Table of Contents

1. Divorce: A Brief Overview

2. Application for Divorce: A Step-By-Step Guide

3. Divorce Law

4. Property Settlement (‘Splitting Assets’)

5. Spousal Maintenance

6. Parenting (‘Child Custody’)

7. Child Support

8. Family Violence (Intervention Order / AVO / DVO / FVO / FVRO)

9. Bibliography

10. About the Author

 

Last Updated: 23 July 20211
First Published: 23 December 2019

  • Past Updates:

    1. 23 July 2021: Published 'Overview' under the Child Support section.
    2. 20 June 2021: Published 'Overview' under the Property Settlement ('Splitting Assets') section.
    3. 14 June 2021: Published 'Overview' under the Parenting ('Child Custody') section.
    4. 13 June 2021: Published a list of resources by the Department of Social Services under the Child Support section.
    5. 11 June 2021: Published 'The Five Step Property Settlement Process' under the Property Settlement section.
    6. 5 June 2021: Published 'Overview' and 'Meaning of Family Violence' under the Family Violence (Intervention Order / AVO / DVO / FVO / FVRO) section.
    7. 23 February 2021: Published 'Application to Change Your Assessment - Special Circumstances' under the Child Support section.
    8. 10 June 2020: Published 'Court Hearing' and 'Additional Rules' to the Divorce Law section.
    9. 8 June 2020: Published 'Requirements for the Court to Grant a Divorce', 'Divorce When the Marriage Lasted Less Than 2 Years', 'Same Sex Couples', 'Fees', and 'Serving Documents' to the Divorce Law section.
    10. 29 March 2020: Published Infographic 'Divorce Law: What You Need to Know'.
    11. 14 March 2020: Published 'Divorce law: A Brief Overview'.
    12. 23 December 2019: Published 'A Step-By-Step Guide to the Application for Divorce'.

DIVORCE

 
 
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Before you begin, there are thirteen (13) essential points to know in relation to a divorce. Below is an infographic presenting these 13 points or you can read it here.

 
Divorce Law Infograph, v 2.png
 

1. Divorce Law: A Brief Overview

 

There are thirteen (13) essential points to know in relation to a divorce.

Application for Divorce

(1) First, the Application for Divorce is a separate legal process to other family law matters. For instance, the Application for Divorce is separate to a property settlement (‘splitting assets’), spousal maintenance (‘financial support’), child arrangements (‘child custody’), and child support. Each has their own legal process.

(2) Second, the only ground for divorce is that your marriage must be broken down irretrievably. In order to establish this, you must be separated for a minimum of 12 months. You can both live in the one house during this separation period, however, you will need to demonstrate that there has been a change after separation. For example, before separation you had a joint bank account and after separation, you created individual bank accounts. Other examples include sleeping in different rooms, no longer attending social events as a couple, and/or no longer engaging in couple activities.

(3) Third, if you have children, the arrangements for your children must be organised prior to filing for divorce. If the arrangements have not been organised, your divorce will not be granted. These arrangements include your child’s health, education, financial support, and spend-time.

(4) Fourth, an Application for Divorce is completed on the website called the ‘Commonwealth Courts Portal’. You simply set up an account, answer the questions and follow the required steps. Many people complete the Application for Divorce themselves, however, others may need legal assistance depending upon their unique circumstances. The filing fee to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia is $910 or $305 if you have a Centrelink card. The Law Project provides A Step-By-Step Guide to the Application for Divorce on this page.

Property Settlement (‘Splitting Assets’)

(5) Fifth, for a property settlement, the division of property is not referring to just real estate, the division includes all assets and liabilities. For example, house, car, money in bank, business, mortgage, credit card debt, tax debt, superannuation, etc.

(6) Sixth, if you can agree with your spouse, your options include: (a) An informal agreement without any legal process. If you come to an informal agreement, it is safer to seek legal advice anyway to make sure that you are not being treated unfairly without you knowing. (b) A Binding Financial Agreement - this is a legally enforceable document between you and your spouse. (c) Consent Orders - this is an agreement formalised by the court and is legally enforceable. The Binding Financial Agreement and Consent Orders are similar and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. In summary, the key strength of a Binding Financial Agreement is that it can be made quickly, however, there are more grounds to overturn the agreement than a Consent Order. This weakness is the Consent Orders’ key strength, that is, the only ground for overturning a Consent Order is that there must be a significant change in circumstances.

(7) Seventh, if you cannot agree with your spouse, the last resort is to go to trial at court. An ex-spouse has one year after divorce to file an application for property orders which means that the parties should move quickly. You do not need to wait until you are legally divorced before you can proceed with a property settlement. The process for determining how the assets are liabilities are to be divided includes: (a) Determine and value all the assets and liabilities of both parties. (b) Determine the financial and non-financial contributions of each of the parties. A non-financial contribution includes being a stay-at-home parent and the homemaker. (c) Determine each party’s future needs. (d) Determine a ‘just and equitable’ division of property, or in other words, the division must be fair.

Spousal Maintenance (‘Financial Support’)

(8) Eighth, spousal maintenance is where regular payments or a lump sum payment is paid to the other spouse to cover the day-to-day expenses. This may be made in addition to or separate to a property settlement. Normally, spousal maintenance is put in place temporarily, however, in some cases it may be permanent.

(9) Ninth, if you can agree with your spouse, your options include: (a) An informal agreement without any legal process. If you come to an informal agreement, it is safer to seek legal advice anyway to make sure that you are not being treated unfairly without you knowing. (b) A Binding Financial Agreement - this is a legally enforceable document between you and your spouse. (c) Consent Orders - this is an agreement formalised by the court and is legally enforceable. The Binding Financial Agreement and Consent Orders are similar and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. In summary, the key strength of a Binding Financial Agreement is that it can be made quickly, however, there are more grounds to overturn the agreement than a Consent Order. This weakness is the Consent Orders’ key strength, that is, the only ground for overturning a Consent Order is that there must be a significant change in circumstances.

(10) Tenth, if you cannot agree with your spouse, the last resort is to go trial at court. An ex-spouse has one year after divorce to file an application for property orders which means that the parties should move quickly. You do not need to wait until you are divorced before you can proceed with spousal maintenance. The process for determining the amount and whether a spouse is entitled to spousal maintenance are: (a) The spouse must be able to financially support the other spouse. (b) The other spouse must not be able to support themselves due to either having control and care of the children or having a physical or mental incapacity which prevents them from obtaining employment. (c) The court will consider the list of factors provided in section 75(2) of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

Parenting (‘Child Custody’)

(11) Eleventh, for child arrangements, the law’s primary consideration is that the child’s best interests are put first. While parents wishes are considered, these wishes will not be granted at the expense of the children. Children have the right to enjoy a meaningful relationship with both parents, however, protecting the child from physical or psychological harm is the greater importance. Child arrangements include for example where the child lives, spend-time, decision-making, re-location of the child, etc.

(12) Twelveth, if you can agree with your spouse, your options include: (a) An informal agreement without any legal process. If you come to an informal agreement, it is safer to seek legal advice anyway to make sure that you are not being treated unfairly without you knowing. (b) A Parenting Plan - this is an informal agreement between you and your spouse however, it is not legally enforceable. This means, if you or your spouse break the parenting plan, there is basically nothing you or your spouse can do about it. (c) Consent Orders - this is an agreement formalised by the court and is legally enforceable. If you cannot agree with your spouse, the last resort is to go to trial at court.

Child Support

(13) Thirteenth, for child support, many people go through the Department of Human Services. The DHS will assess the amount required to pay, collect the money, and transfer it to the other spouse. The formula for assessing the amount required to pay does not consider gender. If you and your spouse want to depart from the DHS formula, you can create a Binding Child Support Agreement.

 

2. A Step-By-Step Guide to the Application for Divorce

 
Table of Contents

1. A Step-By-Step Guide to the Application for Divorce

1.1. Before You Apply

1.2. Set-Up

1.3. The Application for Divorce

1.3.1. Part A: The applicant(s)

1.3.1.1. Question 1

1.3.1.1.1. Who is/are making this application?

1.3.1.1.2. Will you be applying for a reduction of the filing fee?

1.3.1.2. Question 2

1.3.1.2.1. Do you want to attend the hearing?

1.3.1.2.2. If yes, will you need an interpreter at the hearing?

1.3.2. Part B: Husband and wife

1.3.1.3. Question 3: Family name as used now

1.3.2.4. Question 4: Full given names

1.3.2.5. Question 5: Date of birth

1.3.2.6. Question 6: Country of birth

1.3.2.7. Question 7: If born outside Australia, date you started living in Australia

1.3.2.8. Question 8: What is your occupation

1.3.2.9. Question 9: Residential address

1.3.2.10. Question 10: Address for service

1.3.3. Part C: Jurisdiction

1.3.3.1. Question 11: Jurisdiction

1.3.4. Part D: Marriage and Separation

1.3.4.1. Question 12:

1.3.4.1.1. Date and place of marriage on your marriage certificate

1.3.4.1.2. Do you have a copy of your marriage certificate?

1.3.4.1.3. Is your marriage certificate in English?

1.3.4.2. Question 13: Full name of both parties as they appear on the marriage certificate

1.3.4.3. Question 14: Date of separation

1.3.4.4. Question 15: At the date of separation did you regard the marriage as over?

1.3.4.5. Question 16: Since the date of separation, have you and your spouse lived together in the same home but not as husband and wife?

1.3.4.6. Question 17: Since the date of separation, have you and your spouse lived together as husband and wife?

1.3.4.7. Question 18: Do you think it is likely that you and your spouse will live together again as husband and wife?

1.3.4.8. Question 19:

1.3.4.8.1. At the date of filing this application, is it less than two years since you married?

1.3.4.8.2. Have you attended counselling with a family counsellor?

1.3.4.8.3. If you did not attend counselling, are you seeking permission of the Court to apply for divorce less than two years from the date of marriage?

1.3.5. Part E: Other court cases

1.3.5.1. Question 20: Pending cases - Are there any current or pending cases in this or any other court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving any of the parties and/or children listed in this application?

1.3.5.2. Question 21: Existing orders - Are there any existing orders, binding agreements, parenting plans or undertakings to a court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving any of the parties and/or children listed in this application?

1.3.6. Part F: Children

1.3.6.1. Question 22: Are there any children currently under 18 who:

1.3.6.1.1. are children of you and your spouse?

1.3.6.1.2. were treated as members of your family when you and your spouse separated?

1.3.6.1.3. how many children?

1.3.6.2. Question 23: Child's details

1.3.6.3. Question 24: Name of father

1.3.6.4. Question 25: Name of mother

1.3.6.5. Question 26: Who does the child live with?

1.3.6.6. Question 27: Child's address

1.3.6.7. Question 28: Current details for the child

1.3.6.7.1. Time and communication with the child

1.3.6.7.2. Financial support

1.3.6.7.3. Health

1.3.6.7.4. Education

1.3.6.8. Question 29: Do you plan to make any changes to these current arrangements?

2. Bibliography

2.1. Legislation

2.2. Cases

2.3. Textbooks & Books

2.4. Online Legal Commentary

2.5. Websites

2.6. Miscellaneous

3. About the Author

Step 1. Considerations Before You Apply - Same Sex Couples

Unfortunately, same sex couples cannot apply online. Instead, same sex couples need to contact the Family Law National Enquiry Centre. Contact Details (Except WA):

Contact Method Contact Details
Email enquiries@familylawcourts.gov.au

Subject: Application for Divorce (Same-sex couples)

Phone 1300 352 000
Live Chat Link to Family Court of Australia Website

For Western Australia, same sex couple must complete the Application for Divorce Form.

 

This guide will still be useful for same sex couples because the questions on the divorce application are the same for both. Skip to the divorce application questions.

References.1

 

Step 2. Considerations Before You Apply - Sole or Joint Application


Before you apply, consider whether you will complete the divorce application by yourself (sole application) or together with your spouse (joint application).

If you file the application yourself (sole application):

  • The divorce documents will need to be served on your spouse.

  • You will be required to attend court if there are children under the age of 18. You will not need required to attend court if you have no children under the age of 18.

  • Your spouse has the option to oppose the divorce.

 

If you file the application with your spouse (joint application):

  • The divorce documents will not need to be served on your spouse.

  • Your spouse will need to sign the divorce application.

  • You will not be required to attend court. Except, if you want to attend the court hearing and you choose this option in your divorce application.

 

You do not need to know the details and processes in relation to the options above, as this will be explained throughout this guide, but, you do need to decide now whether you will be a sole applicant or a joint applicant.

Step 3. Set-Up

An application for divorce is completed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. If you do not have an account with the Commonwealth Courts Portal, you will need to create one. To create an account, go to the Commonwealth Courts Portal and click ‘Register Now’. See Image Below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Register.png
 

Step 4. Set-Up

Complete details on the registration page. See image below as an example.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Register Details.png
 

Step 5. Set-Up

Click ‘Start a new file’ located under Your files > Family Law eFiling > Start a new file. See image below.

 

Step 6. Set-Up


Click ‘Confirm’ to confirm that you are filing the application for divorce and not on behalf of another person.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Confirm who is filing.png
 

Step 7. Set-Up

Read your obligations, click the box, then click ‘Confirm’.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Please confirm, you read, fully understood and agreed with the above e-Filing Obligations.png
 

Step 8. Set-Up

Click ‘Search for a document’ then click ‘Application for divorce.’ Under ‘Which court do you want to file in?’, click ‘Federal Circuit Court’ if you live in Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria. Click ‘Family Court of Western Australia’ if you live in Western Australia.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Which document do you want to file, Which court do you want to file in.png
 

Step 9. Set-Up

Add your own custom title and description. People may multiple applications, such as for children and property, and so this section is designed to help you easily identify this application if you happen to exit the website and re-enter at a later date.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - New Document.png
 

When you re-enter the Commonwealth Courts Portal, your application for divorce will appear under: File access > Partly completed applications > Application for Divorce. See image below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Partly completed applications.png

Step 10. Application for Divorce: Part A

We are now up to the application for divorce. There are 36 questions broken into 6 parts. Start by clicking ‘Part A The Applicant(s)’. See image below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Part A The Applicants.png

Step 11. Application for Divorce: Part A: Question 1

“Who is/are making this application?”


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Who is-are making this application?.png


If you apply for a divorce without your spouse, this is called a ‘sole application.’ The spouse which applies for the divorce, is called the ‘applicant.’ The other spouse is called the ‘respondent’. For a sole application, you will need to serve documents on your spouse. This process will be explained in greater detail later in this guide. If you do not know an answer to a question and you have made all attempts to find the answer, answer the question with ‘not known’.


If you apply for a divorce with your spouse, this is called a ‘joint application’. You will not need to serve documents on your spouse, but your spouse will still need to sign documents. This process will be explained in greater detail later in this guide. For a joint application to practically work, (1) you and or spouse could fill the application together, or (2) you can fill as many questions as you can and leave the questions relating to your spouse for your spouse to complete later, or (3) you can complete the entire application yourself and have your spouse check all the answers.


The for joint application, the question ‘If joint application, are you, or are you acting for’ is asking which spouse is completing the application. The phrase ‘or are you acting for’ is in relation to a lawyer acting on behalf of their client.

“Will you be applying for a reduction of the filing fee?”

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Will you be applying for a reduction of the filing fee?


The fees for filing an application for divorce are:

  • Full fee: $910

  • Reduced fee: $305 

To be eligible for the reduced fee, you must qualify either for ‘General’ or ‘Financial Hardship’. For a joint application, both you and your spouse must qualify or the full fee must be paid. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - General or Financial Hardship?.png

  • For 'General':
 
Health Care Card.gif
 
 
Pensioner Concession Card.jpg
 
 
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.gif
 

      • Any other card that entitles the person to Commonwealth health concessions.

    • Or, you must be receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY payments from Centrelink.
    • Or, you must have been granted legal aid, including:
Legal+Aid+ACT.jpg
 
Legal Aid Queensland.png
 
 
Legal Aid NSW.png
 
 
Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.png
 
 
Legal Services Commission of South Australia.jpg
 
 
Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania.png
 
 
Victoria+Legal+Aid.jpg
 
 
Legal Aid Western Australia.png
 

  • Or, financial hardship:
    • To qualify for financial hardship, the full fee must cause financial hardship. The Registrar or an authorised officer will consider your income, day-to-day living expenses, liabilities and assets and then form the opinion of whether the general fee would in fact cause financial hardship.
    • To determine whether you are likely to be eligible for financial hardship:
      • The following table provides the maximum income you can receive per week.1 If you earn more than this, may not be eligible.
  • "This income test is calculated on your gross income. Income includes:

    • employment income - wages, salary and self-employment income
    • employer provided fringe benefits
    • rental income
    • reportable superannuation contributions (salary sacrifice)
    • Centrelink pensions or benefits and some supplementary payments
    • Department of Veterans' Affairs payments
    • deemed income from financial investments such as bank accounts, managed investments and shares
    • Income from income stream products such as allocated pensions, annuities, and superannuation pensions
    • foreign income
    • private trusts and companies
    • compensation
    • New Enterprise Incentive Scheme
    • Paid Parental Leave
    • lump sum payments such as redundancy, leave or termination payments"

    Reference: Guidelines for reduced fee - divorce and decree of nullity application by the Federal Circuit Court of Australia

 
Number of People Who Are Dependent on You Maximum Income Each Week (Before Tax)
0 $701.25
1 $1,211.25
2 $1,253.75
3 $1,296.25
4 $1,338.75
5 $1,381.25

      • Your liquid assets must not total more than $4,550. Liquid assets is your cash, convertible shares or convertible bonds.
      • After all your day-to-day expenses and liabilities are paid, you cannot have a surplus of more than $227.50 per week. Expenses may include, for example, food, rent or home mortgage payments, credit card debts, other loan or lease repayments, electricity, phone, running a car, etc.
      • You may still be granted 'Financial Hardship' even if you fail the above requirements. For this to occur, you must explain that your circumstances are such that paying the full fee would cause financial hardship. For example, your income may me higher than the maximum but your daily expenses are also very high. Or, as another example, you have a number of liabilities which are not being met. The form which you will need to complete is explained below.

Payment for the application for divorce must be made online by MasterCard or Visa.

Providing Evidence and Uploading Documents

If you want to apply for the reduced fee, you will need to provide evidence. In the commonwealth Courts Portal, go to your divorce application. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Partly completed applications.png

a) If you chose the ‘General’ option, click ‘Proof of Eligibility for a fee reduction’. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Application and supporting documents.png

Here, you will need to upload your evidence and choose which kind of evidence. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Proof of Eligibility for a fee reduction.png


Evidence will differ depending upon your eligibility. For Centrelink, evidence could include as an example, your Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or other Commonwealth Card. For Legal Aid, evidence could include a letter establishing that you have received Legal Aid.


You will need to upload your evidence as PDF. Here are some example ways to do this:

  • You could use an app on your phone which takes photos and converts those photos as PDF. For example, the app called TurboScan. Then, you could send yourself the PDF and upload load it to the above page via your computer.

  • You could scan the evidence with a printer that has an inbuilt scanner. Then, you could send yourself the PDF and upload load it to the above page via your computer.


b) If you chose the ‘Financial Hardship’ option, click ‘Application for reduction from fees - hardship’. If previously chose to be a sole applicant, only you, the applicant, will need to complete the form. However, if you chose to be a joint application, both you and your spouse will need to complete the form.

The form which you will need to download and complete is titled: ‘Application for reduction of payment of divorce or decree of nullity - financial hardship’. The financial hardship application should match the images below.

The financial hardship application is straightforward. However, the are a few questions to take note of.

Firstly, if you are in Western Australia, tick the box ‘Family Court’. If you are in all other states and territories, check the box ‘Federal Circuit Court. See image below.

Financial Hardship - Court that divorce was filed in.png

Secondly, check the box ‘No’ for the question, ‘Is this an application for a decree of nullity’. See image below.

Financial Hardship - Is this an application for a decree of nullity.png


Once you have completed the application, you will need to upload it to the Commonwealth Courts Portal. To do this, click ‘Application for reduction from fees - hardship’. See image below. Remember, for a sole application, only the applicant needs to complete the form and for a joint applicant, both spouses need to complete the form.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Application for reduction from fees.png

You will need to upload the documents as PDF. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Application for reduction from fees - hardship - Upload.png
 

References.1

Step 12. Application for Divorce: Part A: Question 2

“Do you want to attend the hearing?”

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Question 2 - Do you want to attend the hearing - If yes, will you need an interpreter at the hearing.png


The word ‘hearing’ is just a formal term for ‘court’. In some cases, you will be required to attend court, but, in the circumstance that you are not required, you may want to attend court anyway.


For a sole application:

  • You will be required to attend court if there are children under the age of 18.

  • You will not need required to attend court if you have no children under the age of 18.

For a joint application:

  • You will not be required to attend court.


If you would like to attend court but you cannot be there in person, you may apply to attend court by phone or video conferencing. You must complete the form Telephone/Video Link Attendance Request. Your form should match the images below.

Telephone-Video Link Attendance Request - Page 2.png

The court may consider the following factors when determining whether to grant the request:

  • Whether there is a long distance between your residence and the court.

  • Whether you have difficulty attending due to a disability or illness.

  • Whether you have concerns about your safety, such as family violence.

  • Whether your spouse objects to the request.

  • The expense associated with attending.

  • The expense or savings associated by using electronic communications.

Additional Information:

  • You must notify your spouse of this request.

  • You must file the request at least 5 days before your court hearing.

  • If the court has not confirmed your request, you should follow up with an email. To find the court’s contact details, you will need to find the specific court. The Federal Circuit Court provides a list of locations.

  • You cannot file this request at the current point in time.

    • If you are a sole applicant, the Federal Circuit Court recommends that you file this request after you have served the divorce documents on your spouse. The Law Project will remind you later in this guide to file this request.

If you are in Western Australia, you must instead complete the form Request to Attend by Electronic Means. Your forms should match the images below.

 
 

The information above applies to Western Australia, however, there are a few additional details. Firstly, check the box for the Family Court of Western Australia. See image below.

Western Australia - Request to Attend by Electronic Communication - Filed in.png

Secondly, for ‘Part D: Details’, select ‘Hearing’. See image below.

Western Australia - Request to Attend by Electronic Communication - Details.png

“If yes, will you need an interpreter at the hearing?”

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Question 2 - Do you want to attend the hearing - If yes, will you need an interpreter at the hearing.png

It is important that you can communicate with the court and understand everything which will be said. This means, if your English is not strong, your should request an interpreter. If you are a sole applicant, you can only request an interpreter for yourself and not your spouse. If you are a joint applicant, you can request an interpreter for both you and your spouse.

References.1

Step 13. Application for Divorce: Part B

We are now up to Part B. To start Part B, you can either click ‘Next - Husband and wife’ located at the bottom right hand side of the page. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Next - Husband and wife.png

Or, you can return to the Application for Divorce and click ‘Part B Husband and wife’ See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Part B Husband and wife.png

Step 14. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 3

“Family name as used now”

You must provide your last name as it is now in relation to this marriage, not for example, your maiden name. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Family name as used now.png

Step 15. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 4

“Full given names”

‘Full given names’ includes your middle names. Your names should be the same names which are your birth certificate, drivers license, passport, or other formal documents. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Full given names.png

Step 16. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 5

“Date of birth”

The order of numbers should be [day] [month] [year], for example, [31] [01] [1984]. If, for whatever reason, you do not know your spouse’s date of birth, tick the box, ‘Unknown. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Date of birth.png

Step 17. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 6

“Country of birth”

See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Country of birth.png

Step 18. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 7


“If born outside Australia, date you started living in Australia”


The order of numbers should be [day] [month] [year], for example, [25] [03] [1991]. See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - If born outside of Australia, date you started living in Australia.png

Step 19. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 8

“What is your occupation”

If you are retired, insert ‘Retired’. If you are a stay-at-home Mum or Dad, insert ‘Home Duties’. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - What is your occupation.png

Step 20. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 9

“Residential Address”

If you are concerned for your safety, for example, due to family violence, you should check the box ‘I do not want my residential address to be disclosed’ and or ‘Do not disclose’ for contact numbers. If you do not know your spouse’s address or you do not want to provide your address, check the ‘Unknown’ option. If you check the ‘Unknown’ option for your own residential address, the court will instead contact you via the address you provide for serving documents at Question 10. The option ‘Care of’ means, the address of the person or institution who has the care of you or your spouse, for example, a nursing home.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Residential address.png

Step 21. Application for Divorce: Part B: Question 10

This question asks for the address which documents can be served. If your address to be served is the same as your residential address, select ‘Same as residential address’. Your residential address must be an Australian address. If you do not know the address to serve documents on your spouse, and you have made all reasonable attempts to find it, select ‘Unknown.’ If documents cannot be served on your spouse, for example, they have fled the country and can’t be found, you will need to apply for either ‘substitute service’ or ‘dispensation of service’. This process will be explained later in this guide in the section title ‘xyz’. If the address to be served is your lawyer or your spouse’s lawyer, select ‘Lawyer’s address (below)’.

Additional Notes:

  • ‘DX’ = Document Mail Exchange which is a service used to deliver documents.

