orders must follow pre-action procedures, which include attending dispute resolution, before filing an application.

The aim of the pre-action procedures is to explore areas of resolution and where a dispute cannot be resolved, to narrow the issues which require a court decision.

For more information about applying for parenting or financial orders in the Family Court, see the brochures Before you file – pre-action procedure for financial cases, and Before you file – pre-action procedure for parenting cases.

Steps involved in court proceedings

1. Pre-action procedures^
2. Court application filed
3. First court appointment or hearing
4. Child dispute services (see ‘Family Consultant’ below)
5. Court based dispute resolution (financial)
6. Preparation for final trial or hearing*
7. Final trial or hearing

^ only applies in the Family Court

* may include additional court appointments or hearings

Agreement may be reached at any stage, with consent orders made and the case finalised.

Different steps may apply in some cases. You can get more information about particular court appointments and hearings from www.familycourt.gov.au, Live chat on the website, by calling 1300 352 000 or at your nearest family law registry.

Commonwealth Courts Portal

Applications for divorce (and certain accompanying documents) must be electronically filed through the Commonwealth Courts Portal (www.comcourts.gov.au).

For more information and step-by-step guides see ‘Divorce’ at www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/howdoi

Family consultants

Family consultants are psychologists or social workers who specialise in child and family issues after separation and divorce. Family consultants can help you and the Court in many ways, such as:

• help you and the other party resolve your dispute
• assist and advise the Court and give evidence about your case
• write and provide a report to the Court about your family, and
• advise the Court about the services provided to families by government, community and other agencies.

Their work with you is not confidential and may be used in court at a later date.

For more information, see the fact sheet Family Consultants.

Children at court

Generally, courts are not an appropriate place for children. You should make other arrangements for their care when you come to court.

Sometimes children will need to attend court to speak to a family consultant or judicial officer. If this is your situation, you should check with court staff if any child care arrangements need to be made for the day.

Interpreters

If you need an interpreter to assist you at court, please tell court staff at least two weeks before your court appointment or hearing. They will arrange a professional and independent interpreter to assist you free of charge.

If you need the services of a translator and need to contact the Family Court of Australia or Federal Circuit Court of Australia, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50. This is a free service.

Compliance with court orders

When an order is made each person bound by the order must follow it. Once finalised, orders are available online though the Commonwealth Courts Portal. For more information about accessing orders (including divorce orders) see ‘Applications and orders’ at www.familycourt.gov.au/howdoi or www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/howdoi .

If the order is not complied with, you may file a court application. The Court can make an order to enforce an existing order. The Court may also make an order that discharges, varies or suspends the order or renews some or all of an earlier order, or adjourn the case to allow a person to apply for a further order that alters the existing order.

If the Court finds a person has breached (contravened) a parenting order, it may impose a range of penalties. For more information about this, see the fact sheet Compliance with parenting orders.

Family violence support

1800 Respect

• 1800 737 732

Australian Capital Territory

• (02) 6280 0900 Domestic Violence Crisis Service (24 hours)

New South Wales

• 1800 656 463 Domestic Violence Line

Northern Territory

• (08) 8922 6472 Darwin Sexual Assault Referral Centre (24 hours)
• (08) 8945-6200 Darwin Domestic Violence Counselling Service
• 131 114 Lifeline Top-end
• (08) 8952 6075 Alice Springs – Women’s Shelter

Queensland

• (07) 3217 2544 Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
• (07) 3156 2323 D V Connect

South Australia

• 1300 782 200 Domestic Violence Crisis Service (24 hours)
• 1800 800 098 Women’s Safety Services SA

Tasmania

• 1800 633 937 Family Violence Referral Line (24 hours)

Victoria

• 1800 015 188 Family Violence Response Service
• 1300 766 491 The Men’s Referral service

Western Australia

• (08) 9223 1188 or 1800 007 339 Women’s DV Helpline (24 hours)
• (08) 9223 1199 or 1800 000 599 Men’s DV Helpline (24 hours)

Other help available

Family Relationship Centres

Family Relationship Centres:

• provide information to help strengthen family relationships
• help families access other services, and
• provide confidential assistance for separating families; for instance, family dispute resolution.

For more information about Family Relationship Centres or to find a centre near you:

• Go to familyrelationships.gov.au or call 1800 050 321

Family Violence Law Help

The Family Violence Law Help website provides information about domestic and family violence and the law in Australia.

• familyviolencelaw.gov.au

Department of Human Services

Child Support

The Department of Human Services administers the Australian Government’s Child Support Scheme and helps parents take responsibility for the financial support of their children after separation.

There is a Parents guide to Child Support available on the website:

• humanservices.gov.au

Centrelink

Centrelink can help with:

~ financial assistance

~ child care costs, and

~ finding a job.

If you already receive a payment from Centrelink, you should contact them to advise of any changes to your circumstances to ensure you receive your correct entitlement.

Centrelink has information about Payments for families on the website:

• humanservices.gov.au or call 13 61 50

Attorney-General’s Department

The Attorney-General’s Department provides information for families and couples including resources to help you manage a family dispute.

