On 1 September 2021, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia will merge and begin operating as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (“FCFCOA”). The FCFCOA will provide a “modern, transparent and more efficient system of justice” which is aimed at getting parties “through the process as safely, quickly and fairly as possible without undue delay”.
The FCFCOA will be separated in two divisions. Division 1 of the FCFCOA will deal only with family law matters, while Division 2 will deal with both family law and general federal law matters.
As part of the changes, the FCFCOA has committed to finalising up to 90% of matters in the first twelve months after filing. From 1 September 2021, all matters filed in the FCFCOA should recieve a first court event within 6 to 8 weeks of filing to assess and triage the matter and make appropriate orders to facilitate the timely disposition of this matter. Following this, there should be a mediation or dispute resolution conference within 5 to 6 months, and in the event the parties are unable to settle, a final hearing will commence, where possible, within the 12 months of filling.
On 20 August 2021, the Family Court of Australia | Federal Circuit Court of Australia published a statement in relation to the commencement of the new Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The statement can be read here: http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/reports-and-publications/media-releases/2021/utp200821.
If you have separated and need assistance in relation to filing an Application with the Court, Pigdon | Norgate can assist you and provide you with further advice.