  • If you, your spouse, or the law firm do not have Fax or DX, insert ‘N/A’.

See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Residential address.png

Step 22. Application for Divorce: Part C


We are now up to Part C. To start Part C, you can either click ‘Next - Jurisdiction’ located at the bottom right hand side of the page. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Next - Jurisdiction.png

Or, you can return to the Application for Divorce and click ‘Part B Husband and wife’ See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Part C Jurisdiction.png

Step 23. Application for Divorce: Part C: Question 11

The court does not have the power to order a divorce if neither you or your spouse has a connection to Australia. For the court to order a divorce, the court must have jurisdiction over at least one person to the marriage. Even if you were married in Australia, this does not automatically mean the court has jurisdiction. On the other hand, if you were married overseas, you may be able to divorce in Australia.

You must answer each question where the Commonwealth Court Portal allows.

“a. regards Australia as his/her home and intends to live indefinitely in Australia”

  • To choose this option, (1) you must be lawfully in Australia, and (2) you must intend to continue to live in Australia.

    • For (1), the court may require evidence, for example, a visa, or Australia citizenship documents.

    • For (2), the court may require evidence that you have lived in Australia and in likely to continue living in Australia. For example, telephone bills, water bills, electricity bills, rent receipts, income tax, or government correspondence. These documents should be in your name and address.

  • If you are a sole applicant, you cannot choose this option for your spouse unless you can prove the intentions of your spouse.

“b. is an Australian citizen by birth or descent”

  • Normally, you are an Australian citizen by birth if you were born in Australia and at the time of birth at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

  • Normally, you are an Australian citizen by descent you were born outside Australia but at least one parent was an Australian citizen and registered your birth in Australia.

“c. is an Australian citizen by grant of Australian citizenship”

  • To choose this option:

    • You and/or your spouse must have a certificate of Australian citizenship.

    • You must provide the Court with a copy of you and/or your spouse’s Australian citizenship certificate, Australian passport or other proof of citizenship.

“d. ordinarily lives in Australian and has done so for 12 months immediately before filing this application”

  • To choose this option, you and/or your spouse must have lived in in Australia for a continual period of 12 months before filing this application for divorce. However, it is fine to have had temporary periods of absence from Australia, for example, an overseas holiday or business trip.

  • The court may require evidence, for example, a visa, or Australia citizenship documents.

  • The court may require evidence that you and/or your spouse have lived in Australia. For example, telephone bills, water bills, electricity bills, rent receipts, income tax, or government correspondence. These documents should be in your name and address.

See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Next - Jurisdiction.png
 

References.1

    • Commonwealth Courts Portal, Part C. Jurisdiction (Webpage).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 39(3).

    • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

Step 24. Application for Divorce: Part D

We are now up to Part D. To start Part D, you can either click ‘Next - Marriage and Separation’ located at the bottom right hand side of the page. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Next - Marriage and Separation.png

Or, you can return to the Application for Divorce and click ‘Part D Marriage and Separation’. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Part D Marriage and Separation.png

Step 25. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 12

“Date and place of marriage on your marriage certificate”


The order of numbers should be [day] [month] [year], for example, [25] [03] [2005]. See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Date and place of marriage on your marriage certificate.png

“Do you have a copy of your marriage certificate?”

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Do you have a copy of your marriage certificate.png

You need to upload a copy of your marriage certificate. If you do not have a copy of your marriage certificate and you were married in Australia, you need to contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state:

If you cannot obtain a copy of your marriage certificate, you must file an affidavit outlining the details of your marriage and explaining why you cannot get a copy of your marriage certificate. The Commonwealth Courts Portal recommends that you get legal advice.

The following is an example affidavit for the circumstance that you cannot obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. This affidavit was found in the Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents published by LexisNexis. It was authored by Emma Heuston from The Remote Expert, reviewed for Western Australia by Sarah Bright, updated by Megan Sweetlove from Sweetlove Family Law, and edited by John Spender from Kennedy Partners Lawyers.

 
Example Affidavit for a Lost Marriage Certificate

  1. I am the [wife/husband] in these proceedings for divorce.
  2. My date of birth is [date].
  3. The respondent [husband/wife] is [name] and was born on [date] (Respondent).
  4. The Respondent and I:
    1. commenced a relationship in or around [date] and began to cohabit [date];
    2. were married on [date]; and
    3. separated on [date].

  5. I have not seen our marriage certificate since [date] [optional: and I have not had any reason to locate it prior to making this application].
  6. [Describe the attempts to locate the marriage certificate, eg “I have made attempts to locate our marriage certificate at the former matrimonial home where we last resided for X years but it cannot be found.”]
  7. [Describe any circumstances that may explain the disappearance of the certificate, eg “On date X there was a fire at the former matrimonial home and various documents were lost including our marriage certificate” or “On date X the former matrimonial home was sold after separation. The Respondent and I divided the household contents and personal effects between us. I have not seen our marriage certificate since that date.”]
  8. [Optional: I have made attempts to obtain a replacement certificate from [registry]. Annexed and marked “A” is a copy of [document proving application for replacement certificate]. Annexed and marked “B” is a copy of [document proving replacement certificate cannot be provided].]
 

“Is your marriage certificate in English?”

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Is your marriage certificate in English.png
 

If your marriage certificate is not in English, you must do the following:

  1. File a translation of your marriage certificate in English.
    1. File an affidavit completed by the translator. The affidavit should include:
      1. The translator's qualifications.
      2. A copy of the marriage certificate.
      3. The translated marriaged certificate.
      4. The translator must state that the translation is an accurate translation.
      5. The translator must state that the copy of the marriage certificate is in fact a true copy of the marriage certificate.

The form for the affidavit is called Affidavit Translation of Marriage Certificate. Check that your form matched the image below.

 
 
Affidavit - Translation of Marriage Certificate.png
 

Step 26. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 13

“Full name of both parties as they appear on the marriage certificate.”

The names you provide must be the same as they appear on the marriage certificate. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Full name of both parties as they appear on the marriage certificate.png

Step 27. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 14

“Date of separation”

You must be separated for at least 1 year before you can apply for a divorce. For example, if you separated on 28 October 2019, you cannot separate until 29 October 2020. If you have not been separated for at least 1 year, your application will be rejected.

You are able to be get back together with your spouse for a short period and separate again. This point will be addressed in further detail in question 17 of the divorce application. You may be able to live in the same house together with your spouse and for this to be counted as ‘separation’. This point will be addressed in further detail in question 16 of the divorce application.

The order of numbers should be [day] [month] [year], for example, [31] [01] [2018]. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Date of separation.png

Step 28. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 15

“At the date of separation did you regard the marriage as over?”

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - At the date of separation did you regard the marriage as over.png




You and/or your spouse must have regarded the marriage as over at the date of separation. You and/or your spouse must have communicated in some way to the other spouse that your marriage is over. If you are a sole applicant, you should not refer to your spouse’s intention to end the marriage, unless you can provide further information as to how you knew what your spouse’s intention was at the time. You may need to provide the court with details about what was said or what happened at the date of separation to show that your and/or your spouse intended to end the marriage.

Step 28. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 16




“Since the date of separation, have you and your spouse lived together in the same home but not as husband and wife?”



You are lawfully able to live under the same roof and for this to constitute ‘separation’. This may include living in the same house for some or all of the time that you were separated. See example below. 6

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Since the date of separation, have you and your spouse lived together in the same home but not as husband and wife.png

However, if you did live under the same roof while separated, you must provide extra information. If you are a sole applicant, you must (1) file an affidavit yourself, and (2) file an affidavit created by an independent person, such as a friend, verifying that you were separated. If you are a joint applicant, you must (1) both individually file an affidavit, or (2) if only one spouse can file an affidavit, for whatever reason, one of you must (a) file an affidavit, and (b) file an affidavit created by an independent person, such as a friend, verifying that you were separated.

An affidavit is document presenting all the relevant information and you swear that the provided information is true. Note that each person who writes an affidavit may be requested by the court to attend court and they be subsequently questioned on their truthfulness. It is a criminal offence to provide false information and the penalty may be imprisonment.

You only need to provide the addition information if you were lived together within the 12 month separation period. If you lived apart for over 12 months, you do not need to provide additional information. The following examples illustrate this rule:

  • Example 1: James and Elizabeth were separated for 5 years. For the first 3 years, they lived together in the same apartment, however, for the last 2 years, they lived in separate houses. As they have been living apart for over 12 months, James and Elizabeth do not need to provide extra information.

  • Example 2: James and Elizabeth were separated for 14 months. For the first 5 months, they lived together in the same apartment, however, the last 9 months they lived in separate houses. While they have been separated for over 12 months, they have not been living apart for 12 months. As such, James and Elizabeth must provide additional information.

What the Court May Consider

The court will consider a range of factors to determine whether you were in fact separated while living under the same roof. Some factors which may indicate that you were separated, but are not conclusive, include:

  • You and your spouse slept in different rooms after separation;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped shared activities or family outings after separation;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped doing household duties for each other after separation. However, by law, you are able to continue with sharing some household duties after separation, such as ironing, washing, etc.;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped sharing meals together after separation;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped going shopping together after separation;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped entertaining friends together after separation;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped going out together;

  • You and your spouse reduced or stopped having sex after separation;

  • You and your spouse divided the finances after separation, such as separate bank accounts;

  • You and your spouse notified your friends and family that you had separated; and

  • You and your spouse intend on moving out in the near future, if you haven’t already. If you intend on living together indefinitely, the court may interpret this to indicate that you may get back together.

What to Include in Your Affidavit

The Federal Circuit Court of Australia provides a short guide on what you need to state in your affidavit. You must prove:

“...that there has been a change in the marriage, gradual or sudden, showing you and your spouse have separated.”

To do this, you will need to explain the following:

  • “[Any] change in sleeping arrangements[;]
  • [Any] reduction in shared activities or family outings[;]
  • [Any] decline in performing household duties for each other[;]
  • [Any] division of finances; for example, separate bank accounts ... [;]
  • [A]ny other matters that show the marriage has broken down; for example, if you have notified family and friends of your separation[;]
  • Why you continued to live in the same home following separation and what intention, if any, you have of changing the situation[;]
  • Living arrangements you made for any child of the marriage under 18 years during the time you were living under one roof[; and]
  • What government departments you have advised of your separation if you receive a government benefit; for example, Centrelink or the Department of Human Services (Child Support). If correspondence has been received from these departments about your separation, attach a copy to your affidavit.”

You should explain what your marriage was like before separation and what it was like after separation.


For the witness affidavit, the witness must be over 18 years old and someone who knew you during the marriage and during separation. This could include, for example, a friend, a family member, or a co-worker. The witness must explain what they saw first hand during the separation. The witness’s affidavit should corroborate your affidavit.


Affidavit Forms


Download the affidavit document from the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and edit it in Microsoft Word or in another similar program. Read and follow the instructions on the first page called ‘Instructions for completion’. Your document should match the images below.

Federal Circuit Court of Australia - Affidavit - Page 1.png
Federal Circuit Court of Australia - Affidavit - Page 2.png
Federal Circuit Court of Australia - Affidavit - Page 3.png

Example Affidavits - Spouse

Dr Maree Livermore in her book The Family Law Handbook, 5th Edition provides an example affidavit. You can find Dr Livermore at Aequitas Collaborative and Marrickville Legal Centre.

 
Example 1: Separation Under the One Roof - Spouse

I, MARY ANN BLACK of 75 Risalt Street, Tadbugnall in the State of New South Wales salesperson, make oath and say/affirm as follows:

  1. I am the applicant for the dissolution of my marriage to Daniel John Black (“Daniel”).
  2. Daniel and I were married on 29 January 1990.
  3. There are two children of our relationship: Samuel Black, born 6 June 1995 and Anna May Black, born 5 May 1997.
  4. Daniel and I lived together with our children at 36 Antonen Road, Tadbugnall, New South Wales ("the marital home”).
  5. I am 40 years of age and am employed full-time as a jewellery salesperson at David Jones in Tadbugnall. My average weekly income is approximately $1150.00 gross. I have no other income.
  6. Throughout our marriage and until our separation, my salary was deposited each fortnight into a joint account in both Daniel's and my name at the Commonwealth Bank, Tadbugnall. The mortgage and all the housekeeping expenses were paid from this account with free access to the account available to both of us.
  7. Since our marriage, Daniel has not been formally employed nor earned an independent income.
  8. In the course of our marriage, Daniel cooked on weeknights for the whole family and did most of the housework and laundry.
  9. After experiencing difficulties within our marriage for some months previously, Daniel and I had a heated argument on 3 March 2005. At the end of it, I screamed at him: “I've had enough. We're finished.”
  10. At this point on 3 March 2005, I regarded my marriage to Daniel as over. We remained separated under one roof without reconciling until 12 December 2005.
  11. On 4 March 2005 I moved all of my clothes and personal possessions out of our double bedroom and into the spare bedroom. I have not slept with, nor had sexual relations with, Daniel since that time.
  12. Daniel and I have danced as partners in ballroom dancing title competitions throughout NSW since 1992. Ballroom dancing has been a very important part of our life together.
  13. On 4 March 2005 I attended at the RSL hall where our team rehearses each week and put up a notice advising that I would no longer be dancing with Daniel and asking for potential new dance partners to contact me directly. I have not danced with Daniel, competitively or otherwise, since our separation.
  14. Also on 4 March 2005, I closed the joint account, and arranged for my pay to be deposited to an account in my name only. I arranged to pay the mortgage directly from my account and gave Daniel $600 in cash each payday from 10 March 2005 until my child support assessment in January 2006 for food and housekeeping expenses for himself and the children
  15. After our separation, we did not eat together as a family anymore. I prepared my own meals late in the evening or ate out and I looked after my own washing. Daniel continued to do most of the other housework.
  16. Between 3 March and the end of November 2005. I tried unsuccessfully to find affordable, alternative accommodation near to the marital home so that I could continue to see the children easily.
  17. In early December 2005, I found a unit at my current address in Risalt Street, Tadbugnall, which is only a few minutes drive from the marital home. I moved in on 12 December 2005.
 


The College of Law also provide an example affidavit in their book Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020, Volume 1 at F101.420.

 
Example 2: Separation Under the One Roof - Spouse

I, Ann Abrahams of (address), Sales Assistant, make oath and say:

  1. I am the Applicant in this application for divorce.
  2. For some years prior to 7 January 20xx–1, I felt my relationship with the husband had deteriorated. On 7 January 20xx–1, I had a discussion with the husband about our relationship. At the conclusion of that discussion I decided that the marriage had finished and that we should terminate the marriage.

    I said to the husband:

    “Look, the marriage is finished as far as I'm concerned. Why don't we go our separate ways.”

    The husband said:

    “That's all right with me.”

  3. From 7 January 20xx–1, the husband and I continued to live together in the former matrimonial home until 4 April 20xx–1 when he left that home. We have not subsequently lived in the same home.
  4. When we lived together in the former matrimonial home following separation we resided together in the home in the circumstances set out below.

  5. Prior to 7 January 20xx–1, the husband and I slept in the same bed, engaged in sexual intercourse, went out socially together, paid all expenses from a joint bank account, ate meals together and shared household tasks.
  6. On 7 January 20xx–1, the husband moved into the study at the former matrimonial home where he slept until he left the home on 4 April 20xx–1.
  7. From 7 January 20xx–1, we did not have meals together except on one or two isolated occasions. The husband prepared his own meals, made his own bed and cleaned the study where he slept. I cleaned the rest of the house and I did all the washing and ironing. I also purchased all food for the three members of the family from the money made available by the husband being $200 per week.
  8. On 8 January 20xx–1, we closed our joint bank account and opened separate accounts. We have subsequently kept our financial arrangements entirely separate except for the husband's contribution to housekeeping expenses as I have already mentioned.
  9. Within a few days after 7 January 20xx–1, I informed my family and close friends of the separation. The husband and I have not subsequently been out socially together or entertained at home at all.
  10. Apart from a parent/teacher interview at Julie's school in mid-February 20xx–1, the husband and I have not jointly attended any function or engagement since 7 January 20xx–1.
  11. From 7 January 20xx–1, the husband and I have not discussed anything between ourselves except those matters concerning Julie's welfare and the necessities of day-to-day living.
 
 

Legal Aid New South Wales also provides an example affidavit.

 
Example 3: Separation Under the One Roof - Spouse

  1. I am the Applicant [Husband/Wife] in these proceedings.
  2. I was born on [full date of birth] in [location] and I am [XX] years of age. I came to Australia on or around [year] and I am now an Australian citizen [or state your migration status].
  3. The Respondent [Husband/Wife] is [full name] [Write the name of the Respondent and then use this name throughout the Affidavit where it says ‘Respondent’]. [Respondent] was born on [full date of birth] in [location] and is [XX] years of age and is also an Australian citizen.
  4. [Respondent] and I met around [date] and were married on [date] in [location].
  5. [Respondent] and I separated on a final basis on [date], and we continued to live at the same address at [address] from [date] to [date] until he/she/I moved out to [address].
  6. There are [X] child/ren of the marriage. They are [list full names and dates of birth and current ages for each child of the relationship, including stepchildren].

Our marriage before separation

  1. During our marriage, I cooked for [Respondent] and washed and ironed their clothes [describe any other household tasks you shared or did for each other whilst together].
  2. [Respondent] and I would visit friends and sometimes they would come to our home [give examples].
  3. We also travelled as a family [give examples].
  4. We have a joint bank account and we [bought/rented] our home in our joint names.
  5. During our marriage, we slept in the same bed and had a sexual relationship/we had been living in separate bedrooms under the one roof for many years.

Marriage after separation

  1. [Describe what happened on your date of separation. Did you have an argument on the telephone? Did you have a discussion and decide how to tell the children and family and friends? Were police or family members involved on that day? Did you write text messages or emails saying the marriage had ended? State the facts as best as you can remember. If you are reporting a conversation use direct language, eg:]

    On [date], [Respondent] and I were at [location] and I remember we had a conversation with words to the effect of:

    Me: “This isn’t working, our marriage is over.”

    [Respondent]: “I agree. I will move my stuff into the spare bedroom until I can find my own place.”

    Use the words that you each said [as far as you can remember] to show that you believed each of you knew the marriage ended on that date.

    [Then, explain how the relationship changed from what it was before. For example:]

  2. Since the date of separation [Respondent] moved into a separate bedroom.
  3. I continue to cook for our family but [Respondent] eats separately and often eats out of the home.
  4. I have stopped washing and ironing [Respondent]’s clothes and doing other household chores for [Respondent].
  5. Since separation, I have done my own shopping and washed my own clothes.
  6. [Respondent] and I no longer socialise as a couple and do not visit friends together, or celebrate family occasions like Christmas or birthdays.
  7. [Respondent] and I have separate bank accounts and we split all our bills for the children.
  8. [Respondent] and I do not usually speak to each other unless it relates to the [children/household bills/discussions about moving].
  9. Around [date], I told my close friend [friend’s full name] who lives in [location] that [Respondent] and I had separated. I remember I said words to the effect of “[Respondent] and I have decided to separate since last month. I moved out to the spare room and I need to find a new place to stay.”
  10. Since we became separated under the same roof, [Respondent] and I have not spent time or socialised with each other except for the children’s birthdays. Sometimes we have done things together for the home but it was as housemates, not as a husband and wife.
  11. When we separated I told Centrelink/other agencies about the separation. [Describe how you informed Centrelink or other agencies about the separation.]

[Also describe when you or the other person moved out. For example:]

  1. On [date], I moved to [new address] and [Respondent] and I divided our things. We are currently working out a financial settlement between us with lawyers.

[Or, if you can’t move, explain why you are still living under one roof.]

  1. Both [Respondent] and I receive Centrelink income and have applied to the Department of Housing to find new accommodation. I have looked at the rental properties available that are nearby to the children’s school but they are [$dollars] per week and I only receive [$dollars]. So I cannot afford to move out yet.
 

Example Affidavits - Witness


Dr Maree Livermore in her book The Family Law Handbook, 5th Edition provides an example affidavit of a witness. You can find Dr Livermore at Aequitas Collaborative and Marrickville Legal Centre.


 
Example 1: Separation Under the One Roof - Witness

I, EVA LARSON of 24 Gidibal Street, Tadbugnall in the State of New South Wales, dance teacher, make oath and say/affirm as follows:

  1. I am a friend of both Daniel Black (“Daniel”) and Mary Black (“Mary”). I first met them as my next-door neighbours in Antonen Street, Tadbugnall in 1991.
  2. I introduced Daniel and Mary to competitive ballroom dancing. Between 1992 and March 2005, they danced as a couple with the dance team the Tea-Trees that I founded and continue to manage.

  3. On Thursday 5 March 2005 I went to the RSL hall for rehearsals as usual. Mary handed me a piece of paper. Her name and signature were at the bottom of the page. The document was headed “Public Notice” and included words to the effect: “Daniel and I will no longer be dance partners. If anyone else is interested in partnering me in the Samba section at the upcoming Regional titles, please contact me directly.”
  4. Neither Daniel nor Mary attended at rehearsal that night. Daniel has not attended club activities since that time. Mary found a new partner and continues to compete with the team.
  5. On 15 November 2005, being the weekend after the Regional Dance Championships, I pulled up outside 36 Antonen Street to drop Mary back after a rehearsal. She hesitated before opening the car door, staring through the window at the house. The front room was clearly full of people. Mary said: “I'll have to go round the back.” I said words to the effect: “Mary this is ridiculous, you can't continue to live like this.” She replied: “I know – but I am looking for places all the time. Something has to come up soon.”
  6. On 14 January 2006, at rehearsal, Mary handed around a little card with her new address in Risalt Street on it.
  7. I believe that Daniel and Mary were living separated under one roof at the Antonen Street house between early March and late December 2005.
 


The College of Law also provide an example affidavit of a witness in their book Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020, Volume 1 at F101.425.


 
Example 2: Separation Under the One Roof - Witness

I, Muriel June Hoskins, of (address) Sales Assistant make oath and say,

  1. I have known Robert Abrahams and Ann Abrahams for approximately 10 years.
  2. I first met Ann Abrahams when I worked with her at (location) and I met Robert Abrahams (the husband) shortly before they married.

  3. My husband Keith Hoskins and I moved next door to Robert and Ann approximately 6 years ago. At that time Ann and I were no longer working together.
  4. Prior to 8 January 20xx–1, I visited Robert and Ann's home on many occasions and observed both their clothes in the main bedroom. They both attended dinner and theatre parties with us from time to time.
  5. On 8 January 20xx–1, I had a conversation with Ann who said to me:

    “Robert and I decided to separate last night. We both agreed our marriage had finished and we can now go our separate ways. Neither of us can afford to move out at this stage but hopefully I can get a job and Robert can find an alternative place to live.”

    I said:

    “I'm sorry to hear that, but hope I can be friends with you both.”

    Ann replied:

    “Yes, so do I.”

  6. Since 8 January 20xx–1, I visited (address of former matrimonial home) on several occasions and observed that Robert’s clothes and personal effects were in the study.
  7. Both Keith and I have been out with Ann and Robert individually. I met Ann at a party in the company of John Clyde on 20 February 20xx–1.
  8. I have not seen Robert or Ann go out together socially or otherwise since 8 January 20xx–1.
 
 

Legal Aid New South Wales also provides an example affidavit of a witness.

 
 
Example 3: Separation Under the One Roof - Witness

  1. I am the best friend/cousin/doctor/co-worker [describe your relationship] of the Applicant [name you call the Applicant] in this matter. I have known [Applicant] for [how long?].
  2. I was born on [full date of birth] in [location] and I am [XX] years of age. I came to Australia on or around [year] and I am now an Australian citizen [or state your migration status].

[Describe how you met the [Respondent] and if you attended the wedding, and how often you spent time with the couple after they were married. For example:]

  1. I often visited my friend [Applicant] at home. I was their wedding photographer. Our children are the same ages and attended the same schools so we met almost every day.
  2. When I visited their home, I noticed that both [Applicant and Respondent] would cook together. I noticed they were sharing a bedroom when we travelled together.

[Describe how you heard about the separation. For example:]

  1. Around [date], [Applicant] came over to my house looking upset and said words to the effect of “[Respondent] and I have decided to separate since last month. I moved out to the spare room and I need to find a new place to stay.”

[Describe what you have personally seen, heard or been told about the separation. For example:]

  1. I have not directly spoken to [Respondent] about what happened since they separated. I remember I said words to the effect of “I was sorry to hear what happened, I’m here if you want to talk”.
  2. Since their separation, I have visited [Applicant] and [Respondent] has not been around when I have visited their home.
  3. When I visited the home, I observed [Respondent’s] clothes and computer in the spare room, with blankets and a mattress on the floor. [Applicant] said words to the effect of “I cook and clean for myself now”.
  4. A few months ago. I attended a friend’s wedding and I saw that [Respondent] attended and the host told me words to the effect of “I couldn’t invite [Applicant] because everyone knows they just separated.”
  5. I understand from my observations and conversations with [Applicant/Respondent] that they live separately and apart in the same home.
 