Australia’s family law system helps people resolve the legal aspects of family relationship issues, including family relationship breakdown. It encourages people to agree on arrangements without going to court.

Go to the Families area of the website www.ag.gov.au

Family law registries

The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia both deal with family law matters.

For more information about the courts:

• Go to familycourt.gov.au
• Go to federalcircuitcourt.gov.au
• Live chat on the websites
• Call 1300 352 000, or
• Visit a family law registry near you.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra – Cnr University Ave and Childers St  ACT 2600

NEW SOUTH WALES

Albury – Level 1, 463 Kiewa St Albury  NSW  2640

Dubbo – Cnr Macquarie and Wingewarra Sts Dubbo  NSW 2830

Lismore – Level 2, 29-31 Molesworth St Lismore  NSW  2300

Newcastle – 61 Bolton St Newcastle  NSW 2300

Parramatta – 1-3 George St Parramatta  NSW 2150

Sydney – 97-99 Goulburn St Sydney  NSW  2000

Wollongong – Level 1, 43 Burelli St Wollongong  NSW 2500

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Darwin – Supreme Court Building, State Square  Darwin NT 0800

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane – 119 North Quay Brisbane  Qld  4000

Cairns – Level 3 and 4,104 Grafton St Cairns  Qld  4870

Rockhampton – 46 East St (Cnr Fitzroy St) Rockhampton  Qld  4700

Townsville – Level 2, Commonwealth Centre, 143 Walker St  Townsville  Qld  4810

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Adelaide – 3 Angas St Adelaide  SA 5000

TASMANIA

Hobart – 39-41 Davey St Hobart  Tas  7000

Launceston – Level 3, ANZ Building, Cnr Brisbane and George Sts Launceston Tas 7250

VICTORIA

Dandenong – 53-55 Robinson St Dandenong  Vic  3175

Melbourne – 305 William St Melbourne  Vic  3000

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth – Family Court of Western Australia

150 Terrace Rd Perth  WA  6000

08 9224 8222

Who else can help?

Legal Aid

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

• legalaidact.org.au
• 1300 654 314 or 02 6243 3411

NEW SOUTH WALES

• legalaid.nsw.gov.au
• 02 9219 5000 or 1300 888 529 (LawAccess NSW)

NORTHERN TERRITORY

• legalaid.nt.gov.au
• 08 8999 3000 or 1800 019 343

QUEENSLAND

• legalaid.qld.gov.au
• 1300 651 188 or 07 3238 3500

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• lsc.sa.gov.au
• 1300 366 424 or (08) 8111 5555

TASMANIA

• legalaid.tas.gov.au
• 1300 366 611

VICTORIA

• legalaid.vic.gov.au
• 1300 792 387

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

• legalaid.wa.gov.au
• 1300 650 579

Law Societies

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

• actlawsociety.asn.au
• 02 6274 0300

NEW SOUTH WALES

• lawsociety.com.au
• 02 9926 0333

NORTHERN TERRITORY

• lawsocietynt.asn.au
• 08 8981 5104

QUEENSLAND

• qls.com.au
• 1300 367 757

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• lawsocietysa.asn.au
• 08 8229 0200

TASMANIA

• lst.org.au
• 03 6234 4133

VICTORIA (Institute)

• liv.asn.au
• 03 9607 9311

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

• lawsocietywa.asn.au
• 08 9324 8600

Community Legal Centres

NEW SOUTH WALES

• clcnsw.org.au
• 02 9212 7333 (Community Legal Centres NSW)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• saccls.org.au
• 08 8342 1800 (Community Legal Centres)

VICTORIA

• communitylaw.org.au
• 03 9652 1500 (Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

• communitylaw.net
• 08 9221 9322 (Community Legal Centres Association)

For referrals in all other states and territories contact the National Association of Community Legal Centres:

• naclc.org.au
• 02 9264 9595

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY/NEW SOUTH WALES

Aboriginal Legal Service

• 02 8303 6699 (NSW) or 02 6249 8488 (ACT)

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service – Alice Springs

• 08 8950 9300 or 1800 636 079

North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency – Darwin

• naaja.org.au
• 1800 898 251

QUEENSLAND

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service – Brisbane

• 07 3025 3888 or 1800 012 255

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Legal Services – Townsville

• 07 4722 5111

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement

• alrm.org.au
• 1800 643 222

TASMANIA

Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service (TACLS)

• org.au
• Hobart 03 6281 3456

VICTORIA

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

• vals.org.au
• 03 9418 5999 or 1800 064 865

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Aboriginal Legal Services of Western Australia

• als.org.au
• 08 9265 6666 or 1800 019 900

Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators & Mediators (AIFLAM)

• aiflam.org.au
• 07 3117 0849

This brochure provides general information only and is not provided as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, you should contact a lawyer before making a decision about what to do or applying to the Court. The courts cannot provide legal advice.

The courts respect your right to privacy and the security of your information. You can read more about the courts’ commitments and legal obligations in the fact sheet ‘The courts and your privacy’. The fact sheet includes details about information protection under the privacy laws and where privacy laws do not apply.

 

DISTRIBUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART IIIA OF THE FAMILY LAW ACT 1975