On 1 September 2021 the Family Court of Australia merged with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The new Court referred to as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a primary aim to finalise 90% of property or parenting matters by way of providing a final judgment and decision within 12 months of filing an Initiating Application.
For years, the Family and Federal Circuit Court’s have been overworked, understaffed, and plagued by constant delays and adjournments of matters. The new Court aims to provide a solution with quicker and more cost-effective resolutions to family law matters that require the Court’s intervention. On a practical level, the merger now means there is one Court, one jurisdiction, and one set of Court forms with updated processes to accelerate matters within the system.
On a practical level, the new Court will expedite the process by ensuring a first Court date within 6 to 8 weeks of filing an Initiating Application, with matters then Ordered to attend mediation within 6-months and, if unsuccessful at mediation, will proceed to a trial and receive judgment in under 12 months.
Now is therefore a better time than any to commence Court proceedings under the new Court system. If you are considering taking this next step, please contact the team at James Noble Law for a FREE, no-obligation 20-minute consultation to discuss your particular situation with Brisbane family lawyers.
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