 

References.1

    • Commonwealth Courts Portal, Part D. Marriage and separation (Webpage).
    • Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) [51].
    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 49(1)+(2).
    • Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Separated but living under one roof (Webpage, 1 March 2013).
    • In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 457-8 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J).
    • Legal Aid New South Wales, Divorce factsheet 3 – Separation under the same roof (Webpage, June 2019).
    • Legal Services Commission of South Australia, Separation under one roof (Webpage, 29 May 2014).
    • Maree Livermore, The Family Law Handbook (Thomson Reuters, 5th Edition, 2019) 52-3.
    • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.15], [F101.420], [F101.425].
    • Victoria Legal Aid, Divorce (Webpage, 26 July 2016).

Step 29. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 17

“Since the date of separation, have you and your spouse lived together as husband and wife?”

Before the court will grant you a divorce application, you must be separated for a minimum of 12 months. You can live together after separation for one period for a maximum of 3 months, however, this gap in separation will not counted towards separation time.

For example, if James and Elizabeth separated in January but started living together in May, then separated again in August, James and Elizabeth will not be able to divorce until March the following year. See the diagram below as an illustration.

Section 50 - Effect of resumption of cohabitation.png

If you get back together for over 3 months after separation, the separation time refreshes and you will need to separate for another 12 months. For example, if James and Elizabeth separate in January, and get back together in November, but stay together for 4 months, James and Elizabeth will need to separate for another 12 months, even though they just separated for 11 months the previous year.

Minor interruptions to the cohabitation period (getting back together after separation), will be treated as 1 continuous cohabitation period. For example, if James and Elizabeth separated for 3 months, then cohabited for 2 months, but during the cohabitation period James and Elizabeth separated again for 2 days, the cohabitation period will be 2 months, not 1 month and 28 days.

In the divorce application, you must input the periods in which you were separated and cohabited. The Court will use this information to do the calculations to see whether you have been separated for 12 months and whether your cohabitation period/s exceeds 3 months. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Since the date of separation, have you and your spouse lived together as husband and wife.png
 

You should advise the court at your court hearing whether you have cohabited with your spouse in the time between filing your application for divorce and your court hearing. See image below as an example.

 
Cohabitation between Application for Divorce and Court Hearing - Example.png
 

References.1

    • Commonwealth Courts Portal, Part D. Marriage and separation (Webpage).
    • Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) [50.1].
    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 48(2), s 48(3), s 50(1), s 50(2).

Step 30. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 18

“Do you think it is likely that you and your spouse will live together again as husband and wife?”

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Do you think it is likely that you and your spouse will live together again as husband and wife.png

Your marriage must be have ended permanently for the court to grant an application for divorce. As such, if there is a chance that you and your spouse will get back together, you cannot get a divorce. If you tick the box ‘Yes’, it is likely that your application will be dismissed.

References.1

Step 31. Application for Divorce: Part D: Question 19

“At the date of filing this application, is it less than two years since you married?”


If at the time of making your application for divorce, you have been married for less than 2 years, you must either:

  1. Get counselling from a family counsellor; or

  2. Request permission from the court.


If you do not do either of the above, your application for divorce will be rejected.

“Have you attended counselling with a family counsellor?”


If at the time of making your application for divorce, you have been married for less than 2 years, you must either:

  1. Get counselling from a family counsellor; or

  2. Request permission from the court.


If you do not do either of the above, your application for divorce will be rejected.


1. Counselling From a Family Counsellor

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Have you attended counselling with a family counsellor.png
 

In your counselling session with your counselor, you must consider the possibility of reconciliation with your spouse. ‘Consider’ just means that the the possibility of reconciliation has been brought to your attention and you have made a decision about it one way or another. Your family counselor must complete the Counselling Certificate. You should take the Counselling Certificate with you to your appointment. You must upload the completed Counselling Certificate to the Commonwealth Courts Portal.


Your Counselling Certificate should match the image below.

 
Counselling Certificate for Applicants Married Less Than 2 Years.png
 
 

Your discussions with your family counselor is generally confidential, that is, what you say cannot be used in court. However, the brochure Marriage, Families & Separation by the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia provide advice some exceptions. Firstly, “where there is a legal requirement to report a suspicion or risk of child abuse and violence or threats of violence” and secondly, “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.”

“If you did not attend counselling, are you seeking permission of the Court to apply for divorce less than two years from the date of marriage?”

If at the time of making your application for divorce, you have been married for less than 2 years, you must either:

  1. Get counselling from a family counsellor; or

  2. Request permission from the court.

If you do not do either of the above, your application for divorce will be rejected.

2. Request Permission From the Court

 
If you did not attend counselling, are you seeking permission of the Court to apply for a divorce less than two years from the date of marriage.png
 

To request permission from the Court:

  1. You must have not received counselling from a family counselor in relation to the possibility of reconciliation; and

  2. You must have special circumstances for not attending counselling. Special circumstances may include for example, your spouse cannot be located, your spouse will not attend counselling, and/or your spouse was physically violent towards you.

  3. You must file an affidavit. Download the affidavit document from the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and edit it in Microsoft Word or in another similar program. Read and follow the instructions on the first page called ‘Instructions for completion’. Your document should match the images below.

 
Federal Circuit Court of Australia - Affidavit - Page 1.png
Federal Circuit Court of Australia - Affidavit - Page 2.png
Federal Circuit Court of Australia - Affidavit - Page 3.png
 

Consider including the following in your affidavit:

  • State your name, your date of birth and that you are the applicant to this divorce application.

  • State the name of your spouse, their date of birth and that they are the respondent to your divorce application.

  • State the dates when you married and separated.

  • State that you have been married for less than 2 years.

  • State the special circumstances for why have not attended family counselling:

    • For example, your spouse was violent towards you. Describe the circumstances and the event/s. If you reported this to the police, state this. State that you feel unsafe to be in the same room with your spouse.

    • For example, your spouse cannot be located. Describe the details, for example, your spouse moved overseas after separation and did not return. State the steps you have taken to locate your spouse.

    • For example, your spouse will not attend counselling. Describe the steps you have taken to invite them to counselling.

 

References.1

    • Commonwealth Courts Portal, Part D. Marriage and separation (Webpage).
    • Family Court of Australia, Counselling certificate for applicants married less than 2 years (Webpage, 10 May 2018).
    • Family Court of Australia, Have you been married less than two years? (Webpage, 1 March 2013).
    • Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Marriage, Families & Separation (Prescribed Brochure, 28 June 2019).
    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 44(1B).
    • LexisNexis, Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents (online at 12 October 2019) 270.70 Affidavit Deposing to of Less Than 2 and That Marriage Years Counselling Should Not Be Required, ‘Application for Divorce’.
    • In the Marriage of NUELL (1976) 1 Fam LR 11,239.
    • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.25], [F101.140].

Step 32. Application for Divorce: Part E: Question 20

 

“Pending Cases: Are there any current or pending cases in this or any other court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving any of the parties and /or children listed in this application?”

See example below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Are there any current or pending cases in this or any other court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving any of the parties and-or children listed in this ..…
 

References.1

Step 33. Application for Divorce: Part E: Question 21

 

“Existing orders: Are there any existing orders, binding agreements, parenting plans or undertakings to a court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving any of the parties and /or children listed in this application?”

If this question is not applicable to you, choose ‘No’. See example below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Existing order - Are there any existing orders, binding agreements, parenting plans or undertakings to a court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving ... - N…
 

If this question is applicable to you, complete the form. See example below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Existing order - Are there any existing orders, binding agreements, parenting plans or undertakings to a court about family law, child support, family violence or child welfare involving ... - Y…
 

Commonwealth Courts Portal only allows 1000 characters for the details section, so, if your orders are lengthy, you may need to tick the box ‘I prefer to upload the order as a separate PDF file at the Application page.’ See example below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Existing orders - Are there any existing orders, binding agreements, parenting plans or undertakings to a court ... - I prefer to upload the order as a separate PDF file at the Application page.…
 

References.1

Step 34. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 22

 

“Are there any children currently under 18 who:
a. are children of you and your spouse?
b. were treated as members of your family when you and your spouse separated?”

A child includes:

  • Children born before your marriage;

  • Children before after your separation;

  • Children adopted by you and your spouse;

  • Children treated as if they were members of your family, for example, step-children or foster children.

Question 22 has 4 different combinations.

  • 22.a. “Yes” and 22.b. “Yes” = You have children under the age of 18 who are children of you and your spouse and these children were treated as members of your family when you and your spouse separated.

  • 22.a. “Yes” and 22.b. “No” = You have children under the age of 18 who are children of you and your spouse and these children were not treated as members of your family when you and your spouse separated.

  • 22.a. “No” and 22.b. “Yes” = You do not have children under the age of 18 who are children of you and your spouse and these children were treated as members of your family when you and your spouse separated.

  • 22.a. “No” and 22.b. “No” = You do not have children under the age of 18 who are children of you and your spouse and these children were not treated as members of your family when you and your spouse separated.

Each combination will be addressed below.

22.a. “Yes” and 22.b. “Yes”


If you have children with your spouse, you should choose the option ‘Yes’ for 22.a. If these children were treated as members of the family, that is, you have a relationship with these children, you should choose option “Yes” for 22.b. See example below.

 
Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Are there any children currently under 18 who - A Yes - B Yes.png


22.a. “Yes” and 22.b. “No”


If you have children with your spouse, you should choose the option ‘Yes’ for 22.a. If these children were not treated as members of the family, that is, you do not have a relationship with these children, you should choose option “No” for 22.b. See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Are there any children currently under 18 who - A Yes - B No.png
 

22.a. “No” and 22.b. “Yes”


If you do not have children with your spouse, you should choose the option ‘No’ for 22.a. However, if there children who were a part of the family, for example, stepchildren, and you have a continuing relationship with them, you should choose option “Yes” for 22.b. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Are there any children currently under 18 who - A No - B Yes.png
 

22.a. “No” and 22.b. “No”

If you do not have children with your spouse, you should choose the option ‘No’ for 22.a. If there children who were a part of the family, for example, stepchildren, but you do not have a continuing relationship with them, you should choose option “No” for 22.b. See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Are there any children currently under 18 who - A No - B No.png
 

References.1

Step 35. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 23

“Child’s Details”

“Given names” means your child’s first name and middle names. “Family name” means your child’s last name. If you do not know your child’s date of birth, for whatever reason, click the box “Unknown”.

See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Child's details.png
 

References.1

Step 36. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 24


“Name of father”

Write “Unknown” if you do not know the name of your child’s birth father or adoptive father and you are not your child’s birth father or adoptive father. The Commonwealth Courts Portal advises that you may need to provide the Court with more information if you do write “unknown”.

See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Name of father.png
 

References.1

Step 37. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 25


“Name of mother”


Write “Unknown” if you do not know the name of your child’s birth mother or adoptive mother and you are not your child’s birth mother or adoptive mother. The Commonwealth Courts Portal advises that you may need to provide the Court with more information if you do write “unknown”.

See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Name of mother.png
 

References.1

Step 38. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 26

“Who does the child live with?”

This question is asking who the child lives with most of the time. If the child lives with one parent, or both parents, or a relative, etc., you need to choose the appropriate option.

If you choose the option “Other” or “Other Party”, you must provide the name/s of the person/s. This person may for example be an Uncle or a close family friend.

See example below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Who does the child live with.png
 

References.1

Step 39. Application for Divorce: Part E: Question 27



“Child’s address”


See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Child's address example.png



If the child spends substantial amounts of time at multiple addresses, provide the details for both addresses by clicking the “Add Address” button. See image below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Add Address Button.png


If you have safety concerns, such as fear of family violence if your address is released to your spouse, you may choose hide your address by clicking “do not disclose” box. See image below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - do not disclose box.png


If you checked the “do not disclose” box, the Commonwealth Courts Portal advises that you may be required to inform the Court of more details regarding safety concerns. If you have family violence orders that are current or pending, you need to tell the Court by providing the details back at Part E, Question 20. The Commonwealth Courts Portal also advises that if you have any concerns about your safety while attending Court, “please call 1300 352 000 or speak to staff at a family law registry before your court appointment or hearing. Options for your safety at the Court will be discussed and arrangements put in place.”

 

References.1

Step 40. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 28

“Current details for the child.”

An Application for Divorce will not be granted unless (1) arrangements for all children under the age of 18 have been made or (2) if you cannot provide proper arrangements of your children, you must instead provide the Court special reasons by why the divorce application should be granted regardless.

Proper Arrangements of Children

You should include the following information:

  • “Time and communication with the child

    • This question is referring to the parent which the child does not live with. Include the amount and frequency the child spends with that parent.

    • This time may include face-to-face, telephone, email, or any other form of communication.

  • “Financial Support”

    • Who pays for the costs of raising your child.

    • Details about any child support. This may include child support is being paid, or agreed to be paid, or assessed to be paid, or ordered to be paid.

  • “Health”

    • Details about your child’s health.

    • Any diagnosis.

    • Any treatment.

    • Any ongoing medical needs.

  • “Education”

    • Which school your child goes to.

    • What year your child is in at school.

    • How your child is progressing at school.

The College of Law provides an example answer to these questions. The Law Project has adapted these answers. See image below.

Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Current details for the child - Time and communication with the child, Financial Support, Health, Education.png

You should make all attempts to find out this information, for example, by contacting your spouse. If you cannot find out the relevant information, the Commonwealth Courts Portal advises that you should be prepared to tell the Court what attempts you made to find out this information.

Special Reasons

If you cannot provide proper arrangements for your children, you must instead provide the Court special reasons by why the divorce application should be granted regardless.

For example, in the case Yee & Woo [2018] FCCA 666, the special circumstances were: the children and wife lived in China and it is unclear whether they will ever return; the children were in the care of the grandmother and not either of the parents; the lack of enforceable child support assessment; and that there are no family law proceedings.

If you cannot provide special reasons, the Court will not grant your Application for Divorce and wait until a report has been prepared by a family consultant detailing the proper arrangements.

 

References.1

    • Commonwealth Courts Portal, Part F. Children (Webpage).
    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 55A.
    • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.400].
    • Yee & Woo [2018] FCCA 666.

Step 41. Application for Divorce: Part F: Question 29


“Do you plan to make any changes to these current arrangements?”


This may include for example, changes in schooling, financial support, or living arrangements. See example below.


Commonwealth Courts Portal - Application for Divorce - Do you plan to make any changes to these current arrangements.png
 

References.1

Step 42. Application for Divorce: Serving Documents

Joint Application

If you and your spouse completed the joint application, your spouse does not need to be served with any documents.

Sole application

If you completed the Application for Divorce as a sole applicant, the following documents must be served on your spouse:

  1. The completed and signed Application for Divorce, and

  2. The ‘Marriage, Families and Separation’ brochure, and

  3. All other documents which you filed (except for your Marriage Certificate).

How to Serve Documents?

There are a few ways to serve documents on your spouse (note, you personally by law are not allowed to hand documents to your spouse):

  1. Posting the documents by mail to your spouse.

  2. Email or other forms of electronic communication.

  3. A person over the age of 18 can personally hand the documents to your spouse. You yourself are not allowed to hand documents to your spouse.

If your spouse has a disability, the documents must instead be served on your spouse’s (1) case guardian, or (2) guardian appointed by law, or (3) if there is no guardian, an adult who is in the care of your spouse, or (4) if there is no guardian and your spouse is in a hospital, nursing home, or other care facility, the head of that hospital, nursing home, or other care facility, must be served.

If your spouse is in prison, the person in charge of the prison is the person who must be served the documents.

Cannot Find Your Spouse?

Deadlines for Serving Documents

If your spouse is located overseas, the documents must be served at least 42 days before your Court date.

If your spouse is located in Australia, the documents must be served at least 28 days before your Court date.


 

The rest of the section in still under construction. The Law Project apologises for the inconvenience.

3. Divorce Law

 

  1. An Application for Divorce must be filed in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.1
  2. An Application for Divorce may be made by either:
    1. A sole application – This is where one spouse to the marriage applies for divorce and completes the application without the other spouse;2 or
    2. A joint application – This is where both spouses to the marriage applies for divorce and completes the application together.3


3.1. Requirements for the Court to Grant a Divorce



  1. The marriage must be broken down irretrievably.4
    1. To establish that the marriage has been broken down irretrievably, the couple must be separated and lived separately and apart for a minimum of 12 months before filing the divorce order application.5
      1. Separation:
        1. The persons to a marriage will be held to have separated even if the cohabitation was brought to an end by the action or conduct of only one of the persons.6
        2. Separation means more than mere physical separation – it involves the breakdown of the marital relationship.7
        3. Separation may be indicated by the absence of elements which make up a marriage (called the consortium vitae, meaning ‘partnership for life’).8
          1. Elements of a marriage include:
            1. Living in the same house;9
            2. Sexual intercourse;10
            3. Mutual society and protection;11
            4. Support;12
            5. Recognition of the existence of the marriage by both spouses in public and private relationships;13
            6. Correspondence during separation;14
            7. The nurture and support of the children of the marriage.15

          2. Marriage involves many elements16 and these elements are not fixed for every marriage.17
          3. What comprises of a marriage will differ from couple to couple.18
          4. Where only one person to the couple has formed the intention to separate, this must be communicated either directly or indirectly to the person.19
          5. Separation is the only way to establish the irretrievable breakdown of marriage.20

        4. The law does not consider:
          1. Who was at fault for the marriage ending.21
          2. Why the marriage ended.22
          3. Who left who.23

      2. Lived Separately and Apart:
        1. The persons to a marriage will be held to have ‘separated and lived separately and apart’ even both persons continued to live in the same residence.24
          1. If both persons separated and continued to live under the same roof, the person or persons separating must (1) explain why the couple continued to live under the one roof, and (2) show that there has been a change in their relationship, whether gradual or sudden, constituting a separation.25
            1. This evidence must be provided by affidavit.26
              1. Example affidavits - spouse:
              2. Dr Maree Livermore in her book The Family Law Handbook, 5th Edition provides an example affidavit. You can find Dr Livermore at Aequitas Collaborative and Marrickville Legal Centre.


                Example 1: Separation Under the One Roof - Spouse

                I, MARY ANN BLACK of 75 Risalt Street, Tadbugnall in the State of New South Wales salesperson, make oath and say/affirm as follows:

                1. I am the applicant for the dissolution of my marriage to Daniel John Black (“Daniel”).
                2. Daniel and I were married on 29 January 1990.
                3. There are two children of our relationship: Samuel Black, born 6 June 1995 and Anna May Black, born 5 May 1997.
                4. Daniel and I lived together with our children at 36 Antonen Road, Tadbugnall, New South Wales ("the marital home”).
                5. I am 40 years of age and am employed full-time as a jewellery salesperson at David Jones in Tadbugnall. My average weekly income is approximately $1150.00 gross. I have no other income.
                6. Throughout our marriage and until our separation, my salary was deposited each fortnight into a joint account in both Daniel's and my name at the Commonwealth Bank, Tadbugnall. The mortgage and all the housekeeping expenses were paid from this account with free access to the account available to both of us.
                7. Since our marriage, Daniel has not been formally employed nor earned an independent income.
                8. In the course of our marriage, Daniel cooked on weeknights for the whole family and did most of the housework and laundry.
                9. After experiencing difficulties within our marriage for some months previously, Daniel and I had a heated argument on 3 March 2005. At the end of it, I screamed at him: “I've had enough. We're finished.”
                10. At this point on 3 March 2005, I regarded my marriage to Daniel as over. We remained separated under one roof without reconciling until 12 December 2005.
                11. On 4 March 2005 I moved all of my clothes and personal possessions out of our double bedroom and into the spare bedroom. I have not slept with, nor had sexual relations with, Daniel since that time.
                12. Daniel and I have danced as partners in ballroom dancing title competitions throughout NSW since 1992. Ballroom dancing has been a very important part of our life together.
                13. On 4 March 2005 I attended at the RSL hall where our team rehearses each week and put up a notice advising that I would no longer be dancing with Daniel and asking for potential new dance partners to contact me directly. I have not danced with Daniel, competitively or otherwise, since our separation.
                14. Also on 4 March 2005, I closed the joint account, and arranged for my pay to be deposited to an account in my name only. I arranged to pay the mortgage directly from my account and gave Daniel $600 in cash each payday from 10 March 2005 until my child support assessment in January 2006 for food and housekeeping expenses for himself and the children
                15. After our separation, we did not eat together as a family anymore. I prepared my own meals late in the evening or ate out and I looked after my own washing. Daniel continued to do most of the other housework.
                16. Between 3 March and the end of November 2005. I tried unsuccessfully to find affordable, alternative accommodation near to the marital home so that I could continue to see the children easily.
                17. In early December 2005, I found a unit at my current address in Risalt Street, Tadbugnall, which is only a few minutes drive from the marital home. I moved in on 12 December 2005.

                The College of Law also provide an example affidavit in the book Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, Volume 1).27


                Example 2: Separation Under the One Roof - Spouse

                I, Ann Abrahams of (address), Sales Assistant, make oath and say:

                1. I am the Applicant in this application for divorce.
                2. For some years prior to 7 January 20xx–1, I felt my relationship with the husband had deteriorated. On 7 January 20xx–1, I had a discussion with the husband about our relationship. At the conclusion of that discussion I decided that the marriage had finished and that we should terminate the marriage.

                  I said to the husband:

                  “Look, the marriage is finished as far as I'm concerned. Why don't we go our separate ways.”

                  The husband said:

                  “That's all right with me.”

                3. From 7 January 20xx–1, the husband and I continued to live together in the former matrimonial home until 4 April 20xx–1 when he left that home. We have not subsequently lived in the same home.
                4. When we lived together in the former matrimonial home following separation we resided together in the home in the circumstances set out below.

                5. Prior to 7 January 20xx–1, the husband and I slept in the same bed, engaged in sexual intercourse, went out socially together, paid all expenses from a joint bank account, ate meals together and shared household tasks.
                6. On 7 January 20xx–1, the husband moved into the study at the former matrimonial home where he slept until he left the home on 4 April 20xx–1.
                7. From 7 January 20xx–1, we did not have meals together except on one or two isolated occasions. The husband prepared his own meals, made his own bed and cleaned the study where he slept. I cleaned the rest of the house and I did all the washing and ironing. I also purchased all food for the three members of the family from the money made available by the husband being $200 per week.
                8. On 8 January 20xx–1, we closed our joint bank account and opened separate accounts. We have subsequently kept our financial arrangements entirely separate except for the husband's contribution to housekeeping expenses as I have already mentioned.
                9. Within a few days after 7 January 20xx–1, I informed my family and close friends of the separation. The husband and I have not subsequently been out socially together or entertained at home at all.
                10. Apart from a parent/teacher interview at Julie's school in mid-February 20xx–1, the husband and I have not jointly attended any function or engagement since 7 January 20xx–1.
                11. From 7 January 20xx–1, the husband and I have not discussed anything between ourselves except those matters concerning Julie's welfare and the necessities of day-to-day living.

                Legal Aid New South Wales also provides an example affidavit.


                Example 3: Separation Under the One Roof - Spouse

                1. I am the Applicant [Husband/Wife] in these proceedings.
                2. I was born on [full date of birth] in [location] and I am [XX] years of age. I came to Australia on or around [year] and I am now an Australian citizen [or state your migration status].
                3. The Respondent [Husband/Wife] is [full name] [Write the name of the Respondent and then use this name throughout the Affidavit where it says ‘Respondent’]. [Respondent] was born on [full date of birth] in [location] and is [XX] years of age and is also an Australian citizen.
                4. [Respondent] and I met around [date] and were married on [date] in [location].
                5. [Respondent] and I separated on a final basis on [date], and we continued to live at the same address at [address] from [date] to [date] until he/she/I moved out to [address].
                6. There are [X] child/ren of the marriage. They are [list full names and dates of birth and current ages for each child of the relationship, including stepchildren].

                Our marriage before separation

                1. During our marriage, I cooked for [Respondent] and washed and ironed their clothes [describe any other household tasks you shared or did for each other whilst together].
                2. [Respondent] and I would visit friends and sometimes they would come to our home [give examples].
                3. We also travelled as a family [give examples].
                4. We have a joint bank account and we [bought/rented] our home in our joint names.
                5. During our marriage, we slept in the same bed and had a sexual relationship/we had been living in separate bedrooms under the one roof for many years.

                Marriage after separation

                1. [Describe what happened on your date of separation. Did you have an argument on the telephone? Did you have a discussion and decide how to tell the children and family and friends? Were police or family members involved on that day? Did you write text messages or emails saying the marriage had ended? State the facts as best as you can remember. If you are reporting a conversation use direct language, eg:]

                  On [date], [Respondent] and I were at [location] and I remember we had a conversation with words to the effect of:

                  Me: “This isn’t working, our marriage is over.”

                  [Respondent]: “I agree. I will move my stuff into the spare bedroom until I can find my own place.”

                  Use the words that you each said [as far as you can remember] to show that you believed each of you knew the marriage ended on that date.

                  [Then, explain how the relationship changed from what it was before. For example:]

                2. Since the date of separation [Respondent] moved into a separate bedroom.
                3. I continue to cook for our family but [Respondent] eats separately and often eats out of the home.
                4. I have stopped washing and ironing [Respondent]’s clothes and doing other household chores for [Respondent].
                5. Since separation, I have done my own shopping and washed my own clothes.
                6. [Respondent] and I no longer socialise as a couple and do not visit friends together, or celebrate family occasions like Christmas or birthdays.
                7. [Respondent] and I have separate bank accounts and we split all our bills for the children.
                8. [Respondent] and I do not usually speak to each other unless it relates to the [children/household bills/discussions about moving].
                9. Around [date], I told my close friend [friend’s full name] who lives in [location] that [Respondent] and I had separated. I remember I said words to the effect of “[Respondent] and I have decided to separate since last month. I moved out to the spare room and I need to find a new place to stay.”
                10. Since we became separated under the same roof, [Respondent] and I have not spent time or socialised with each other except for the children’s birthdays. Sometimes we have done things together for the home but it was as housemates, not as a husband and wife.
                11. When we separated I told Centrelink/other agencies about the separation. [Describe how you informed Centrelink or other agencies about the separation.]

                [Also describe when you or the other person moved out. For example:]

                1. On [date], I moved to [new address] and [Respondent] and I divided our things. We are currently working out a financial settlement between us with lawyers.

                [Or, if you can’t move, explain why you are still living under one roof.]

                1. Both [Respondent] and I receive Centrelink income and have applied to the Department of Housing to find new accommodation. I have looked at the rental properties available that are nearby to the children’s school but they are [$dollars] per week and I only receive [$dollars]. So I cannot afford to move out yet.

            2. If both persons separated and continued to live under the same roof, evidence from a witness to corroborate the claim by the person or persons divorcing should be ready.28
              1. However, this rule is not inflexible and whether the judge requires this evidence will depend upon the circumstances of the case.29
              2. In Western Australia, the court will usually require an affidavit by the witness and the witness should attend the hearing.30 In other states and territories, the court will usually require an affidavit by the witness, but the witness does not need attend the hearing.31
              3. Example affidavits - Witness
              4. Dr Maree Livermore in her book The Family Law Handbook, 5th Edition provides an example affidavit. You can find Dr Livermore at Aequitas Collaborative and Marrickville Legal Centre.


                Example 1: Separation Under the One Roof - Witness

                I, EVA LARSON of 24 Gidibal Street, Tadbugnall in the State of New South Wales, dance teacher, make oath and say/affirm as follows:

                1. I am a friend of both Daniel Black (“Daniel”) and Mary Black (“Mary”). I first met them as my next-door neighbours in Antonen Street, Tadbugnall in 1991.
                2. I introduced Daniel and Mary to competitive ballroom dancing. Between 1992 and March 2005, they danced as a couple with the dance team the Tea-Trees that I founded and continue to manage.

                3. On Thursday 5 March 2005 I went to the RSL hall for rehearsals as usual. Mary handed me a piece of paper. Her name and signature were at the bottom of the page. The document was headed “Public Notice” and included words to the effect: “Daniel and I will no longer be dance partners. If anyone else is interested in partnering me in the Samba section at the upcoming Regional titles, please contact me directly.”
                4. Neither Daniel nor Mary attended at rehearsal that night. Daniel has not attended club activities since that time. Mary found a new partner and continues to compete with the team.
                5. On 15 November 2005, being the weekend after the Regional Dance Championships, I pulled up outside 36 Antonen Street to drop Mary back after a rehearsal. She hesitated before opening the car door, staring through the window at the house. The front room was clearly full of people. Mary said: “I'll have to go round the back.” I said words to the effect: “Mary this is ridiculous, you can't continue to live like this.” She replied: “I know – but I am looking for places all the time. Something has to come up soon.”
                6. On 14 January 2006, at rehearsal, Mary handed around a little card with her new address in Risalt Street on it.
                7. I believe that Daniel and Mary were living separated under one roof at the Antonen Street house between early March and late December 2005.

                The College of Law also provide an example affidavit.32


                Example 2: Separation Under the One Roof - Witness

                I, Muriel June Hoskins, of (address) Sales Assistant make oath and say,

                1. I have known Robert Abrahams and Ann Abrahams for approximately 10 years.
                2. I first met Ann Abrahams when I worked with her at (location) and I met Robert Abrahams (the husband) shortly before they married.

                3. My husband Keith Hoskins and I moved next door to Robert and Ann approximately 6 years ago. At that time Ann and I were no longer working together.
                4. Prior to 8 January 20xx–1, I visited Robert and Ann's home on many occasions and observed both their clothes in the main bedroom. They both attended dinner and theatre parties with us from time to time.
                5. On 8 January 20xx–1, I had a conversation with Ann who said to me:

                  “Robert and I decided to separate last night. We both agreed our marriage had finished and we can now go our separate ways. Neither of us can afford to move out at this stage but hopefully I can get a job and Robert can find an alternative place to live.”

                  I said:

                  “I'm sorry to hear that, but hope I can be friends with you both.”

                  Ann replied:

                  “Yes, so do I.”

                6. Since 8 January 20xx–1, I visited (address of former matrimonial home) on several occasions and observed that Robert’s clothes and personal effects were in the study.
                7. Both Keith and I have been out with Ann and Robert individually. I met Ann at a party in the company of John Clyde on 20 February 20xx–1.
                8. I have not seen Robert or Ann go out together socially or otherwise since 8 January 20xx–1.

                Legal Aid New South Wales also provides an example affidavit of a witness.


                Example 3: Separation Under the One Roof - Witness

                1. I am the best friend/cousin/doctor/co-worker [describe your relationship] of the Applicant [name you call the Applicant] in this matter. I have known [Applicant] for [how long?].
                2. I was born on [full date of birth] in [location] and I am [XX] years of age. I came to Australia on or around [year] and I am now an Australian citizen [or state your migration status].

                [Describe how you met the [Respondent] and if you attended the wedding, and how often you spent time with the couple after they were married. For example:]

                1. I often visited my friend [Applicant] at home. I was their wedding photographer. Our children are the same ages and attended the same schools so we met almost every day.
                2. When I visited their home, I noticed that both [Applicant and Respondent] would cook together. I noticed they were sharing a bedroom when we travelled together.

                [Describe how you heard about the separation. For example:]

                1. Around [date], [Applicant] came over to my house looking upset and said words to the effect of “[Respondent] and I have decided to separate since last month. I moved out to the spare room and I need to find a new place to stay.”

                [Describe what you have personally seen, heard or been told about the separation. For example:]

                1. I have not directly spoken to [Respondent] about what happened since they separated. I remember I said words to the effect of “I was sorry to hear what happened, I’m here if you want to talk”.
                2. Since their separation, I have visited [Applicant] and [Respondent] has not been around when I have visited their home.
                3. When I visited the home, I observed [Respondent’s] clothes and computer in the spare room, with blankets and a mattress on the floor. [Applicant] said words to the effect of “I cook and clean for myself now”.
                4. A few months ago. I attended a friend’s wedding and I saw that [Respondent] attended and the host told me words to the effect of “I couldn’t invite [Applicant] because everyone knows they just separated.”
                5. I understand from my observations and conversations with [Applicant/Respondent] that they live separately and apart in the same home.

          2. The persons to a marriage will be held to have ‘separated and lived separately and apart’ even if either person provided some household services the other person.33

    2. A divorce will not be granted if there is a reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed.34
      1. To establish this, whether both spouses have an intention to resume living together is too high a standard.35
      2. Where, after the persons to the marriage separated, they resumed cohabitation but, within 3 months they again separated and remained separated up until filing the application for divorce, (1) the periods before and after the separation will be aggregated together,36 and (2) the cohabitation gap will not be included in the total time of separation. For example, if the couple separated in January and got back together in June but separated again in August, the gap between June and August will not be included.37
        • Family Court of Australia, Practice Direction 2003/6: No. 6 of 2003 - Divorce Applications to be Filed in Federal Magistrates Court, 13 November 2003. Note, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia was previously called the Federal Magistrates Court.

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 44(1A)(a):

          “(1A) Proceedings under this Act for:

          (a) a divorce order in relation to a marriage …

          may be instituted by either party to the marriage or jointly by both parties to the marriage.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 44(1A)(a):

          “(1A) Proceedings under this Act for:

          (a) a divorce order in relation to a marriage …

          may be instituted by either party to the marriage or jointly by both parties to the marriage.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 48(1):

          “(1) An application under this Act for a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall be based on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 48(2):

          “(2) Subject to subsection (3), in a proceeding instituted by such an application, the ground shall be held to have been established, and the divorce order shall be made, if, and only if, the court is satisfied that the parties separated and thereafter lived separately and apart for a continuous period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application for the divorce order.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 49(1):

          “(1) The parties to a marriage may be held to have separated notwithstanding that the cohabitation was brought to an end by the action or conduct of one only of the parties.”

        • In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “In my view "separation" means more than physical separation — it involves the destruction of the marital relationship (the consortium vitae).”

          In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 453-4 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J):

          “In Todd's case it was said: " In my view 'separation' means more than physical separation-it involves the destruction of the marital relationship (the consortium vitae).

          We agree that "separation means more than physical separation" because "separation" is the event which is used to prove the breakdown of the marriage. However, we do not accept the state-ment-" it involves the destruction of the marital relationship". Just as Mr. Bryant submitted that "repudiation" had the ring of fault about it, so "destruction" has the same ring. In any case, what the Act speaks of is the breakdown of the marriage, so it is appropriate to use the word "breakdown" instead of the word "destruction". In practical terms, this may make no difference, but it is in keeping with the wording of the Act.”

        • Lisa Young, Adiva Sifris, Robyn Carroll and Geoffrey Monahan, Family Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 9th ed, 2016) 6.60.

        • Tulk v Tulk [1907] VLR 64, 65 (Cussen J):

          “… the dwelling under the same roof, … making up as a whole the consortium vitae, which the old writers distinguish from the divortium a mensa et thoro, may be regarded separately as different elements, the presence or absence of which go to show more or less conclusively that the matrimonial relationship does or does not exist.”

          In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “Marriage involves many elements, some or all of which may be present in a particular marriage – elements such as dwelling under the same roof”.

        • Tulk v Tulk [1907] VLR 64, 65 (Cussen J):

          “Marital intercourse, … making up as a whole the consortium vitae, which the old writers distinguish from the divortium a mensa et thoro, may be regarded separately as different elements, the presence or absence of which go to show more or less conclusively that the matrimonial relationship does or does not exist.”

          In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “Marriage involves many elements, some or all of which may be present in a particular marriage – elements such as … sexual intercourse …”

        • Tulk v Tulk [1907] VLR 64, 65 (Cussen J):

          “Marital intercourse, … making up as a whole the consortium vitae, which the old writers distinguish from the divortium a mensa et thoro, may be regarded separately as different elements, the presence or absence of which go to show more or less conclusively that the matrimonial relationship does or does not exist.”

          In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “Marriage involves many elements, some or all of which may be present in a particular marriage – elements such as … sexual intercourse …”

        • Tulk v Tulk [1907] VLR 64, 65 (Cussen J):

          “… support, … making up as a whole the consortium vitae, which the old writers distinguish from the divortium a mensa et thoro, may be regarded separately as different elements, the presence or absence of which go to show more or less conclusively that the matrimonial relationship does or does not exist.”

        • Tulk v Tulk [1907] VLR 64, 65 (Cussen J):

          “… recognition in public and in private, … making up as a whole the consortium vitae, which the old writers distinguish from the divortium a mensa et thoro, may be regarded separately as different elements, the presence or absence of which go to show more or less conclusively that the matrimonial relationship does or does not exist.”

          In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “Marriage involves many elements, some or all of which may be present in a particular marriage – elements such as … recognition of the existence of the marriage by both spouses in public and private relationships.”

        • Tulk v Tulk [1907] VLR 64, 65 (Cussen J):

          “… correspondence during separation, … making up as a whole the consortium vitae, which the old writers distinguish from the divortium a mensa et thoro, may be regarded separately as different elements, the presence or absence of which go to show more or less conclusively that the matrimonial relationship does or does not exist.”

        • In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 455 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J):

          “The constituent elements of the marital relationship were referred to in Todd's case in these words: “Marriage involves many elements some or all of which may be present in a particular marriage-elements such as dwelling under the same roof, sexual intercourse, mutual society and protection, recognition of the existence of the marriage by both spouses in public and private relationships.”


          To this general statement we wish to add but one phrase, “the nurture and support of the children of the marriage”.”

        • In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “Marriage involves many elements, some or all of which may be present in a particular marriage”.

        • In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 455 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J):

          “We also agree with the statement in Todd's case that " what comprises the marital relationship for each couple will vary". It is for this reason that it is difficult to formulate a satisfactory test in cases where the parties live under the one roof. As s. 48 is concerned with the marriage of the parties, it is the content of their marital relationship which must be examined, not a definition of what a marital relationship ought to include. This, of course, does not mean that the various statements about the content of the marital relationship are useless. They do provide valuable checklists in each case, but they cannot be applied mechanically. If, during the marriage, the parties treat as of little importance something which may ordinarily be a significant part of the marital relationship, then that aspect of their life may be of little importance in determining whether they have separated.”

        • In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260, 262 (Watson J):

          “What comprises the marital relationship for each couple will vary.”

        • Price v Underwood (2008) 39 Fam LR 614, [55] (May, Boland & Ryan JJ):

          “Perhaps as a consequence of the learned Federal Magistrate’s failure to consider the parties’ marriage prior to October 2005 he overlooked the importance, on the facts of this case, of the necessity for the husband to communicate to the wife his intention to end the marriage. In Falk the Full Court held at 76,333:

          “The attitudes and intentions of the parties may be spoken or unspoken; where both parties withdraw from recognition of the marriage the surrounding circumstances would often make it easier to establish separation. Where one party only has formed the relevant attitude and intention they should have been communicated to the other party directly or indirectly. Where other aspects of the relationship continue a party should not be heard to claim separation on the basis of a secret intention unknown to the other party. There are many ways of communicating an intention or change of attitude.””

        • Lisa Young, Adiva Sifris, Robyn Carroll and Geoffrey Monahan, Family Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 9th ed, 2016) 6.59.

        • Lisa Young, Adiva Sifris, Robyn Carroll and Geoffrey Monahan, Family Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 9th ed, 2016) 6.1.




          The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.05].




          In the Marriage of Abbott (1995) 18 Fam LR 550, 561 (Fogarty, Baker and Kay JJ):

          “…it is necessary for registrars to bear in mind that the question of divorce can be a highly personal and emotional topic and a respondent may feel entitled to ‘oppose’ the application on grounds which are unrelated to the legislation. This is particularly so in areas of religious belief, conduct, fault, etc. This must be balanced with the recognition that the Parliament has made a judgment on these matters in legislation in 1975 which removed the plethora of fault grounds and substituted the present single, no fault, ground of divorce in Australia. An applicant is not obliged to face a contest on irrelevant issues and that needs to be clearly, but courteously, explained to the respondent.”

        • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.15].

        • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.15].

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 49(1):

          “(2) The parties to a marriage may be held to have separated and to have lived separately and apart notwithstanding that they have continued to reside in the same residence or that either party has rendered some household services to the other.”

        • In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 457-8 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J):

          “The words in italics are particularly significant in cases where the parties to a marriage continue to live in the same residence, and yet assert that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. In such cases, without a full explanation of the circumstances, there is an inherent unlikelihood that the marriage has broken down, for the common residence suggests continuing cohabitation. Such cases therefore require evidence that goes beyond inexact proofs, indefinite testimony and indirect inferences. The party or parties alleging separation must satisfy the court about this by explaining why the parties continued to live under the one roof, and by showing that there has been a change in their relationship, gradual or sudden, constituting a separation.”

        • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.15].

        • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.420].

        • In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 457-8 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J):

          “The words in italics are particularly significant in cases where the parties to a marriage continue to live in the same residence, and yet assert that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. In such cases, without a full explanation of the circumstances, there is an inherent unlikelihood that the marriage has broken down, for the common residence suggests continuing cohabitation. Such cases therefore require evidence that goes beyond inexact proofs, indefinite testimony and indirect inferences. The party or parties alleging separation must satisfy the court about this by explaining why the parties continued to live under the one roof, and by showing that there has been a change in their relationship, gradual or sudden, constituting a separation. For this reason many of the judges of the Family Court of Australia have adopted the practice of requiring corroboration of the applicant's evidence in cases where the parties reside in the same residence. We do not wish to lay down an inflexible rule that evidence from a witness other than the parties to a marriage must be given, but an applicant should always be ready to call such evidence. Whether the judge will require such evidence will depend on the circumstances of each case.”

        • In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450, 458 (Evatt CJ, Demack J and Watson J):

          “We do not wish to lay down an inflexible rule that evidence from a witness other than the parties to a marriage must be given, but an applicant should always be ready to call such evidence. Whether the judge will require such evidence will depend on the circumstances of each case.”

        • Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) 51.1:

          “In cases where it is claimed that parties have lived separately and apart under the same roof during any part of the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of filing of the application for divorce the Court will ordinarily require corroboration of the claim by the filing of an affidavit by an independent witness, in addition to an affidavit by the applicant/s. The witness should attend the hearing in case further evidence is deemed necessary.”

        • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.15].

        • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.425].

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 49(2):

          “The parties to a marriage may be held to have separated and to have lived separately and apart notwithstanding that they have continued to reside in the same residence or that either party has rendered some household services to the other.

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 48(3):

          “(3) A divorce order shall not be made if the court is satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed.”

        • In the Marriage of Bates and Sawyer (1977) FLC ¶90-319:

          “The learned trial Judge applied certain observations by Watson S.J. in Todd and Todd (No. 2) (1976) FLC 90-008, reading as follows:

          “As to the third element, resumption of cohabitation, once the necessary period of separation has been established, the decree for dissolution should be made unless the court is satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed. The onus of establishing such likelihood is on the spouse who assets it. More than the likely resumption of some elements of the marital relationship must be shown — resumption of cohabitation must be shown to be likely — that is a bilateral intention on the part of both spouses to resume living together.”

          We agree with his Honour's observations regarding the onus of establishing that there is a reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed ``is on the spouse who asserts it'' but with due respect to his Honour we do not agree that it must be shown that there is ``a bilateral intention on the part of both spouses to resume living together''. In our view a spouse who seeks to invoke the provisions of sec. 48(3) may succeed by relying on evidence that falls short of a demonstrated intention on the part of both parties to resume cohabitation. In our opinion a Judge who is required to rule on an assertion by one spouse that sec. 48(3) applies must come to his conclusion on the whole of the evidence and give full weight to the words reasonable likelihood in the subsection. It is not difficult to visualize a situation where one spouse convinces the Court that he or she wishes to resume cohabitation and the other gives evidence of an equivocal nature indicating that he or she is interested in exploring the possibility of a reconciliation. Such evidence could not be classified as a ``bilateral intention'' but depending on the Court's opinion based on the whole of the evidence it may be sufficient to justify a finding by the Court that there is a reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 50(1):

          “(1) For the purposes of proceedings for a divorce order, where, after the parties to the marriage separated, they resumed cohabitation on one occasion but, within a period of 3 months after the resumption of cohabitation, they again separated and thereafter lived separately and apart up to the date of the filing of the application, the periods of living separately and apart before and after the period of cohabitation may be aggregated as if they were one continuous period, but the period of cohabitation shall not be deemed to be part of the period of living separately and apart.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 50(1):

          “(1) For the purposes of proceedings for a divorce order, where, after the parties to the marriage separated, they resumed cohabitation on one occasion but, within a period of 3 months after the resumption of cohabitation, they again separated and thereafter lived separately and apart up to the date of the filing of the application, the periods of living separately and apart before and after the period of cohabitation may be aggregated as if they were one continuous period, but the period of cohabitation shall not be deemed to be part of the period of living separately and apart.”

Section 50 - Effect of resumption of cohabitation.png

      1. Minor interruptions to the cohabitation period are treated as one continuous cohabitation period.38
      2. If persons to the marriage separate and then within 1 year39 cohabitate again for over 3 months, a divorce will not be granted.40
      3. The court should be advised at the court hearing if the spouses cohabitate again between filing the application for divorce and the court hearing.41
        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 50(2):

          “(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a period of cohabitation shall be deemed to have continued during any interruption of the cohabitation that, in the opinion of the court, was not substantial.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 48(2):

          “(2) Subject to subsection (3), in a proceeding instituted by such an application, the ground shall be held to have been established, and the divorce order shall be made, if, and only if, the court is satisfied that the parties separated and thereafter lived separately and apart for a continuous period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application for the divorce order.”

        • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 50(1):

          “(1) For the purposes of proceedings for a divorce order, where, after the parties to the marriage separated, they resumed cohabitation on one occasion but, within a period of 3 months after the resumption of cohabitation, they again separated and thereafter lived separately and apart up to the date of the filing of the application, the periods of living separately and apart before and after the period of cohabitation may be aggregated as if they were one continuous period, but the period of cohabitation shall not be deemed to be part of the period of living separately and apart.”

        • Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) 50.1:

          “An applicant (or his or her lawyer) should be in a position to advise the Court on the date of hearing of the application for divorce whether or not - 31 - there has been any resumption of cohabitation at any time between the date of filing of the application and date of hearing.”

Cohabitation between Application for Divorce and Court Hearing - Example.png

  1. A divorce will not be granted until the court has made a declaration in relation to children (regardless of whether the couple has children).42
    1. If there are no children of the marriage, the court will declare that there are no children to the marriage.43

    2. If there are children to the marriage, the court will declare one of the following:
      1. The court will declare once satisfied (1) that the children of the marriage under 18 years of age are the children specified in the divorce order and (2) proper arrangements in all the circumstances have been made for the care, welfare and development of those children.44
        1. This rule is question number 28 on the application for divorce. The College of Law provides an example response to question 28.45

        2. Question 28 - Example

          (a) Time spent and communication with the child

          Julie now spends each second weekend with the husband from about 4pm Friday to 7pm Sunday (or Monday if a public holiday). In addition, Julie will spend up to six weeks each year with the husband during school holidays. Julie has regular telephone and social media communication with the husband. These arrangements are working well.

          (b) Financial support

          1. The husband pays child support of $150.00 per week as assessed under the Child Support formula. In addition, he pays half the mortgage payments, rates and insurance for the home.

          2. The wife meets her share of the upkeep of the home and provides food, clothing and other necessities for Julie and herself from her own earnings and from child support of $150.00 per week received from the husband.

          (c) Health

          Julie is in good health except that since age three she suffers from mild asthma. She takes regular medication for this condition, under the care of a local general practitioner.

          (d) Education

          Julie is in year 1 at Smithville Primary School and is progressing well.

          General Further Information

          (e) Housing

          Julie lives with the wife at the former matrimonial home.

          Julie has her own bedroom.

          (f) Supervision

          The wife works as a retail sales assistant five days each week during school hours. She supervises Julie out of school hours when Julie is not spending time with the husband.


      2. The court will declare once satisfied (1) that the children of the marriage under 18 years of age are the children specified in the divorce order and (2) there are circumstances by reason of which the divorce order should be granted even though the court is not satisfied that proper arrangements of the care, welfare and development of those children have been made.46
        1. For example, in Yee & Woo [2018] FCCA 666, the special circumstances were: the children and wife lived in China and it is unclear whether they will ever return; the children were in the care of the grandmother and not either of the parents; the lack of enforceable child support assessment; and that there are no family law proceedings.47

      3. The court will adjourn the proceedings for a divorce order if there are no special circumstances and the court doubts whether the arrangements made for the care, welfare and development of a child of the marriage are proper in all the circumstances until a report has been obtained from a family consultant regarding those arrangements.48
      4. A ‘child’ means a child ‘is a child of the marriage if the child was treated by both parties to the marriage as a child of their family at the relevant time.’49
        1. A child also includes an ‘ex‑nuptial child of either party to the marriage, a child adopted by either of them or a child who is not a child of either of them.’50
        2. The ‘relevant time’ is the ‘time immediately before the time when the parties to the marriage separated or, if they have separated on more than one occasion, the time immediately before the time when they last separated before the institution of the proceedings in which the divorce order was made.’51


3.2. Divorce When the Marriage Lasted Less Than 2 Years



  1. A divorce is not allowed for marriages which have existed less than 2 years.52
    1. Except with permission of the court.53
      1. A person in a marriage may file an application for divorce with a certificate stating that the parties to the marriage have considered a reconciliation with the assistance of a specified person, who is (1) a family counsellor; or (2) if the court is the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State – an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by a family consultant; or (3) if the court is not the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State – an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by an appropriately qualified officer of the court.54 The certificate must be signed by that specified person or on behalf of the organisation.55
        1. Whether the couple has considered reconciliation, ‘considered’ means no more than that the matter be brought to their attention and they make a decision about it one way or another.56
          1. For example, in In the Marriage of NUELL (1976) 1 Fam LR 11,239, the judge provides a description of the events involved a couple seeking divorce:

            “…when Mrs Nuell came to file her application for divorce on 8 January 1976, she having by that time been separated from her husband for a period beyond 12 months, she was informed by court officials that she would have to seek marriage counselling because she had not been married for more than two years at that time. An appointment was made for her to see a marriage counsellor attached to this court. It is clear that she was not interested in any question of reconciliation and she merely went through the procedures which appeared necessary in order to get her divorce application heard. Mrs Nuell had one appointment with a marriage counsellor in which she indicated she wanted a divorce and was not interested in a reconciliation. It would appear that the discussion went little further than that.

            So far as Mr Nuell is concerned the position is even stronger, because a letter was sent out to him by a marriage counsellor of this court requesting him to attend a conference for the purpose of discussing a reconciliation and marriage counselling generally. He considered that letter but decided not to attend because he was not interested in a reconciliation and did not in fact reply to the letter.

            Here, the parties considered reconciliation in the sense that that subject matter was brought to the attention of each of them by a marriage counsellor and both of them rejected it.

            On balance, I have formed the view that ... where the question of reconciliation is clearly brought to the attention of both of the parties by the prescribed persons and they have considered it, at least in the sense they have both made a choice about it one way or the other.”

      2. A person in a marriage may file an application for divorce if there are (1) special circumstances for not attending counselling and (2) the couple has not considered reconciliation under section 44(1B) of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).57 If the couple has received counselling, the subsection (1B) certificate is mandatory.58 The special circumstances need to be set out in an affidavit.59
        1. Special circumstances may include for example, a spouse cannot be located, or a spouse will not attend.60


3.3. Same Sex Couples



  1. Same sex couples can divorce.
    1. Same sex couples can divorce regardless of when the marriage was solemnised.61
    2. Same sex couples who divorced overseas before 9 December 2017, that divorce is recognised in Australia.62
    3. The Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth) amended the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and changed:
      1. The definition of marriage under section 5(1) of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) was changed from “a man and a woman” to “2 people”.63 It now states, ““marriage” means the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

    4. Same sex marriages which solemnised in a foreign country before or after the amended marriage definition can divorce.64


3.4. Fees



  1. General Fee: $910.65
  2. Reduced Fee: $305.66
    1. A person is eligible to pay the reduced fee in the following circumstances:
      1. The person has been granted legal aid.67
      2. The person has a card issued by the Commonwealth including a Health Care Card,68 Pensioner Concession Card,69 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card,70 or any other card that entitles the person to Commonwealth health concessions.71
      3. The general fee would cause financial hardship.72
        1. The Registrar or an authorised officer will consider the person’s income, day-to-day living expenses, liabilities and assets and then form the opinion of whether the general fee would in fact cause financial hardship.73


3.5. Serving Documents



  1. If the parties made a joint application, no documents need to be served on either party.74
  2. The respondent (the spouse who did not file the application for divorce), must personally be served with (1) the application for divorce75 and (2) The brochure titled ‘Marriage, Families and Separation’ written by the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.76
    1. A lawyer representing the spouse who did not file the application for divorce, may instead be served if the lawyer agrees in writing to accept the application for divorce.77
    2. If the respondent has a disability, the documents must be serviced on the respondent’s (1) case guardian, or (2) guardian appointed by law, or (3) if there is no guardian, an adult who has the care of the respondent.78 If there is no guardian, and the respondent is in a hospital, nursing home, or other care facility, the head of that hospital, nursing home, or other care facility, is the adult which the documents must be served.79
    3. If the respondent is a prisoner, the documents must be serviced on the person in charge of the prison.80

  3. There are three options to serve the documents:
    1. By hand.81
      1. A copy of the application for divorce must be served on the receiver.82
      2. The applicant (the spouse filing the application for divorce) must not personally serve the documents themselves.83 Instead, the documents must be served by a process server or a third party.84 The applicant may be present the process server or third party serves the documents.85
      3. If the respondent refuses to take the documents, to satisfy the requirement of service, the documents must be placed down in the presence of the receiver (the respondent or respondent’s lawyer) and the receiver must be told what it is.86

    2. By post.
      1. The documents must be posted to the receiver’s last known address.87
      2. The documents must be sent by pre-paid post in a sealed envelope.88
      3. An Acknowledgment of Service must be included for the receiver (the respondent or respondent’s lawyer) to sign.89
        1. The applicant must complete formAffidavit Proving Signature (Divorce) in order to prove that the signature on the Acknowledgment of Service is in fact the respondent’s signature.90

      4. A stamped envelope addressed to applicant must be included.91 This is so the respondent can complete the Acknowledge of Service and post it back to the applicant without having to buy and organise an envelope and postage.92

    3. By electronic communication.93
      1. An Acknowledgment of Service must be included for the receiver (the respondent or respondent’s lawyer) to sign.94
        1. The respondent will need to print out and sign a hard copy of the Acknowledgment of Service and arrange for the signed copy to be returned to the applicant.95
        2. The applicant must complete form Affidavit Proving Signature (Divorce) in order to prove that the signature on the Acknowledgment of Service is in fact the respondent’s signature.96

  4. The documents must be served at least 28 days before the hearing. If the respondent is outside of Australia, then the documents must be at least 42 days before the hearing. This is because the respondent must file a response to the application for divorce either 28 days (if the respondent is in Australia)97 or 42 days (if the respondent is outside of Australia)98 after being served.99
  5. The date that the documents are served is as follows:
    1. On the date when service is acknowledged,100 or;
    2. If served by post to an address in Australia, on the third day after it was posted;101 or
    3. If served by delivery to a document exchange, on the next working day after the day when it was delivered;102 or
    4. On a date fixed by the court.103

  6. The applicant must prove that the documents have been served on the respondent.
    1. If the server served the documents in person:
      1. If the person served signed the Acknowledgment of Service, this may be used as proof of service.104
        1. If the person served signed the Acknowledgment of Service, this may be used as proof of service.105
        2. If the server can identify the person served, the server may use this as proof of service.106
        3. If the server can identify a photograph of the person served, and another person who knows the person served identifies the photograph as a photograph of the person served, this may be used as proof of service.107
        4. If a person other than the server of a document saw the document handed to, or put down in the presence of, the person served and can identify the person served, this may be used as proof of service.”108

    2. If the server served the documents by post, the server must complete an affidavit of service in the form: Affidavit of Service by Post (Divorce).109
      1. Service may be proved by (1) the Affidavit of Service, and (2) the Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent, and (3) the Affidavit Proving Signature.110

    3. If the server served the documents by electronic communication, the server must complete an affidavit of service.111 The affidavit must contain the name of the deponent, witness, and date of swearing.112
      1. Service may be proved by (1) the Affidavit of Service, and (2) the Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent, and (3) the Affidavit Proving Signature.113

  7. The court has the discretion to hold that the documents have been served even if the rules have not been complied with.114
    1. Evidence must be provided, usually by affidavit, to establish why the court should use its discretion.115
    2. The court will usually only hold that the documents have been served if there is no detriment to the respondent or if the respondent agrees.116

  8. If the applicant cannot serve documents on the respondent, the applicant may instead apply for (1) substituted service or (2) dispensation with service.117
    1. Substituted Service:
      1. The applicant may not be able to serve documents on the respondent because the respondent is unable to be found or the respondent is avoiding service.118
      2. Substituted service is filed as an Application in a Case.119
        1. The applicant must file an affidavit stating the facts relied upon for the order.120
        2. The applicant may be required to give oral evidence.121

      3. The court may specify how the documents must be served.122
      4. The court may consider the following factors when determining whether a substituted service should be ordered:
        1. The proposed method of bringing the documents to the attention of the respondent.123
        2. Whether all reasonable steps have been taken to serve the documents or bring it to the attention of the respondent.124
        3. Whether the respondent could reasonably become aware of the existence and nature of the document by advertisement or another form of communication that is reasonably available.125
        4. The likely cost of service.126
        5. The means of the respondent.127
        6. The nature of the case.128
        7. Any other relevant matter.129

    2. Dispensing with Service:
      1. The applicant may not be able to serve documents on the respondent because the respondent is unable to be found or the respondent is avoiding service.130
      2. Dispensing with service is filed as an Application in a Case.131
        1. The applicant must file an affidavit stating the facts relied upon for the order.132
        2. The applicant may be required to give oral evidence.133

      3. The court may or may not assign conditions in order to dispense with service.134
        1. A condition which the court may require is that that the applicant place a notice of the application for divorce in a newspaper.135 After the notice has been published, obtain a copy of the page of the newspaper, file an affidavit at the Court confirming the notice was published, attaching as an attachment the relevant page of the newspaper.136
          1. The Family Court of Western Australia Case Management Guidelines provides an example notice:137
          2. Notice Example

            Form of Notice


            TO: Name of Party

            TAKE NOTICE: Your husband/wife has applied to the Family Court of Western Australia for divorce.


            Unless you file an answer within 28 days the application may proceed.


            A copy of the application is available from the Principal Registrar, 150 Terrace Road, Perth, Western Australia.

      4. The court may consider the following factors when determining whether dispensing with service should be ordered:
        1. The proposed method of bringing the documents to the attention of the respondent.138
        2. Whether all reasonable steps have been taken to serve the documents or bring it to the attention of the respondent.139
          1. The Family Court of Western Australia provides a list of example steps the applicant has taken in order to locate their spouse:140
            • “[T]he efforts and enquiries you made to find your spouse.
            • details of the last time you saw or communicated with your spouse. your spouse’s last known address.
            • Who your spouse’s nearest relatives and friends are, and details of the enquiries you made of these people.
            • What employment, if any, your spouse had.
            • Details of the enquiries you made with your spouse’s last known employer.
            • Details of any current child support or maintenance arrangements or orders.
            • If correspondence has been received from the Department of Human Services (Child Support), attach a copy to your affidavit.
            • Details of any property, bank accounts or businesses jointly owned.
            • If the respondent lives overseas, details where they are living, how long they have lived there and if they plan to travel or move back to Australia.
            • Any reasons why the respondent may not be contactable.
            • The costs of trying to locate the respondent and whether such costs are creating financial difficulties for you.
            • Any other relevant information that may help the Court.”

        3. Whether the respondent could reasonably become aware of the existence and nature of the document by advertisement or another form of communication that is reasonably available.141
        4. The likely cost of service.142
        5. The means of the respondent.143
        6. The nature of the case.144
        7. Any other relevant matter.145


3.6. Court Hearing



  1. If the application for divorce is undefended, the application will be heard before the court.146
  2. Neither spouse may be required to attend the hearing if:
    1. For a joint application:
      1. One of the spouses has requested the court to determine the divorce application without both spouses147 and the other spouse has not opposed this request;148 or
      2. Both spouses have requested the court to determine the divorce application without themselves at the hearing.149
      3. If there are children to the marriage under the age of 18, the court is satisfied that proper arrangements in all the circumstances have been made for the care, welfare and development of those children.150

    2. For an individual application:
      1. The divorce application is undefended;151 and
      2. There are no children of the marriage under 18 years of age;152 and
      3. The applicant has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the spouses;153 and
      4. The respondent has not requested the court not to determine the proceedings in the absence of the spouses.154
        1. If the respondent objects to the case being heard in the absence of the spouses, the respondent must at least 7 days before the date for hearing file and serve a written notice.155

  3. Either spouse may apply to attend the hearing by electronic communication.156 Such as phone or video link.157 Form for Telephone / Video link Attendance Request.
    1. The court may consider the following factors when determining whether to grant the application:
      1. The distance between the spouse’s residence and the court.158
      2. Any difficulty the spouse has in attending because of illness or disability.159
      3. The expense associated with attending.160
      4. The expense to be incurred, or the savings to be made, by using the electronic communication.161
      5. Any concerns about security, including family violence and intimidation.162
      6. Whether any other party objects to the request.163

    2. Requirements for application:
      1. Before making an application, the spouse must ask the other spouse whether they agree, or object, to the use of electronic communication for attending the hearing.164
      2. The application must be in writing.165
      3. The application must be made at least 7 days before the hearing.166
      4. The application must include the following information:
        1. The kind of electronic communication to be used.167
        2. The expense of using the electronic communication, including any expense to the court, and the applicant’s proposals for paying those expenses.168
        3. The details of the notice in relation to the application that has been given to the other spouse.169
        4. Whether the spouse agrees or objects to the application.170

      5. If an application is granted, the spouse who made the application must immediately give written notice to the other spouse.171

    3. If the court grants the application, the court may further order: (1) one spouse to pay the expense of using the electronic communication, or (2) apportion the expenses between the spouses.172


3.7. Additional Rules



  1. For the court to order a divorce, the marriage must first be proven. To prove the marriage:
    1. An original marriage certificate may be filed as evidence.173
    2. Or, a certified extract of the entry in the register of marriage may be filed as evidence.174

  2. For the court to order a divorce, the must court must have jurisdiction over one of the spouses.175
    1. For the court to have jurisdiction:
      1. (1) One of the spouses must be an Australian citizen and (2) is domiciled in Australia;176 or
      2. (1) One of the spouses is an Australian citizen and (2) is ordinarily resident in Australia and has been so a resident for the last 12 months before the filing of the application for divorce.177

    2. Question 11 on the divorce application has four options.
      1. “(a) regards Australia as his/her home and intends to live indefinitely in Australia”
        1. The court may require evidence, for example, a visa, or Australia citizenship documents.178
        2. The court may require evidence that the spouse has lived in Australia and in likely to continue living in Australia.179 For example, telephone bills, water bills, electricity bills, rent receipts, income tax, or government correspondence.180 These documents should be in the spouse’s name and address.181

      2. “(b) is an Australian citizen by birth or descent”
      3. “(c) is an Australian citizen by grant of Australian citizenship”
        1. The court may require evidence, for example, a visa or Australia citizenship documents.182

      4. “(d) ordinarily lives in Australia & has done so for 12 months immediately before filing this application”
        1. The court may require evidence, for example, a visa or Australia citizenship documents.183
        2. The court may require evidence that the spouse has lived in Australia and in likely to continue living in Australia.184 For example, telephone bills, water bills, electricity bills, rent receipts, income tax, or government correspondence.185 These documents should be in the spouse’s name and address.186

  3. If the application for divorce is granted, it takes 1 month and 1 day for the order to come into effect.187
  4. After the divorce order has come into effect, the persons to the ex-marriage have 12 months to initiate proceedings in relation to property and spousal maintenance.188
  5. Forms by the Federal Court or the Family Court do not need be complied with strictly. Instead, the forms must be complied with substantially.189
  6. For Western Australia, the Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth) is applied in the Family Court of Western Australia, except for the following rules: 1.18, 4.14, 4.25, 4.30, 4.31, 5.09(2), 12.01(e), 12.08, 12.09, 12.14 to 12.16, 15.03(1) Chapter 16A.2, 18.01 to 18.10, and 19.03(3).190
  7. The legal definition of marriage is “the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”191
  8. A lawyer must provide their client with the brochure titled ‘Marriage, Families and Separation’ written by the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.192
    1. Except where the lawyer has reasonable grounds to believe that the client has already been given the documents.193
    2. Except where the lawyer considers that their client’s marriage cannot be reconciled.194
      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A.

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(1)(a):

        “(1) A divorce order in relation to a marriage does not take effect unless the court has, by order, declared that it is satisfied:

        (a) that there are no children of the marriage who have not attained 18 years of age …”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(1)(b)(i):

        “(1) A divorce order in relation to a marriage does not take effect unless the court has, by order, declared that it is satisfied:

        (b) that the only children of the marriage who have not attained 18 years of age are the children specified in the order and that:

        (i) proper arrangements in all the circumstances have been made for the care, welfare and development of those children …”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.400].

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(1)(b)(ii):

        “(1) A divorce order in relation to a marriage does not take effect unless the court has, by order, declared that it is satisfied:

        (b) that the only children of the marriage who have not attained 18 years of age are the children specified in the order and that:

        (i) proper arrangements in all the circumstances have been made for the care, welfare and development of those children; or

        (ii) there are circumstances by reason of which the divorce order should take effect even though the court is not satisfied that such arrangements have been made.”

      • Yee & Woo [2018] FCCA 666, (Judge Monahan):

        “[40] In this case there are circumstances of note. As stated, the children (and the wife) are not in the jurisdiction and it is unclear whether they will ever return. A family report process in the absence of the wife and the children would be a problematic exercise and a potential expense to the Australian taxpayer.

        [41] In addition, the parties agree that the children are in the primary care of the maternal grandmother, and not the mother, and it was unclear whether the maternal grandmother has ever sought financial support from one or both of the parties to assist with the children’s expenses.

        [42] Another circumstance of note is that there are no contemporaneous parenting and/or property proceedings either in Australia or China and that neither party has sought a child support assessment in Australia.

        [43] While I note the wife’s criticism that the husband could have applied for a child support assessment in Australia (or otherwise voluntarily pay child support) the wife provides no real explanation as to why she has similarly not sought any child support assessment.

        Conclusion

        [44] In this case I find that there are circumstances to enable the Court to make a declaration under section 55A(1)(b)(ii). These include:

        • the children and the wife residing in China;

        • the children being in the care of the maternal grandmother (and not one of the parties);

        • the apparent disagreement between the parties as to whether the children should return to live in Australia;

        • the lack of any child support assessment to enforce; and

        • the reality that there are no family law proceedings before this Court or elsewhere, save for this subsequent divorce application and response.

        [45] Consequently, I pronounce a declaration under section 55A(1)(b)(ii); that is, that there are circumstances by which the divorce order should take effect even though the Court is not satisfied that such proper arrangements for the children have been made.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(2):

        “Where, in proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage, the court doubts whether the arrangements made for the care, welfare and development of a child of the marriage are proper in all the circumstances, the court may adjourn the proceedings until a report has been obtained from a family consultant regarding those arrangements.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(3):

        “For the purposes of this section, a child (including an ex‑nuptial child of either party to the marriage, a child adopted by either of them or a child who is not a child of either of them) is a child of the marriage if the child was treated by both parties to the marriage as a child of their family at the relevant time.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(3):

        “For the purposes of this section, a child (including an ex‑nuptial child of either party to the marriage, a child adopted by either of them or a child who is not a child of either of them) is a child of the marriage if the child was treated by both parties to the marriage as a child of their family at the relevant time.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(4):

        “(3) For the purposes of this section, a child (including an ex‑nuptial child of either party to the marriage, a child adopted by either of them or a child who is not a child of either of them) is a child of the marriage if the child was treated by both parties to the marriage as a child of their family at the relevant time.

        (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the relevant time is the time immediately before the time when the parties to the marriage separated or, if they have separated on more than one occasion, the time immediately before the time when they last separated before the institution of the proceedings in which the divorce order was made.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 55A(4):

        “(3) For the purposes of this section, a child (including an ex‑nuptial child of either party to the marriage, a child adopted by either of them or a child who is not a child of either of them) is a child of the marriage if the child was treated by both parties to the marriage as a child of their family at the relevant time.

        (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the relevant time is the time immediately before the time when the parties to the marriage separated or, if they have separated on more than one occasion, the time immediately before the time when they last separated before the institution of the proceedings in which the divorce order was made.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 44(1B):

        “An application for a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall not, without the leave of the court granted under subsection (1C), be filed within the period of 2 years after the date of the marriage…”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 44(1B):

        “(1B) An application for a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall not, without the leave of the court granted under subsection (1C), be filed within the period of 2 years after the date of the marriage unless there is filed with the application a certificate:

        (a) stating that the parties to the marriage have considered a reconciliation with the assistance of a specified person, who is:

        (i) a family counsellor; or

        (ii) if the court is the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State—an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by a family consultant; or

        (iii) if the court is not the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State—an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by an appropriately qualified officer of the court; and

        (b) signed by that person or on behalf of that organisation, as the case may be.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 44(1B):

        “(1B) An application for a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall not, without the leave of the court granted under subsection (1C), be filed within the period of 2 years after the date of the marriage unless there is filed with the application a certificate:

        (a) stating that the parties to the marriage have considered a reconciliation with the assistance of a specified person, who is:

        (i) a family counsellor; or

        (ii) if the court is the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State—an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by a family consultant; or

        (iii) if the court is not the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State—an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by an appropriately qualified officer of the court; and

        (b) signed by that person or on behalf of that organisation, as the case may be.”

      • In the Marriage of Nuell (1976) 1 Fam LR 11,239, 11240 (Fogarty J):

        “The question then arises whether the parties have “considered a reconciliation with the assistance of a marriage counsellor” within the meaning of s 14(6). It rather depends upon what is meant by the word “considered”, although it must be borne in mind that such consideration must be “with the assistance of a marriage counsellor” or other described organization.

        Here, the parties considered reconciliation in the sense that that subject matter was brought to the attention of each of them by a marriage counsellor and both of them rejected it. If the word “considered” means no more than that the matter be brought to their attention and they make a decision about it one way or another, then the requirement is satisfied here. If the phrase “considered a reconciliation with the assistance of a marriage counsellor etc” involves the necessity of reconciliation discussions having occurred with each of them with such a person, so that they have made an informed choice as to whether a reconciliation should be effected or not, the first part of the subsection would not be satisfied here, at least in respect of the husband.

        On balance, I have formed the view that the former of those two interpretations is correct, that is, the sub-paragraph is satisfied where the question of reconciliation is clearly brought to the attention of both of the parties by the prescribed persons and they have considered it, at least in the sense they have both made a choice about it one way or the other.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 44(1C):

        “(1C) Notwithstanding subsection (1B), if the court is satisfied that there are special circumstances by reason of which the hearing of an application for a divorce order in relation to a marriage should proceed notwithstanding that the parties have not considered a reconciliation with assistance of the kind referred to in subsection (1B), the court may:

        (a) if the application has not been filed—give leave for the application to be filed; or

        (b) if the application has been filed—at any time before or during the hearing of the application, declare that it is so satisfied; and, where the court makes a declaration under paragraph (b), the application shall be deemed to have been duly filed and everything done pursuant to that application shall be as valid and effectual as if the court had, before the application was filed, given leave under paragraph (a) for the application to be filed.”

        (1B)

        “(1B) An application for a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall not, without the leave of the court granted under subsection (1C), be filed within the period of 2 years after the date of the marriage unless there is filed with the application a certificate:

        (a) stating that the parties to the marriage have considered a reconciliation with the assistance of a specified person, who is:

        (i) a family counsellor; or

        (ii) if the court is the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State—an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by a family consultant; or

        (iii) if the court is not the Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia or the Family Court of a State—an individual or an organisation nominated for the parties by an appropriately qualified officer of the court; and

        (b) signed by that person or on behalf of that organisation, as the case may be.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.25].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.25].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.140].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.10].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.10].

      • Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth), s 3:

        “Omit “a man and a woman”, substitute “2 people”.”

      • Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth), s 70(2):

        “Part VA of the amended Act (recognition of foreign marriages) applies at and after that commencement in relation to a marriage (within the meaning of the amended Act), even if the marriage took place before that commencement.” Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth), s 71:

        “(1) A marriage is recognised as valid in Australia if:

        (a) the marriage was solemnised in Australia, before the commencement of this item, by or in the presence of a diplomatic or consular officer of a foreign country (whether or not the country was a proclaimed overseas country at the time the marriage was solemnised); and

        (b) at the time the marriage was solemnised:

        (i) the marriage was not recognised in Australia as valid because the marriage was not the union of a man and a woman; and

        (ii) the marriage was recognised as valid under the law of the foreign country; and

        (c) had the marriage occurred in the foreign country at the time the marriage was solemnised, the marriage would, after items 57 and 58 of this Schedule commence, be recognised as valid under Part VA of the Marriage Act 1961.

        (2) In this item:

        ...

        diplomatic or consular officer has the meaning given by section 52 of the Marriage Act 1961.

        proclaimed overseas country has the meaning given by section 52 of the Marriage Act 1961.”

        Marriage Act 1961 (Cth), s 52:

        “In this Division, unless the contrary intention appears:

        diplomatic or consular officer, in relation to an overseas country, means a person recognised by the Government of the Commonwealth as a diplomatic or consular representative of that overseas country in Australia.

        proclaimed overseas country means an overseas country in respect of which a Proclamation under section 54 is in force.

        …”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), 2.02(1)(a):

        “(1) Schedule 1 sets out the fees payable for:

        (a) the filing of a document…”




        Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), 2.13(1):

        “The amount of each fee mentioned in Schedule 1 is increased on 1 July 2014, and on each second 1 July following that day.”




        Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), Schedule 1 Fees, Item 2:

        “Filing an application in proceedings for a divorce order:

        (a) commenced in a court mentioned in paragraph 10A (a) or (c) of the Family Law Regulations 1984; or

        (b) commenced in another court for transfer to a court mentioned in paragraph 10A (a) or (c) of those Regulations; or

        (c) commenced in the Federal Magistrates Court

        “(a) general fee—$900

        (b) reduced fee—$300”

        Family Law Regulations 1984 (Cth), r 10A:

        “For section 44A of the Act, proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage may not be instituted in, or transferred to, a court of summary jurisdiction other than the following prescribed courts:

        (a) a court constituted by a stipendiary magistrate who is the Principal Registrar, or a Registrar, of the Family Court of Western Australia;

        (b) the Magistrates Court constituted by section 4 of the Magistrates Court Act 1930 of the Australian Capital Territory;

        (c) the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island.”




        Commonwealth of Australia, Annual Federal Courts and Tribunals Fee Increases from 1 July 2019, No C2019G00482, 04 Jun 2019, Item 2 (Family Law Fees):

        “Pursuant to section 2.13 of the Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012, from 1 July 2019 the fee prescribed for each item of Schedule 1 to those Regulations will be the amount listed below.”

        “(a) general fee - $910

        (b) reduced fee - $305”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), 2.02(1)(a):

        “(1) Schedule 1 sets out the fees payable for:

        (a) the filing of a document…”




        Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), 2.13(1):

        “The amount of each fee mentioned in Schedule 1 is increased on 1 July 2014, and on each second 1 July following that day.”




        Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), Schedule 1 Fees, Item 2:

        “Filing an application in proceedings for a divorce order:

        (a) commenced in a court mentioned in paragraph 10A (a) or (c) of the Family Law Regulations 1984; or

        (b) commenced in another court for transfer to a court mentioned in paragraph 10A (a) or (c) of those Regulations; or

        (c) commenced in the Federal Magistrates Court

        (a) general fee—$900

        (b) reduced fee—$300”

        Family Law Regulations 1984 (Cth), r 10A:

        “For section 44A of the Act, proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage may not be instituted in, or transferred to, a court of summary jurisdiction other than the following prescribed courts:

        (a) a court constituted by a stipendiary magistrate who is the Principal Registrar, or a Registrar, of the Family Court of Western Australia;

        (b) the Magistrates Court constituted by section 4 of the Magistrates Court Act 1930 of the Australian Capital Territory;

        (c) the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island.”




        Commonwealth of Australia, Annual Federal Courts and Tribunals Fee Increases from 1 July 2019, No C2019G00482, 04 Jun 2019, Item 2 (Family Law Fees):

        “Pursuant to section 2.13 of the Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012, from 1 July 2019 the fee prescribed for each item of Schedule 1 to those Regulations will be the amount listed below.”

        (a) general fee - $910

        (b) reduced fee - $305

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.04(1)(a):

        “(1) A person is exempt from paying a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) if, at the time the fee is payable, one or more of the following apply:

        (a) the person has been granted legal aid under a legal aid scheme or service:

        (i) established under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; or

        (ii) approved by the Attorney-General;

        for the proceeding for which the fee would otherwise be payable;”

        r 2.06(1):

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by a person in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) the person is exempt under section 2.04 from paying any other fees mentioned in Schedule 1;

        the person may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.04(1)(a):

        “(1) A person is exempt from paying a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) if, at the time the fee is payable, one or more of the following apply:

        (b) the person is the holder of any of the following cards issued by the Commonwealth:

        (i) a health care card;”

        r 2.06(1):

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by a person in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) the person is exempt under section 2.04 from paying any other fees mentioned in Schedule 1;

        the person may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.04(1)(a):

        “(1) A person is exempt from paying a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) if, at the time the fee is payable, one or more of the following apply:

        (b) the person is the holder of any of the following cards issued by the Commonwealth:

        (ii) a pensioner concession card …”

        r 2.06(1):

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by a person in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) the person is exempt under section 2.04 from paying any other fees mentioned in Schedule 1;

        the person may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.04(1)(a):

        “(1) A person is exempt from paying a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) if, at the time the fee is payable, one or more of the following apply:

        (b) the person is the holder of any of the following cards issued by the Commonwealth:

        (iii) a Commonwealth seniors health card …”

        r 2.06(1):

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by a person in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) the person is exempt under section 2.04 from paying any other fees mentioned in Schedule 1;

        the person may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.04(1)(a):

        “(1) A person is exempt from paying a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) if, at the time the fee is payable, one or more of the following apply:

        (b) the person is the holder of any of the following cards issued by the Commonwealth:

        (iv) any other card that certifies the holder’s entitlement to Commonwealth health concessions …”

        r 2.06(1):

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by a person in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) the person is exempt under section 2.04 from paying any other fees mentioned in Schedule 1;

        the person may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.05:

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) is payable by an individual in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) in the opinion of a Registrar or an authorised officer of the relevant court at the time the fee is payable, the payment of the fee would cause financial hardship to the individual; the Registrar or authorised officer may exempt the individual from paying the fee.

        (2) In considering whether payment of a fee would cause financial hardship to an individual, the Registrar or authorised officer must consider the individual’s income, day-to-day living expenses, liabilities and assets.”




        Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.06(2)+(3):

        “(2) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by an individual in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) in the opinion of a Registrar or an authorised officer of the relevant court at the time the fee is payable, the payment of the fee would cause financial hardship to the individual; the Registrar or authorised officer may determine that the individual may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.

        (3) In considering whether payment of a fee would cause financial hardship to an individual, the Registrar or authorised officer must consider the individual’s income, day-to-day living expenses, liabilities and assets.”

      • Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.05:

        “(1) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in Schedule 1 (other than the fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1) is payable by an individual in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) in the opinion of a Registrar or an authorised officer of the relevant court at the time the fee is payable, the payment of the fee would cause financial hardship to the individual; the Registrar or authorised officer may exempt the individual from paying the fee.

        (2) In considering whether payment of a fee would cause financial hardship to an individual, the Registrar or authorised officer must consider the individual’s income, day-to-day living expenses, liabilities and assets.”




        Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth), r 2.06(2)+(3):

        “(2) If:

        (a) a fee mentioned in item 1 or 2 of Schedule 1 is payable by an individual in relation to a proceeding; and

        (b) in the opinion of a Registrar or an authorised officer of the relevant court at the time the fee is payable, the payment of the fee would cause financial hardship to the individual; the Registrar or authorised officer may determine that the individual may pay the reduced fee mentioned in the item instead of the fee that would otherwise be payable.

        (3) In considering whether payment of a fee would cause financial hardship to an individual, the Registrar or authorised officer must consider the individual’s income, day-to-day living expenses, liabilities and assets.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.01:

        “Service of a document may be carried out by special service (see Part 7.2) or ordinary service (see Part 7.3) unless otherwise required by a legislative provision.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.03:

        “A person must serve a document in the manner set out in Table 7.1.”

        Item = 4

        Document = Application for Divorce

        Form of Service = Special service

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.05:

        “A document that must be served by special service must be personally received by the person served.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.01:

        “Service of a document may be carried out by special service (see Part 7.2) or ordinary service (see Part 7.3) unless otherwise required by a legislative provision.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.03:

        “A person must serve a document in the manner set out in Table 7.1.”

        Item = 9

        Document = Brochure required by these Rules to be served with a Form mentioned in this Table (see rules 2.03 …)

        Form of Service = The form of service set out in this Table for that Form

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 2.03:

        “A person who files an Initiating Application (Family Law) or an Application for Divorce must, when serving the application on the respondent, also serve a brochure prepared by the court for section 12F of the Act.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12F:

        “Obligation to give prescribed information

        (1) The principal executive officer of a court that has jurisdiction under this Act must ensure that any person who is considering instituting proceedings under this Act is, on the first occasion the person deals with a registry of the court, given documents containing the information prescribed under:

        (a) section 12B (about non‑court based family services and court’s processes and services); and

        (b) section 12C (about reconciliation); and

        (c) section 12D (about Part VII proceedings).

        Obligation to respond to requests for information

        (2) The principal executive officer of a court that has jurisdiction under this Act must ensure that, if a person involved in proceedings under this Act requests an officer or staff member of the court for information about family counselling services or family dispute resolution services, the person is given documents containing information about those services.

        Note: See subsection 4(1AA) for people who are taken to be involved in proceedings.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 4(1AA):

        “(1AA) A reference in this Act to a person or people involved in proceedings is a reference to:

        (a) any of the parties to the proceedings; and

        (b) any child whose interests are considered in, or affected by, the proceedings; and

        (c) any person whose conduct is having an effect on the proceedings.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12B:

        “(1) The regulations may prescribe information that is to be included in documents provided to persons under this Part, relating to non-court based family services and court's processes and services.

        (2) Without limitation, information prescribed under this section must include information about:

        (a) the legal and possible social effects of the proposed proceedings (including the consequences for children whose care, welfare or development is likely to be affected by the proceedings); and

        (b) the services provided by family counsellors and family dispute resolution practitioners to help people affected by separation or divorce; and

        (c) the steps involved in the proposed proceedings; and

        (d) the role of family consultants; and

        (e) the arbitration facilities available to arbitrate disputes in relation to separation and divorce.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12C:

        “The regulations may prescribe information that is to be included in documents provided to persons under this Part, relating to services available to help with a reconciliation between the parties to a marriage.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12D:

        “(1) The regulations may prescribe information that is to be included in documents provided under this Part to persons involved in proceedings under Part VII.

        (2) Without limitation, the information must include information about the family counselling services available to assist the parties, and the child or children concerned, to adjust to the consequences of orders under that Part.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.08:

        “A document is taken to be served by special service on a person if:

        (a) a lawyer representing the person agrees, in writing, to accept service of the document for the person; and

        (b) the document is served on the lawyer in accordance with rule 7.06 or 7.07.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 7.06-7.07:

        “7.06 Special service by hand

        (1) A document to be served by hand must be given to the person to be served (the receiver).

        (2) If the receiver refuses to take the document, service occurs if the person serving the document:

        (a) places it down in the presence of the receiver; and

        (b) tells the receiver what it is.

        (3) A party must not serve another party by hand but may be present when service by hand occurs.

        7.07 Special service by post or electronic communication

        (1) A document may be served on a person in Australia by sending a copy of it to the person’s last known address by post.

        (2) A document may be served on a person in Australia by sending it to the person by electronic communication.

        (3) A person serving a document by post or electronic communication must include with the document:

        (a) an Acknowledgement of Service for the person served to sign; and

        (b) for service by post within Australia—a stamped self‑addressed envelope.

        Note: Subrule 24.07(3) does not apply to an Acknowledgement of Service. If an applicant wants to prove service by electronic communication (other than by facsimile), the applicant must still produce a signed Acknowledgement of Service. This means that the person served will need to print out and sign a hard copy of the Acknowledgement of Service and arrange for the signed copy to be returned to the applicant in a form in which the applicant is able to identify the signature on the signed copy as that of the person served (see note to rule 7.14).”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.09(1):

        “(1) A document that is required to be served by special service on a person with a disability, must be served:

        (a) on the person’s case guardian;

        (b) on the person’s guardian appointed under a State or Territory law; or

        (c) if there is no one under paragraph (a) or (b)—on an adult who has the care of the person.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.09(2):

        “(1) A document that is required to be served by special service on a person with a disability, must be served:

        (a) on the person’s case guardian;

        (b) on the person’s guardian appointed under a State or Territory law; or

        (c) if there is no one under paragraph (a) or (b)—on an adult who has the care of the person.”

        “(2) For paragraph (1)(c), the person in charge of a hospital, nursing home or other care facility is taken to have the care of a person who is a patient in the hospital, nursing home or facility.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.10(1):

        “(1) A document that is required to be served by special service on a prisoner must be served by special service on the person in charge of the prison.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.02(a):

        “An application for a divorce order must be served on the respondent by:

        (a) service by hand in accordance with rule 6.07…”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 6.07(1):

        “(1) A person serving a document by hand on an individual must give a copy of the document to the person to be served.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.06(1):

        “(1) A document to be served by hand must be given to the person to be served (the receiver).”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.02(a):

        “An application for a divorce order must be served on the respondent by:

        (a) service by hand in accordance with rule 6.07 …”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 6.07(1):

        “(1) A person serving a document by hand on an individual must give a copy of the document to the person to be served.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.06(3):

        “(3) A party must not serve another party by hand but may be present when service by hand occurs.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.02(a):

        “An application for a divorce order must be served on the respondent by:

        (a) service by hand in accordance with rule 6.07 …”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 6.07(3):

        “(3) In a family law or child support proceeding, the person serving a document must not be the party on whose behalf it is served.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.55].

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.06(3):

        “(3) A party must not serve another party by hand but may be present when service by hand occurs.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.06(2):

        “(2) If the receiver refuses to take the document, service occurs if the person serving the document:

        (a) places it down in the presence of the receiver; and

        (b) tells the receiver what it is.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.02(a):

        “An application for a divorce order must be served on the respondent by:

        (a) service by hand in accordance with rule 6.07 …”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 6.07(3):

        “(1) A person serving a document by hand on an individual must give a copy of the document to the person to be served.

        (2) However, if the person to be served does not take the copy of the document, the person serving it may put it down in the presence of the person to be served and tell the person what it is.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(1):

        “(1) A document may be served on a person in Australia by sending a copy of it to the person’s last known address by post.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.02(b):

        “An application for a divorce order must be served on the respondent by:

        (b) sending it by pre‑paid post in a sealed envelope addressed to the respondent at the respondent’s last known address.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(1)(a):

        “(3) A person serving a document by post or electronic communication must include with the document:

        (a) an Acknowledgement of Service for the person served to sign …”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.03(a):

        “A person serving a document by post must include with the document:

        (a) a form of acknowledgment of service in accordance with the approved form …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.14:

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent; and

        (b) evidence identifying the signature on the Acknowledgement of Service as the respondent’s signature.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.07:

        “Evidence that the signature on an acknowledgment of service is the signature of the person required to be served may be given by an affidavit proving signature in accordance with the approved form.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(3)(b):

        “(3) A person serving a document by post or electronic communication must include with the document:

        (b) for service by post within Australia—a stamped self‑addressed envelope.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.03(b)(i):

        “A person serving a document by post must include with the document:

        (b) an envelope that:

        (i) is addressed to the address for service of the person on whose behalf the document is served; and

        (ii) if the document is to be sent to an address in Australia, bears the correct postage for the return by post of the acknowledgment of service.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(3)(b):

        “(3) A person serving a document by post or electronic communication must include with the document:

        (b) for service by post within Australia—a stamped self‑addressed envelope.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.03(b)(i):

        “A person serving a document by post must include with the document:

        (b) an envelope that:

        (i) is addressed to the address for service of the person on whose behalf the document is served; and

        (ii) if the document is to be sent to an address in Australia, bears the correct postage for the return by post of the acknowledgment of service.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(2):

        “(2) A document may be served on a person in Australia by sending it to the person by electronic communication.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(3)(a):

        “(3) A person serving a document by post or electronic communication must include with the document:

        (a) an Acknowledgement of Service for the person served to sign…”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.07(3):

        “Note: Subrule 24.07(3) does not apply to an Acknowledgement of Service. If an applicant wants to prove service by electronic communication (other than by facsimile), the applicant must still produce a signed Acknowledgement of Service. This means that the person served will need to print out and sign a hard copy of the Acknowledgement of Service and arrange for the signed copy to be returned to the applicant in a form in which the applicant is able to identify the signature on the signed copy as that of the person served (see note to rule 7.14).”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.14:

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent; and

        (b) evidence identifying the signature on the Acknowledgement of Service as the respondent’s signature.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 3.04(1)(a):

        “(1) A respondent to an Application for Divorce who seeks to oppose the divorce or contest the jurisdiction of the court must file a Response to an Application for Divorce:

        (a) if the respondent is served in Australia—within 28 days after the day when the Application for Divorce is served on the respondent …”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.10(a):

        “A respondent’s response to an application must be filed within:

        (a) if the respondent is served with the application in Australia—28 days after service …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 3.04(1)(b):

        “(1) A respondent to an Application for Divorce who seeks to oppose the divorce or contest the jurisdiction of the court must file a Response to an Application for Divorce:

        (b) if the respondent is served outside Australia—within 42 days after the day when the Application for Divorce is served on the respondent.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.10(b):

        “A respondent’s response to an application must be filed within:

        (b) otherwise—42 days after service.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 3.04(1):

        “(1) A respondent to an Application for Divorce who seeks to oppose the divorce or contest the jurisdiction of the court must file a Response to an Application for Divorce:

        (a) if the respondent is served in Australia—within 28 days after the day when the Application for Divorce is served on the respondent; or

        (b) if the respondent is served outside Australia—within 42 days after the day when the Application for Divorce is served on the respondent.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.10:

        “A respondent’s response to an application must be filed within:

        (a) if the respondent is served with the application in Australia—28 days after service; and

        (b) otherwise—42 days after service.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.17(a):

        “A document is taken to have been served:

        (a) on the date when service is acknowledged …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.17(b):

        “A document is taken to have been served:

        (b) if served by post to an address in Australia—on the third day after it was posted …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.17(c):

        “A document is taken to have been served:

        (c) if served by delivery to a document exchange—on the next working day after the day when it was delivered …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.17:

        “A document is taken to have been served:

        (d) on a date fixed by the court.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.02(1):

        “(1) A court may find that a document has been served or that it has been served on a particular date, even though these Rules or an order have not been complied with in relation to service.

        Note: Rule 7.17 also sets out when a document is taken to have been served.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.05(1):

        “(1) Unless the Court or a Registrar otherwise orders, any evidence of service to be given (other than for acknowledgment of service) must be given by affidavit in accordance with the appropriate approved form.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.06(1):

        “(1) Subject to the Court or a Registrar being satisfied that the identity of the person served is established, an acknowledgment of service of a document that is signed by the person served is evidence of service in accordance with the acknowledgment.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.06(2):

        “(2) If the server of a document can identify the person served, service may be proved by evidence to that effect by the server.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.06(3):

        “(3) If the server of a document can identify a photograph of the person served, and another person who knows the person served identifies the photograph as a photograph of the person served, service may be proved by evidence to that effect by the server and the other person.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.06(4):

        “(4) If a person other than the server of a document saw the document handed to, or put down in the presence of, the person served and can identify the person served, service may be proved by evidence to that effect given by that other person.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.05(1):

        “(1) Unless the Court or a Registrar otherwise orders, any evidence of service to be given (other than for acknowledgment of service) must be given by affidavit in accordance with the appropriate approved form.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.14:

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.14

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent; and

        (b) evidence identifying the signature on the Acknowledgement of Service as the respondent’s signature.”

        Federal Circuit Court 2001 (Cth), 25.07:

        “Evidence that the signature on an acknowledgment of service is the signature of the person required to be served may be given by an affidavit proving signature in accordance with the approved form.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.14:

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent;

        Note: If a person serving a document seeks to prove service under this rule, an Acknowledgment of Service must be signed by the person served with the document. However, if the Affidavit of Service with the Acknowledgement of Service is filed by electronic communication, subrule 24.07(4) applies to the original affidavit and the signed acknowledgment.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 24.07(4):

        “(4) If a document that is required to be sworn is filed by electronic communication, the document:

        (a) is taken to have been sworn by the deponent before it is transmitted; and

        (b) must bear the name of the deponent, witness and date of swearing.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004, (Cth), 7.14:

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent;

        Note: If a person serving a document seeks to prove service under this rule, an Acknowledgment of Service must be signed by the person served with the document. However, if the Affidavit of Service with the Acknowledgement of Service is filed by electronic communication, subrule 24.07(4) applies to the original affidavit and the signed acknowledgment.”

        Family Law Rules 2004, (Cth), 24.07(4):

        “(4) If a document that is required to be sworn is filed by electronic communication, the document:

        (a) is taken to have been sworn by the deponent before it is transmitted; and

        (b) must bear the name of the deponent, witness and date of swearing.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.14

        “(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.

        (2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:

        (a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent; and

        (b) evidence identifying the signature on the Acknowledgement of Service as the respondent’s signature.”

        Federal Circuit Court 2001 (Cth), 25.07:

        “Evidence that the signature on an acknowledgment of service is the signature of the person required to be served may be given by an affidavit proving signature in accordance with the approved form.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.02(1):

        “(1) A court may find that a document has been served or that it has been served on a particular date, even though these Rules or an order have not been complied with in relation to service.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.55].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.55].

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.14(1):

        “(1) If, for any reason, it is impracticable to serve a document in a way required under this Part, the Court may make an order dispensing with service or substituting another way of serving the document.”

        Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.18(1):

        “(1) A party who is unable to serve a document may apply, without notice, for an order:

        (a) to serve the document in another way; or

        (b) to dispense with service of the document, with or without conditions.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.70].

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.18:

        “…

        Note: An application under this rule is made by filing an Application in a Case and an affidavit (see rules 5.01 and 5.02).”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 5.02(1):

        “(1) A party who applies for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order in an Initiating Application (Family Law), or who files an Application in a Case, must at the same time file an affidavit stating the facts relied on in support of the orders sought.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.70].

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.14(2)+(3):

        “(2) The Court may specify the steps to be taken for bringing the document to the attention of the person to be served.

        (3) The Court may specify that the document is to be taken to have been served on the happening of a specified event or at the end of a specified time.”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(a):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (a) the proposed method of bringing the document to the attention of the person to be served …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(b):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (b) whether all reasonable steps have been taken to serve the document or bring it to the notice of the person to be served …”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(aa):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (aa) whether it is likely that the steps that have been taken have brought the existence and nature of the document to the attention of the person to be served …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(c):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (c) whether the person to be served could reasonably become aware of the existence and nature of the document by advertisement or another form of communication that is reasonably available …”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(b):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (b) whether the person to be served could become aware of the existence and nature of the document by means of advertising or another means of communication that is reasonably available …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(d):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (d) the likely cost of service …”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(c):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (c) the likely cost to the party serving the document, the means of that party and the nature of the proceedings …”

      • Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(c):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (c) the likely cost to the party serving the document, the means of that party and the nature of the proceedings …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(e):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (e) the nature of the case.”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(c):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (c) the likely cost to the party serving the document, the means of that party and the nature of the proceedings …”

      • Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(d):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (d) any other relevant matter.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.70].

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.18:

        “…

        Note: An application under this rule is made by filing an Application in a Case and an affidavit (see rules 5.01 and 5.02).”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 5.02(1):

        “(1) A party who applies for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order in an Initiating Application (Family Law), or who files an Application in a Case, must at the same time file an affidavit stating the facts relied on in support of the orders sought.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.70].

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), 7.18(1)(b)+(3):

        “(1) A party who is unable to serve a document may apply, without notice, for an order:

        (b) to dispense with service of the document, with or without conditions.

        (3) If the court orders that service of a document is:

        (a) dispensed with unconditionally; or

        (b) dispensed with on a condition that is complied with; the document is taken to have been served.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.70].

      • Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) 46.

      • Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) 46.

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(a):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (a) the proposed method of bringing the document to the attention of the person to be served …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(b):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (b) whether all reasonable steps have been taken to serve the document or bring it to the notice of the person to be served …”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(aa):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (aa) whether it is likely that the steps that have been taken have brought the existence and nature of the document to the attention of the person to be served …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(c):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (c) whether the person to be served could reasonably become aware of the existence and nature of the document by advertisement or another form of communication that is reasonably available …”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(b):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (b) whether the person to be served could become aware of the existence and nature of the document by means of advertising or another means of communication that is reasonably available …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(d):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (d) the likely cost of service …”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(c):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (c) the likely cost to the party serving the document, the means of that party and the nature of the proceedings …”

      • Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(c):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (c) the likely cost to the party serving the document, the means of that party and the nature of the proceedings …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), (2)(e):

        “(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:

        (e) the nature of the case.”

        Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(c):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (c) the likely cost to the party serving the document, the means of that party and the nature of the proceedings …”

      • Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth), 6.15(d):

        “When making an order for dispensing with service or for substituted service, the Court may have regard to:

        (d) any other relevant matter.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 20.00A:

        “(1) For subsection 103(1) of the Act, a power of the Court mentioned in an item of the following table is delegated to a Registrar who is approved, or is in a class of Registrars who are approved, by the Chief Judge for the exercise of the power.”

        “Item: 7

        Legislative provision: Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), Section 48

        Description of power (for information only): To make a divorce order in undefended proceedings”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), Schedule 3:

        “"Act" means the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999.”

        Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999 (Cth), s 103:

        “(1) The Rules of Court may delegate to the Registrars any of the powers of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, including (but not limited to) all or any of the powers mentioned in subsection 102(2).”

        Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999 (Cth), s 5:

        “"Rules of Court" means Rules of Court made under this Act.”




        Family Court Rules 1998 (WA), 24(a)(i):

        “For the purposes of section 33, the following powers of the Court are delegated to each Principal Registrar, registrar and deputy registrar –

        (a) the powers conferred under a provision –

        (i) of the Family Law Act referred to in column 1 of the Table to this paragraph …”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), Section 48

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(2):

        “(2) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted jointly by the parties to the marriage:

        (a) one of the parties to the marriage has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties …

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.14:

        “If, in a joint application for a divorce order, the applicants request that the case be heard in their absence, the court may so determine the case.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(2):

        “(2) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted jointly by the parties to the marriage:

        (a) one of the parties to the marriage has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties …

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(2):

        “(2) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted jointly by the parties to the marriage:

        (b) both parties to the marriage have requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties;

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(2):

        “(2A) The court must not determine proceedings for the divorce order in relation to the marriage under subsection (2) if:

        (a) there are any children of the marriage who are under 18; and

        (b) the court is not satisfied that proper arrangements in all the circumstances have been made for the care, welfare and development of those children.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(1):

        “(1) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted by one party to the marriage:

        (a) the proceedings are undefended;

        (b) there are no children of the marriage who have not attained the age of 18 years;

        (c) the applicant has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties; and

        (d) the respondent has not requested the court not to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties;

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.13(a):

        “If, in an application for a divorce order (other than a case started by a joint application):

        (a) no response has been filed …

        the court may determine the case in the absence of the parties.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(1):

        “(1) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted by one party to the marriage:

        (a) the proceedings are undefended;

        (b) there are no children of the marriage who have not attained the age of 18 years;

        (c) the applicant has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties; and

        (d) the respondent has not requested the court not to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties;

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.13(b):

        “If, in an application for a divorce order (other than a case started by a joint application):

        (b) at the date fixed for the hearing, there are no children of the marriage within the meaning of subsection 98A(3) of the Family Law Act …

        the court may determine the case in the absence of the parties.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(1):

        “(1) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted by one party to the marriage:

        (a) the proceedings are undefended;

        (b) there are no children of the marriage who have not attained the age of 18 years;

        (c) the applicant has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties; and

        (d) the respondent has not requested the court not to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties;

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.13(c):

        “If, in an application for a divorce order (other than a case started by a joint application):

        (c) the applicant has requested that the case be heard in the absence of the parties …

        the court may determine the case in the absence of the parties.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 98A(1):

        “(1) The applicable Rules of Court may provide that where, at the date fixed for the hearing of proceedings for a divorce order in relation to a marriage instituted by one party to the marriage:

        (a) the proceedings are undefended;

        (b) there are no children of the marriage who have not attained the age of 18 years;

        (c) the applicant has requested the court to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties; and

        (d) the respondent has not requested the court not to determine the proceedings in the absence of the parties;

        the court may, in its discretion, determine the proceedings notwithstanding that neither the parties to the proceedings nor their legal representatives are present in court.”

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.13(c):

        “If, in an application for a divorce order (other than a case started by a joint application):

        (d) the respondent has not requested the court not to hear the case in the absence of the parties;

        the court may determine the case in the absence of the parties.”

      • Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.15:

        “A respondent to an application for a divorce order who objects to the case being heard in the absence of the parties must, at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing, file and serve a written notice to that effect.”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(1):

        “(1) A party may apply to attend the hearing of an application for a divorce order by electronic communication.”

      • Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Application for Divorce Kit (Guide) D.

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(5)(a):

        “The Court or a Registrar may take the following matters into account when considering an application:

        (a) the distance between the party’s residence and the place where the Court or the Registrar is to sit …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(5)(b):

        “The Court or a Registrar may take the following matters into account when considering an application:

        (b) any difficulty the party has in attending because of illness or disability …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(5)(c):

        “The Court or a Registrar may take the following matters into account when considering an application:

        (c) the expense associated with attending …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(5)(d):

        “The Court or a Registrar may take the following matters into account when considering an application:

        (d) the expense to be incurred, or the savings to be made, by using the electronic communication …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(5)(e):

        “The Court or a Registrar may take the following matters into account when considering an application:

        (e) any concerns about security, including family violence and intimidation …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(5)(f):

        “The Court or a Registrar may take the following matters into account when considering an application:

        (f) whether any other party objects to the request.”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(2):

        “(2) Before making an application, the party must ask any other party whether the other party agrees, or objects, to the use of electronic communication for attending the hearing.”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(3)(a):

        “(3) An application must:

        (a) be in writing …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(3)(b):

        “(3) An application must:

        (b) be made at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(3)(c)(i):

        “(3) An application must:

        (c) set out the following information:

        (i) the kind of electronic communication to be used …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(3)(c)(ii):

        “(3) An application must:

        (c) set out the following information:

        (ii) the expense of using the electronic communication, including any expense to the court, and the applicant’s proposals for paying those expenses …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(3)(d):

        “(3) An application must:

        (d) set out details of the notice in relation to the application that has been given to any other party …”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(3)(e):

        “(3) An application must:

        (e) state whether any other party agrees or objects to the application.”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(7):

        “(7) If an application is granted, the party who made the application must immediately give written notice to each other party.”

      • Federal Circuit Rules 2001 (Cth), 25.11(6):

        “(6) If the Court or a Registrar grants the application, the Court or the Registrar may:

        (a) order a party to pay the expense of using the electronic communication; or

        (b) apportion the expense between the parties.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 102(a):

        “In proceedings under this Act, the court may receive as evidence of the facts stated in it a document purporting to be either the original or a certified copy of:

        (a) a certificate, entry or record of a birth, death or marriage alleged to have taken place, whether in Australia or elsewhere …”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 102(b):

        “In proceedings under this Act, the court may receive as evidence of the facts stated in it a document purporting to be either the original or a certified copy of:

        (b) an entry in a register of parentage information kept under the law of the Commonwealth or of a State, Territory or prescribed overseas jurisdiction.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 39(3):

        “Proceedings for a divorce order may be instituted under this Act if, at the date on which the application for the order is filed in a court, either party to the marriage:

        (a) is an Australian citizen;

        (b) is domiciled in Australia; or

        (c) is ordinarily resident in Australia and has been so resident for 1 year immediately preceding that date.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 39(3):

        “Proceedings for a divorce order may be instituted under this Act if, at the date on which the application for the order is filed in a court, either party to the marriage:

        (a) is an Australian citizen;

        (b) is domiciled in Australia …”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 39(3):

        “Proceedings for a divorce order may be instituted under this Act if, at the date on which the application for the order is filed in a court, either party to the marriage:

        (a) is an Australian citizen;

        (c) is ordinarily resident in Australia and has been so resident for 1 year immediately preceding that date.”

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1, [F101.105].

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 55(1)(a):

        “(1) Subject to this section, a divorce order made under this Act takes effect by force of this section:

        (a) at the expiration of a period of 1 month from the making of the order …”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 44(3):

        “(3) Where, whether before or after the commencement of section 21 of the Family Law Amendment Act 1983:

        (a) a divorce order has taken effect; or

        (b) a decree of nullity of marriage has been made;

        proceedings of a kind referred to in paragraph (c), (caa), (ca) or (cb) of the definition of matrimonial cause in subsection 4(1) (not being proceedings under section 78 or 79A or proceedings seeking the discharge, suspension, revival or variation of an order previously made in proceedings with respect to the maintenance of a party) shall not be instituted, except by leave of the court in which the proceedings are to be instituted or with the consent of both of the parties to the marriage, after the expiration of 12 months after:

        (c) in a case referred to in paragraph (a)—the date on which the divorce order took effect; or

        (d) in a case referred to in paragraph (b)—the date of the making of the decree.

        The court may grant such leave at any time, even if the proceedings have already been instituted.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 4(1):

        "matrimonial cause" means:

        (c) proceedings between the parties to a marriage with respect to the maintenance of one of the parties to the marriage; or

        (caa) proceedings between:

        (i) a party to a marriage; and

        (ii) the bankruptcy trustee of a bankrupt party to the marriage;

        with respect to the maintenance of the first-mentioned party; or

        (ca) proceedings between the parties to a marriage with respect to the property of the parties to the marriage or either of them, being proceedings:

        (i) arising out of the marital relationship;

        (ii) in relation to concurrent, pending or completed divorce or validity of marriage proceedings between those parties; or

        (iii) in relation to the divorce of the parties to that marriage, the annulment of that marriage or the legal separation of the parties to that marriage, being a divorce, annulment or legal separation effected in accordance with the law of an overseas jurisdiction, where that divorce, annulment or legal separation is recognised as valid in Australia under section 104; or

        (cb) proceedings between:

        (i) a party to a marriage; and

        (ii) the bankruptcy trustee of a bankrupt party to the marriage;

        with respect to any vested bankruptcy property in relation to the bankrupt party, being proceedings:

        (iii) arising out of the marital relationship; or

        (iv) in relation to concurrent, pending or completed divorce or validity of marriage proceedings between the parties to the marriage; or

        (v) in relation to the divorce of the parties to the marriage, the annulment of the marriage or the legal separation of the parties to the marriage, being a divorce, annulment or legal separation effected in accordance with the law of an overseas jurisdiction, where that divorce, annulment or legal separation is recognised as valid in Australia under section 104 …”

      • Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth), r 24.04(3)+(4):

        “(3) Strict compliance with an approved form or a form in Schedule 2 is not required, and substantial compliance is sufficient.

        Note: A form must be completed in accordance with any directions specified in the form, but the directions may be omitted from the completed document.

        (4) A document in a form approved for the Federal Circuit Court is taken to be in substantial compliance with the form approved for the same purpose under these Rules.”

        The forms in Schedule 2 referred in (3) above are:

        • Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk of Family Violence (Current Case); and
        • Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk of Family Violence (Application for Consent Orders).

        Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth), r 2.04(1)+(2):

        “(1) Unless the Court otherwise orders, strict compliance with forms is not required and substantial compliance is sufficient.

        (2) A document prepared in the form prescribed for a similar purpose for the Family Court or the Federal Court may be taken to substantially comply with the appropriate form for a proceeding.”

      • Family Court Rules 1998 (WA), r 12(1):

        “The Family Law Rules, except for those set out in the Table to this subrule, are adopted and apply in accordance with this Division, to the extent to which they are relevant, for the purposes of the exercise by the Court and courts of summary jurisdiction of their jurisdiction under the Act.”

        The rules included in the table are: 1.18, 4.14, 4.25, 4.30, 4.31, 5.09(2), 12.01(e), 12.08, 12.09, 12.14 to 12.16, 15.03(1) Chapter 16A.2, 18.01 to 18.10, and 19.03(3).

      • Marriage Act 1961 (Cth), s 5:

        ““marriage” means the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12E(1)-(3):

        “(1) A legal practitioner who is consulted by a person considering instituting proceedings under this Act must give the person documents containing the information prescribed under section 12B (about non-court based family services and court's processes and services).

        (2) A legal practitioner who is consulted by, or who is representing, a married person who is a party to:

        (a) proceedings for a divorce order in relation to the marriage; or

        (b) financial or Part VII proceedings in relation to the marriage; must give the person documents containing the information prescribed under section 12C (about reconciliation).

        (3) A legal practitioner representing a party in proceedings under Part VII must give the party documents containing the information prescribed under section 12D (about Part VII proceedings).”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12B:

        “(1) The regulations may prescribe information that is to be included in documents provided to persons under this Part, relating to non-court based family services and court's processes and services.

        (2) Without limitation, information prescribed under this section must include information about:

        (a) the legal and possible social effects of the proposed proceedings (including the consequences for children whose care, welfare or development is likely to be affected by the proceedings); and

        (b) the services provided by family counsellors and family dispute resolution practitioners to help people affected by separation or divorce; and

        (c) the steps involved in the proposed proceedings; and

        (d) the role of family consultants; and

        (e) the arbitration facilities available to arbitrate disputes in relation to separation and divorce.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12C:

        “The regulations may prescribe information that is to be included in documents provided to persons under this Part, relating to services available to help with a reconciliation between the parties to a marriage.”

        Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12D:

        “(1) The regulations may prescribe information that is to be included in documents provided under this Part to persons involved in proceedings under Part VII.

        (2) Without limitation, the information must include information about the family counselling services available to assist the parties, and the child or children concerned, to adjust to the consequences of orders under that Part.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12E(4):

        “(4) A legal practitioner does not have to comply with subsection (1), (2) or (3) if the practitioner has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has already been given documents containing the prescribed information mentioned in that subsection.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 12E(5):

        “(5) A legal practitioner does not have to comply with subsection (2) if the practitioner considers that there is no reasonable possibility of a reconciliation between the parties to the marriage.”

4. Property Settlement (‘Splitting Assets’)

 

1.1. Overview


A ‘property settlement’ is the legal jargon for dividing up property after a relationship has ended. The term ‘propery’ is a general term for all assets, liabilities, superannuation and financial resources - it does not refer exclusively to property in the sense of land, house, apartment, etc.

If you can agree with your spouse, your options include:

(a) An informal agreement without any legal process. If you come to an informal agreement, it is safer to seek legal advice anyway to make sure that you are not being treated unfairly without you knowing. However, there is no legal requirement you must divide the property a certain way or have any agreement formalised.

(b) A Binding Financial Agreement. A Binding Financial Agreement (a “BFA”) is a legally enforceable document which is essentially a contract between you and your spouse. There are a few benefits to a BFA. Firstly, a BFA can be finalised faster then Consent Orders. This may be useful if there is a time-pressing issue. Secondly, a BFA does not have the legal requirement that division of property must be fair. The practical effect of this is that the parties can come to an arrangement which the Courts or Consent Orders would not allow. On the flip side, there are a number of negatives to a Binding Financial Agreement. Firstly, a lawyer must sign-off that they have provided you with legal advice. This means, you cannot do a BFA without a lawyer. Secondly, there are more grounds to set aside a BFA compared to Consent Orders, which means, BFA's are not as strong as Consent Orders.

(c) Consent Orders. Consent Orders are orders made by the Court without having to go to Court and have a legal battle. Instead, the parties agree on the orders and the Court turns them into legally enforceable Court orders. There are a number of benefits to Consent Orders. Firstly, there are less grounds to set them aside compared to a BFA. This means, Consent Orders are stronger than a Binding Financial Agreement. Secondly, a lawyer is not required to do Consent Orders. You are free to fill the form yourself, to write the orders you are seeking, and to file it with the Family Court of Australia. Perhaps The Law Project is a little biased as we are lawyers, but we do not advise that you do it yourself. Family Law is quite complex and to put it bluntly - you likely to not know what you are doing. While Consent Orders have a number of benefits, there are not negatives. Firstly, Consent Orders can take a bit of time for the Court to authorise them. It ranges from a few weeks to a few months. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it took the Court 3 months to complete for a client of ours. Secondly, Consent Orders have the requirement that the orders are ‘just and equitable’, or in other words, the orders must be fair. This means, if you and your partner have decided to divide your assets in a way which may appear unfair, the Court will reject your application.

If you cannot agree with your spouse, the last resort and final option is to go Court and have the Court make orders. The process for determining how the property is be divided includes: (a) Determine and value all the assets, liabilities, superannuation and financial resources of both parties. (b) Determine the financial and non-financial, direct and indirect contributions of each of the parties. A non-financial contribution includes being a stay-at-home parent and the homemaker. (c) Determine each party’s future needs. (d) Determine a ‘just and equitable’ division of property, or in other words, the division must be fair. (d) Determine whether the Court should make any orders at all or instead, whether the Court should reject the application. Note that an ex-spouse has one year after divorce to file an application for property orders which means that the parties should move quickly. Further note that you do not need to wait until you are legally divorced before you can proceed with a property settlement.


1.2. The Five Step Property Settlement Process


Broadly speaking, the Court will run through a five-step process in relation to property settlements.1

  1. Identify each party’s assets, liabilities, superannuation, and financial resources.
  2. Identify each party’s contributions.
  3. Identify each party’s future needs.
  4. Determine whether it is ‘just and equitable’ to order property settlement.
  5. Determine whether the proposed orders are ‘just and equitable’.

Do not worry about the precise wording or the order of the above five steps as each judge has their own wording and each judge will run through the steps in a different order.


1.2.1. Identify the Parties’ Assets, Liabilities, Superannuation, and Financial Resources


Assets


Examples include:

  1. Houses, apartments, townhouses, and land.
  2. Cars, motorbikes, caravans, trucks, tractors, boats, and planes.
  3. Bank accounts.
  4. Shares including ordinary shares, preference shares, and partly-paid shares; Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs); Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Managed Funds (ETMFs), Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), and Structured Products (SPs); Listed Investment Companies (LICs) and Listed Investment Trusts (LITs); Managed Funds (mFunds); Convertible debts securities, capital notes including perpetual debt securities, subordinated debt securities, and knock-out debt securities; Bonds including fixed rate bonds, floating rate bonds, and indexed bonds; Options including equity options, exchange traded funds options, index options, low exercise price options including (LEPOs) shares LEPOs, index LEPOs, toress LEPO; Warrants including MINIs, GSL MINIs, equity & index warrants, international equity, turbos or knock-out warrants.
  5. Business interests including sole traders, partnerships, companies, trusts, and co-operatives.
  6. Furniture and household contents.
  7. Partial property settlement.
  8. Jewellery.
  9. Cryptocurrecy and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). Note, in Powell & Christensen [2020] FamCA 944 at [291]-[292], the Court valued the cryptocurrency at the purchase prices as the party did not provide any evidence in relation to whether value has decreased or increased.

Liabilities


Examples include:

  1. Hoam loan.
  2. Personal loan.
  3. Personal overdraft.
  4. Car loan.
  5. Student loans, such as HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, and SA-HELP.
  6. Outstanding tax.
  7. Credit cards.
  8. Council rates.

Superannuation


Examples include

  1. Retail superannuation funds such as AMG Super, AMP, ANZ, Aon Master Trust, Australia Post, Australian Catholic Superannuation, Australian Ethical Super, AustralianSuper, AustSafe Super, AvSuper, Bendigo Bank Superannuation, BHP Billiton, BT Superannuation, BUSSQ Superannuation, CareSuper, Catholic Super, Cbus Superannuation, Child Care Super, Christian Super, ClearView, Club Plus Super, Colonial First State, Commonwealth Bank, Crescent Wealth, Cruelty Free Super, Emergency Services & State (ESS), Emplus, Energy Industries Super Scheme, Energy Super, Equip Superannuation, Equity Trustees Superannuation, Fiducian, First State Super, First Super, Future Super, Government Employees, Superannuation Board, Grow Super, GuildSuper, HESTA, Hostplus, ING, InTrust, IOOF Investment Management, Kinetic, Kogan Super, legalsuper, LESF, LGIA, Local Government Super, LUCRF Super, MAP, Max Super, Meat Industry Employees’ Superannuation Fund, Media Super, Mercer Australia, Military Super, Mine Super, MLC, MTAA Super, MyLife MySuper, Nationwide Super, NESS Super, Netwealth, NGS Super, OnePath, Perpetual Trustees, Plum, Prime Super, PSS, QIEC Super, QSuper, REI Super, Rest, Russell Investments, Smartsave, Spaceship, Squirrel Super, StatePlus, Statewide Super, Suncorp, Sunsuper, Super SA, Super Safeguard, Superestate, Tasplan, TelstraSuper, Tidswell, TWUSUPER, UniSuper, VicSuper, Virgin Money, Vision Super, WA Super, Zuper, and Zurich.
  2. Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF).

Financial Resources


A 'financial resource' is essentially a future financial benefit. In Hall v Hall [2016] HCA 23 at [54], it was held that “The reference to "financial resources" in the context of s 75(2)(b) has long been correctly interpreted by the Family Court to refer to "a source of financial support which a party can reasonably expect will be available to him or her to supply a financial need or deficiency".”.

Examples include

  1. Future inheritance.2 For example, a party’s parent died and is a beneficiary under the Will, however, distribution of the deceased’s estate has not yet occurred.
  2. Beneficiary to a discretionary trust.3
  3. Unvested share entitlements.4 For example, shares to be assigned to an employee after a period of time and after meeting performance targets.

1.2.2. Step 2: Identify Each Party’s Contributions


In broad brush strokes, the Court considers each party’s financial and non-financial contributions whether direct or indirect at the commencement, during, and post relationship. The following enters into greater detail on the topic of contributions.

  1. The Court may consider the following factors when making an order:
    1. The financial or nonfinancial “contributions made directly or indirectly by or on behalf of a party to the marriage or a child of the marriage to the acquisition, conservation or improvement of any of the property of the parties to the marriage or either of them, or otherwise in relation to any of that last‑mentioned property, whether or not that last‑mentioned property has, since the making of the contribution, ceased to be the property of the parties to the marriage or either of them.”5
    2. The following is a break-down of the above paragraph into a series of elements:

      1. financial contributions;
      2. financial contributions;
      3. non-financial contributions;
      4. direct contributions;
      5. indirect contributions;
      6. made by a party of the marriage;
      7. made on behalf of a party of the marriage;
      8. to a party of the marriage;
      9. to a child of a party of the marriage;
      10. to the acquisition of property;
      11. to the conservation of property;
      12. to the improvement of property;
      13. including current property;
      14. including past property;

    3. “[T]he contribution made by a party to the marriage to the welfare of the family constituted by the parties to the marriage and any children of the marriage, including any contribution made in the capacity of homemaker or parent”.6
    4. The following is a break-down of the above paragraph into a series of elements:

      1. a contribution;
      2. by a party of the marriage;
      3. to the welfare of the parties of the marriage;
      4. to the welfare of the children of the marriage;
      5. including a homemaker or parent;

    5. When the Court assesses contributions:
      1. The Court does not presume that the contribution of a homemaker is equal to the financial contribution of the other.7 Instead, the division of assets is dependent upon the unique circumstances of each and every case.8
      2. The Court does not presume that a 50-50 split is the starting point for the division of assets.9 Instead, the division of assets is dependent upon the unique circumstances of each and every case.10
      3. The Judge is free to apply their own discretion when assessing contributions. The Judge is not bound by rules, instead the past cases may act as a guideline when forming a decision.11 The effect is that “on the same evidence two different minds might reach widely different decisions”.12
      4. Assessing contributions is not a purely ‘mathematical exercise’. In The Law Project’s view, while math and numbers are usually used to assess contributions, math is only an aid to assist in assessing contributions. This is because it is not possible to precisely calculate all the various kind of contributions including financial, non-financial, direct, in-direct which was directed to the welfare of the family and to the acquisition, conservation, and improvement of property of the family.
      5. Assessing contributions is a “holistic” task, that is, the Court considers “contributions of all types made by each of the parties in the contact of their particular relationship”.13
      6. Assessing contributions “involves value judgments and matters of impression”.14
      7. There is no order of priority in which to assess contributions, that is, financial, non-financial, direct, in-direct which was directed to the welfare of the family and to the acquisition, conservation, and improvement of property of the family.15
      8. There is no formula which prescribes how a Court should deal with contributions.16

    Examples

    1. Example of direct financial contributions:
      1. The wife owned the house which the husband moved in to;
      2. The husband contributed funds towards the deposit a house;
      3. The wife bought the household furniture;
      4. The husband received Centrelink and deposited into the joint bank account;17
      5. The wife funded the wedding;
      6. The husband made payments towards the mortgage;18
      7. The wife paid the rates on the property;19

    2. Examples of indirect financial contributions:
      1. Wife gives up a working career to raise the children which in turn frees-up the husbands time to acquire financial assets.
      2. The wife’s mother gifts the wife some money.
      3. The husband’s father provides free labour for renovations to the property.
      4. The wife provides artistic inspiration and supporting him intellectually as a critic and confidante during the course of the marriage.20

    3. Examples of contributions to the welfare of the family:
      1. Cooking;
      2. Cleaning;
      3. Washing;
      4. Taking the bins out;
      5. Gardening;
      6. Changing nappies;
      7. Feeding the baby;
      8. Putting baby to sleep;
      9. The husband has schizophrenia which requires extra care;21

    4. Other examples of contributions:
      1. The husband’s committed family violence during the relationship which made the wife’s contributions more arduous.22

1.2.3. Step 3: Identify Each Party’s Future Needs


  1. The age of each party.23
  2. The income of each party.24
  3. The property of each of the parties.25
  4. The financial resources of each of the parties.26
  5. The physical capacity for employment of each of the parties.27
  6. The mental capacity for employment of each of the parties.28
  7. Whether either party has care or control of a child under the age of 18.29
  8. Necessary commitments to support themselves of each of the parties.30
  9. Necessary commitments of each of the parties to support a child.31
  10. Necessary commitments of the each of the parties to support another person.32
  11. '[The] responsibilities of either party to support any other person'.33
  12. Whether either party receives a pension, benefit, or allowance from the Government or from Superannuation in Australia or another Country.34
  13. A reasonable standard of living in the circumstances of each party.35
  14. '[T]he effect of any proposed order on the ability of a creditor of a party to recover the creditor’s debt'.36
  15. '[T]he need to protect a party who wishes to continue that party’s role as a parent'.37
  16. If either party is cohabiting with another person, the financial circumstances relating to the cohabitation.38
  17. The proposed orders or orders already made in relation to the parties property (including vested bankruptcy property for a bankrupt party).39
  18. Child support assessment that a party has provided, is to provide, or might have to provide in the future to a child to the relationship.40
  19. '[Any] fact or circumstance which, in the opinion of the court, the justice of the case requires to be taken into account'.41
  20. The terms of any Binding Financial Agreement between the parties.42
  21. '[The] effect of any proposed order upon the earning capacity of either party'.43
  22. Any other order made under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) affecting a party.44

Examples of future needs:

  • The children primarily live with the father.
  • The husband receives a substantially higher income than the wife and the wife will likely never receive a pay rise in the future.45
  • The wife has schizophrenia and requires ongoing medical expenses.46
  • The husband has little education and work experience.47

  • 1.2.4. Step 4: Determine Whether it is ‘Just and Equitable’ to Order a Property Settlement


    Whether orders should be made at all is different to which particular orders should be made.

    For example, in the foundational case Stanford & Stanford [2012] HCA 52, the Wife had dementia and the wife’s guardian went to Court seeking a property settlement. Presumably, the Guardian sought a property settlement in order to get money to pay for the nursing home. However, the couple were not separated. The High Court held that it was not ‘just and equitable’ to make a property settlement at all.

    For example, in Eufrosin & Eufrosin [2014] FamCAFC 191, the husband and wife were separated and the wife won $5,000,000 by a lottery ticket. The Husband then brought proceedings against the wife seeking property orders. The Court applied Stanford v Stanford and held that it was not just and equitable to make property orders as the Husband had nothing to do with the Wife winning the lottery ticket.

    For example, in Kristoff & Emerson [2015] FCCA 13, the Court held it was not just and equitable to make a property settlement order as the Court the made a finding that the parties were never in a de facto relationship.


    1.2.5. Step 5: Determine Whether the Proposed Orders Are ‘Just and Equitable’


    To determine whether the proposed orders are ‘just and equitable’, it means to take a step back and view a whole all the party’s contributions and future needs, and whether the proposed orders are fair. This is a matter of impression and judgement.

    • Finlay & Finlay (No 3) [2021] FCCA 592 (26 March 2021), [48].

    • Tappert & Tappert [2020] FCCA 3107, [33].

    • Hall v Hall [2016] HCA 23, 54.

    • Radcliff & Radcliff [2020] FamCA 165.

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 79(4)(a)+(b).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 79(4)(c).

    • Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR.

    • Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR, [610].

    • Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR.

    • Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR, [610].

    • Mallet v Mallet (1984) 156 CLR, [3] (Gibbs J).




      Hoffman & Hoffman [2014] FamCAFC 92, [32] - [33]

    • Norbis v Norbis (1986) 161 CLR 513 at 540 (Brennan J).

    • Petruski & Balewa [2013] FamCAFC 15, [49] (Unanimous Decision):

      “The task of assessing contributions under s 79 of the Act is an holistic one; what is required is to evaluate the extent of the contributions of all types made by each of the parties in the context of their particular relationship (Dickons & Dickons [2012] FamCAFC 154). As was also said by the Full Court in Lovine & Connor and Anor [2012] FamCAFC 168, at paragraphs 40 and 41 such an evaluation “inevitably involves value judgments and matters of impression”, and accordingly it cannot be treated as “a mathematical exercise”.”




      Lovine & Connor and Anor [2012] FamCAFC 168, [41] (Unanimous Decision):

      “It follows that the assessment involves matters of estimation and is not, and cannot be, a mathematical exercise. No amount of devotion to mathematics is capable of transforming a discretionary exercise involving many component parts, each mostly unamenable to precise computation, into one of aggregating separately finely calculated components to reach an overall outcome.”

    • Lovine & Connor and Anor [2012] FamCAFC 168, [40] (Unanimous Decision).

    • Lovine & Connor and Anor [2012] FamCAFC 168, [40] (Unanimous Decision):

      “Contribution, either direct or indirect and financial or non-financial, to any of acquisition and/or conservation and/or improvement to property (whether or not such property has ceased to be held) or to the welfare of the family or children, falls for consideration. No order of priority is attached to individual elements.”

    • Cabbell & Cabbell [2009] FamCAFC 2015, [42] (Unanimous Decision):

      “As the wife’s senior counsel appropriately and candidly conceded before us, there is no formula, nor could there be, given the wide discretion exercised under s 79, which prescribes how a court should deal with initial contributions in cases of property adjustment.”

    • Deng & Galinski [2021] FCCA 843 (30 April 2021), [70].

    • Maccaro & Maccaro [2021] FCCA 700 (12 April 2021), [72].

    • Maccaro & Maccaro [2021] FCCA 700 (12 April 2021), [72].

    • Marriage of Whiteley [1992] FLC 92-304.

    • Maccaro & Maccaro [2021] FCCA 700 (12 April 2021), [70].

    • Maccaro & Maccaro [2021] FCCA 700 (12 April 2021), [70].

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(a).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(b).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(b).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(b).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(b).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(b).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(c).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(d)(i).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(d)(ii).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(d)(ii).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(e).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(f)(i)+(ii).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(g).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(ha).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(l).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(m).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(n)+(naa).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(na).




      Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 79(g).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(o).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(2)(p)+(q).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 79(4)(d).

    • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 79(g).

    • Mabbitt & Mabbitt [2021] FCCA 675 (7 April 2021), [158].

    • Maccaro & Maccaro [2021] FCCA 700 (12 April 2021), [87].

    • Maccaro & Maccaro [2021] FCCA 700 (12 April 2021), [91].

    5. Spousal Maintenance

     

    1. The court has the power to order spousal maintenance.1
    2. The process for determining spousal maintenance:46
      1. Firstly, the threshold:47

        1. A party is only required to pay the other party spousal maintenance if the first party is reasonably able to do so.2

          1. If the Respondent’s income is the same or less than the Respondent’s necessary expenses, then the Respondent is not required to pay spousal maintenance.3

        2. The party is only required to pay the other party spousal maintenance if the second party is unable to support themselves due to either of the following: (1) Having care and control of the children (under 18) to the marriage.4 (2) A physical incapacity which prevents the party from obtaining employment.5 (3) A mental incapacity which prevents the party from obtaining employment. (4) Or for any other adequate reason.6

          1. If the applicant’s income is equal to their expenses, then the applicant cannot receive spousal maintenance as they do not have a need.7

    3. Secondly, the list of considerations:48
      1. In relation to (1) whether respondent is reasonably able to pay for spousal maintenance and (2) whether the applicant is unable to support themselves, and (3) the amount the respondent will pay the applicant, the court will consider the following:8
        1. The age of each of the parties.9
        2. The health of each of the parties.10
        3. The income of each of the parties.11
        4. The property of each of the parties.12
        5. The financial resources of each of the parties.13
        6. The physical capacity of each party to gain employment.14
        7. The mental capacity of each of the parties to gain employment.15
        8. Whether either party has the care of a child (under 18) to their marriage.16
        9. The commitments of each party which are required in order to support themselves, or a child, or another person.17
        10. The responsibilities of each party to support any other person.18
        11. The eligibility of each party for a pension, allowance, or benefit from any country.19
        12. The eligibility of each party for a pension, allowance, or benefit from a superannuation fund or scheme from any country.20
        13. A reasonable standard of living of each party.21
        14. Whether the spousal maintenance would increase their earning capacity by enabling that party to undertake education or training.22
        15. Whether the spousal maintenance would increase their earning capacity by enabling that party to establish themselves in a business.23
        16. Whether the spousal maintenance would increase their earning capacity by enabling that party to obtain an adequate income.24
        17. The effect of any proposed order on the ability of a creditor of a party to recover the creditor’s debt.25
        18. The extent to which the party who is wanting spousal maintenance has contributed to the income, property and financial resources of the other party.26
        19. The extent to which the duration of the marriage has affected the earning capacity of the party who is wanting spousal maintenance.27
        20. The need to protect each party who wishes to continue their role as a parent.28
        21. If either party is cohabiting with another person, the financial circumstances of their cohabitation.29
        22. The terms of any property settlement order or proposed property settlement order in relation to (1) property, or (2) vested bankruptcy property in relation to a bankrupt party.30
        23. The terms of any order or declaration made or proposed to be made for de facto financial matters in relation to:31
          1. A party to the marriage,32 or
          2. Property of a party to the marriage,33 or
          3. Vested bankruptcy property of a party to the marriage,34 or
          4. A person who is a party to a de facto relationship with a party to the marriage,35 or
          5. Property of a person who is a party to a de facto relationship with a party to the marriage,36 or
          6. Vested bankruptcy property of a person who is a party to a de facto relationship with a party to the marriage.37

        24. Any child support to a child of the marriage that a party (1) has provided, or (2) is to provide, or (3) or might be liable to provide in the future.38
        25. Any fact or circumstance which, in the opinion of the court, the justice of the case requires to be taken into account.39
        26. The terms of any financial agreement that is binding on the parities to the marriage.40
        27. The terms of any de facto financial agreement that is binding on a party to the marriage.41
        28. The party may be required to pay spousal maintenance out of their capital or borrowings against capital assets.42
        29. The Court must disregard any pension, allowance, or benefit under the Commonwealth or of a state or territory or of another country.43

      2. Thirdly, the spouse’s standard of living before separation does not automatically set the standard for spousal maintenance post separation.44
      3. Fourthly, the court has discretion and the guiding principle is ‘reasonableness in the circumstances’.45
      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 74(1).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 72(1).

      • Blum & Blum [2019] FCCA 3346 (21 November 2019), [51] (Judge Morley):

        “The second question is “Does the Respondent have a capacity to pay?” The test is the same – ascertain the Respondent’s income and the Respondent’s reasonably necessary and unavoidable living expenses. If the Respondent’s income is the same as or less than the Respondent’s said expenses, the Respondent does not have a capacity to pay – a ‘no’ answer – and there the matter ends. If the Respondent’s income is in excess of the Respondent’s said expenses, the Respondent has a capacity to pay – a ‘yes’ answer – one goes on to question three.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 72(1)(a).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 72(1)(a).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 72(1)(b).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 72(1)(c).

      • Blum & Blum[2019] FCCA 3346 (21 November 2019), (Judge Morley):

        “[49] The first question is “Does the Applicant for a spousal maintenance order have a need?” Put simply, the test is to ascertain the Applicant’s relevant income (bearing in mind section 75(3) of the Act) (In exercising its jurisdiction under section 74, a court shall disregard any entitlement of the party whose maintenance is under consideration to an income tested pension, allowance or benefit.) and the Applicant’s reasonably necessary and unavoidable living expenses. See In the Marriage of Mee & Ferguson [1986] FamCA 3; (1986) 84 FLR 179; In the Marriage of Gyselman [1991] FamCA 93; (1991) 103 FLR 156.

        [50] If the Applicant’s said expenses are less than or equal to the Applicant’s relevant income, the Applicant does not have a need – a ‘no’ answer – and there the matter ends. If the Applicant’s said expenses are in excess of relevant income, the Applicant has a need – a ‘yes’ answer, one goes on to the second question.”

      • Blum & Blum [2019] FCCA 3346 (21 November 2019), (Judge Morley):

        “[52] The third question is, of course, how much of the Respondent’s excess of income over expenses should the Court order the Respondent to pay to the Applicant to assist the Applicant with his or her excess of expenses over income.

        [53] As I said, my description of the test for questions one and two is ‘put simply’. In each case, all of the relevant matters in section 75(2) of the Act, and only those matters (Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), 75(1)), must be taken into account – including any question relating to “earning capacity” of either party if asserted by the other party to be greater than the party’s income. Though section 75(2)(b) does not refer to “earning capacity” (unlike subsections 7(2)(h), (j) and (k)) it is a matter properly to be taken into account under section 75(2)(o).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(a).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(a).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(b).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(b).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(b).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(b).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(b).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(c).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(d)(i)+(ii).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(e).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(f).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(f).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(g).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(h).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(h).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(h).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(ha).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(j).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(k).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(l).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(m).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(n).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(naa)(i).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(naa)(iii).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(naa)(iv).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(naa)(ii).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(naa)(iii).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(naa)(iv).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(na).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(o).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(p).

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(1)+(2)(q).

      • Maroney & Maroney [2009] FamCAFC 45, [56] (Coleman J):

        “The “capacity” to meet an order for interim spousal maintenance is not confined to income. Once a party, such as the Wife in this case, establishes an entitlement to interim spousal maintenance, and such entitlement is quantified in accordance with that spouse’s reasonable needs, an order may be made notwithstanding that the liable spouse could only satisfy the order out of capital or borrowings against capital assets.”

      • Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 75(3):

        “In exercising its jurisdiction under section 74, a court shall disregard any entitlement of the party whose maintenance is under consideration to an income tested pension, allowance or benefit.”

      • Blum & Blum [2019] FCCA 3346 (21 November 2019), [45] (Judge Morley):

        “There is no fettering principle that the pre-separation standard of living must automatically be awarded and reasonableness in the circumstances is the guiding principle: In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283.”




        In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283, 290.

      • In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283, 290.

      • In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283, 290.

      • In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283, 290.

      • In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283, 290.

     

    Interim - Applications, Hearings, and Orders


    1. The interim hearing is not as final or exhaustive as a final order hearing.1
      1. The evidence does not need to be as extensive.2
      2. The findings do not need to be as precise.3
      3. The court has a greater degree of flexibility.4
        • In the Marriage of Redman [1987] FacCA 2; (1987) 11 Fam LR 411, 415:

          “…on an application for interim maintenance the Court conducts “not as final or exhaustive a hearing as would be the case if one were hearing the matter finally”: In the Marriage of Williamson [1978] FamCA 57; (1978) 4 Fam LR 355 at 359 per Fogarty J.”

        • In the Marriage of Redman [1987] FacCA 2; (1987) 11 Fam LR 411, 415:

          “…on an application for interim maintenance the Court conducts “not as final or exhaustive a hearing as would be the case if one were hearing the matter finally”: In the Marriage of Williamson [1978] FamCA 57; (1978) 4 Fam LR 355 at 359 per Fogarty J. The evidence need not be so extensive and the findings not so precise. Having regard to those factors, and the general injunction of s 97(3), the Court should in such matters have a greater degree of flexibility than it possesses in applications for maintenance which are intended to last for an indefinite period and can only be varied under s 83.”

        • In the Marriage of Redman [1987] FacCA 2; (1987) 11 Fam LR 411, 415:

          “…on an application for interim maintenance the Court conducts “not as final or exhaustive a hearing as would be the case if one were hearing the matter finally”: In the Marriage of Williamson [1978] FamCA 57; (1978) 4 Fam LR 355 at 359 per Fogarty J. The evidence need not be so extensive and the findings not so precise. Having regard to those factors, and the general injunction of s 97(3), the Court should in such matters have a greater degree of flexibility than it possesses in applications for maintenance which are intended to last for an indefinite period and can only be varied under s 83.”

        • In the Marriage of Redman [1987] FacCA 2; (1987) 11 Fam LR 411, 415:

          “…on an application for interim maintenance the Court conducts “not as final or exhaustive a hearing as would be the case if one were hearing the matter finally”: In the Marriage of Williamson [1978] FamCA 57; (1978) 4 Fam LR 355 at 359 per Fogarty J. The evidence need not be so extensive and the findings not so precise. Having regard to those factors, and the general injunction of s 97(3), the Court should in such matters have a greater degree of flexibility than it possesses in applications for maintenance which are intended to last for an indefinite period and can only be varied under s 83.”

    6. Parenting (‘Child Custody’)

     

    6.1. Overview


    For child custody, the law’s primary consideration is that the child’s best interests are put first. The law does not give parents the right to see or have a relationship with their children, instead, children have the right to enjoy a meaningful relationship with their parents. While parents wishes are considered, these wishes will not be granted at the expense of the children. If the child is at risk of physical or psychological harm, the law puts the children's safety before the right to a relationship with their parents.

    As an overview, there three main aspects to child custody that the law addresses. Firstly, there's the specific arrangements for the children, such as the number of days during week the child spends time with the parent. Secondly, there's the safety measures put in place to protect the children, such as banning one of the parent's from going near the children's school. Thirdly, there's 'parental responsibility, that is, whether one parent, both parents, or someone else makes the long term decisions about the children.

    Examples of child arrangements include:

    1. Who the child lives with. Such as the father, mother, grandparent, aunty/uncle, etc.
    2. The spend-time with the other parent during the week, weekends, and during holidays.
    3. Phone calls, email, video conference with the children.
    4. The time, location, and whether someone chaperone's the changeover.

    Examples of additional safety measures include:

    1. Prohibiting the parents from speaking poorly about each other in front of the children.
    2. Prohibiting the parents drinking alcohol or taking drugs while caring for the children.
    3. Prohibiting one of the parent's from going within 200 meters of children's school.
    4. Prohibiting the parents from discussing Court with the children.
    5. Prohibiting the parents from discussing the parent's financial circumstances with the children.
    6. Prohibiting the parents from talking about their emotional state with the children.
    7. Prohibiting the parents from physically punishing the children.
    8. Prohibiting the parents from using obscene or inappropriate language in front of the children.
    9. Prohibiting the parents from allowing the children to be around certain people. E.g. A family friend who is a drug addict.
    10. Ordering the parents to provide the children with food and clothing.
    11. Ordering one of the parent's to enrol into an anger management program, "Men's Behaviour Change" program, "Bringing Up Great Kids" course, "Triple P Parenting Course", and/or "Parenting after separation Course".
    12. Ordering the parents to update the other parent with any change in parent's phone number, email address, or residential address.

    Examples of parental responsibility include:

    1. Which school the children attend.
    2. The children's extra curricular activities
    3. The children's medical decisions.
    4. Note that the day-to-day decisions are not included in parental responsibility, such as what the children eat and what they wear.

    If you can agree with your spouse, your options include: (a) An informal agreement without any legal process. If you come to an informal agreement, it is safer to seek legal advice anyway to make sure that you are not being treated unfairly without you knowing. (b) A Parenting Plan - this is an informal agreement between you and your spouse however, it is not legally enforceable. This means, if you or your spouse break the parenting plan, there is basically nothing you or your spouse can do about it. (c) Consent Orders - this is an agreement formalised by the court and is legally enforceable.

    If you cannot agree with your spouse, the last and final resort is to go to Court to try and have the judge make Court orders.

    7. Child Support

     

    7.1. Overview


    If your child is under the age of 18 and if you can agree with the other parent, your options include:

    1. An informal agreement. There is no legal requirement that you must go through Services Australia Child Support or have a formal legal document of some kind. An informal agreement may be a good option if the parents can agree on a fair amount, payments are regular, and the relationship is amicable.
    2. A Binding Child Support Agreement. A Binding Child Support Agreement is essentially a contract between the parents and outlines the amount of regular payments (called “periodic payments”) and the non-regular payments (called “non-periodic payments”). Non-periodic payments may include for example childcare expenses, schooling expenses, healthcare expenses, and/or extracurricular activities.
    3. The benefits of a Binding Financial Agreement include: (a) The parents have control, that is, they can put in place an arrangement which Services Australia Child Support may not allow; (b) The parents can lock-in an arrangement to prevent future changes. This may be important because the tax office automatically triggers Services Australia Child Support to reassess the amount of child support which needs to be paid. (c) Perhaps most importantly, a Binding Child Support Agreement can prevent continual applications by both parties to apply Services Australia Child Support to have the amount of child support reassessed. Unfortunately, an application to have the amount of child support reassessed (called an Application to Change Assessment - Special Circumstances) with Services Australia Child Support can be abused by parents because the applications can be made infinitely. (d) Each party must get their own lawyer and receive legal advice independently from one another. This lessens the likelihood of one party exploiting the other.

      The negatives of a Binding Child Support Agreement are ironically similar to the benefits, that is: (a) An arrangement can be made which Services Australia Child Support may not allow and thereby potentially exploiting one of the parents; (b) Parents can lock-in an arrangement to prevent future changes. For instance, if one of the parents experiences a large pay rise, the other parent will not benefit from this. (c) Each party must get their own lawyer and receive legal advice independently from one another. This legal requirement adds a further cost.

      If you register the Binding Child Support Agreement with Services Australia, some or all clauses of the agreement in effect turn into Court orders. That is, the agreement is reviewed by Services Australia and then basically converts the agreement into Court orders.

    4. Services Australia Child Support. If you can agree with the other parent, you can go through Services Australia Child Support and let them deal with child support. The amount of child support payable can be estimated with the Child Support Estimator. Services Australia Child Support's primary roles are to determine how much child support should be paid (called an assessment) and to act as a government debt collector for child support. For the process of paying and receiving child support, you have two options: (1) Privately (called “Private Collect”). This where Child Support Services Australia determines the amount which needs to be paid, but the parents arrange the actual payments between themselves. According to Services Australia’s 2019-20 annual report, 51.3% of parents with a child support assessment manage payments privately. (2) Through Child Support Services Australia (called “Child Support Collect”). This is where payments are made to Services Australia and then Services Australia transfers the funds to the other parent. According to Services Australa's 2019-20 annual report, 48.7% of parents with a child support assessment manage payments with Child Support Collect.

    If your child is under the age of 18 and if you cannot agree with the other parent, your only option is to get child support through Services Australia Child Support. The amount of child support payable can be estimated with the Child Support Estimator. Services Australia Child Support's primary roles are to determine how much child support should be paid (called an assessment) and to act as a government debt collector for child support.

    For the process of paying and receiving child support, you have two options: (1) Privately (called “Private Collect”). This where Child Support Services Australia determines the amount which needs to be paid, but the parents arrange the actual payments between themselves. According to Services Australia’s 2019-20 annual report, 51.3% of parents with a child support assessment manage payments privately. (2) Through Child Support Services Australia (called “Child Support Collect”). This is where payments are made to Services Australia and then Services Australia transfers the funds to the other parent. According to Services Australia’s 2019-20 annual report, 48.7% of parents with a child support assessment manage payments Child Support Collect. If you do not agree with the assessment made by Services Australia Child Support, you will need to go through the review process internally with Services Australia, then if you still do not agree, the next step is to go through the Courts.

    If the child is over the age of 18 and you can agree with the other parent, your options include:

    1. An informal agreement. There is no legal requirement that you must have formal arrangement of some kind. An informal agreement may be a good option if the parents can agree on a fair amount, payments are regular, and the relationship is amicable.
    2. A Child Maintenance Agreement. A Child Maintenance Agreement is essentially a contract between the parents and outlines the amount of regular payments (called “periodic payments”) and the non-regular payments (called “non-periodic payments”). The agreement is generally made for the purpose of meeting the costs associated with further education for the child, such as University related costs, or meeting the costs associated with the child's mental of physical disability.
    3. The benefits of a Binding Financial Agreement include: (a) The parents have control, that is, they can put in place an arrangement which the Courts may not allow. However, this may also be a negative depending upon the circumstances, as it may allow one parent to exploit the other.

      If you register the Child Maintenance Agreement with the Family Court of Australia, the agreement in effect turns into Court orders. This means the agreement is reviewed by the Court and then basically converts the agreement into Court orders.

    If your child is under the age of 18 and if you cannot agree with the other parent, your only option is to go to Court and try and get child maintenance orders. The Court will only make a child maintenance order under two grounds: (1) to enable the child to complete their education, or (2) if the child has a physical or mental disability.


    7.2. Resources


    7.2.1 Department of Social Services


    The Department of Social Services ("the DSS") by the Australian Government has published an indepth guide to child support. The Law Project outlines a list of resources produced by the DSS.

    1. Child support assessments
      1. Applying for a child support assessment
        1. Applications for assessment
        2. Eligible child
        3. Parentage
        4. Withdrawing an application
        5. Deciding to accept or refuse an application
        6. Notice of the decision

      2. Care
        1. Basics of care
        2. Care determinations & changes in care
        3. Below regular care determinations
        4. Disputed care arrangements
        5. Alignment of care between child support & FTB
        6. Care determinations prior to 01/07/2010

      3. Child support periods
        1. What is a child support period?
        2. When do child support periods start?
        3. When do child support periods end?
        4. Child support years (pre 1 July 1999)

      4. Formula assessment
        1. The formulas
        2. Formula tables & values
        3. The steps involved in making a child support assessment
        4. Child support income
          1. Adjusted taxable income
          2. Other components of child support income
          3. Amended tax assessments
          4. Determination of adjusted taxable income
          5. Determination of adjusted taxable income - before 01/07/2011
          6. New information about adjusted taxable income

        5. Care, cost & child support percentages
        6. The costs of the child
        7. The basic formula - a single case assessment (Formula 1)
        8. Assessment - single case with a non-parent carer (Formula 2)
        9. Assessments when a parent has multiple child support cases (Formulas 3 & 4)
        10. Assessments using the income of only 1 parent (Formulas 5 & 6)
        11. Fixed annual rate of child support for certain low income parents
        12. The minimum annual rate of child support

      5. Applications & elections to amend an assessment
        1. Income estimates for a year of income
        2. Additional income earned post separation
        3. Application to have the fixed annual rate of child support not used
        4. Application to have the minimum annual rate of child support reduced to nil
        5. Application to have an assessment continue past a child's 18th birthday
        6. Estimates of income - before 1 July 2010

      6. Change of assessment in special circumstances
        1. When can the Registrar or a court consider changing an assessment?
        2. What are the reasons for a change of assessment?
        3. A decision to refuse to change an assessment
        4. Kinds of change of assessment decisions
        5. Change of assessment process - application from payer or payee
        6. Registrar-initiated change of assessment
        7. Reason 1 - high costs in enabling a parent to spend time with, or communicate with, a child
        8. Reason 2 - the special needs of the child
        9. Reason 3 - high costs of caring for, educating or training the child in the manner expected by the parents
        10. Reason 4 - income of the child
        11. Reason 5 - money, goods or property received by the child, the payee or a third person
        12. Reason 6 - high costs of child care
        13. Reason 7 - necessary commitments of self-support
        14. Reason 8 - a parent's income, property, financial resources, or earning capacity
        15. Reason 9 - the duty to maintain any other child or another person
        16. Reason 10 - responsibility of the parent to maintain a resident child
        17. Would a change be just & equitable?
        18. Would a change be otherwise proper?

      7. Agreements
        1. What is a child support agreement?
        2. Application for acceptance of a child support agreement
        3. Making a decision on an application
        4. Effect of a child support agreement once accepted by the Registrar (other than lump sum payment provisions)
        5. Changing or terminating a child support agreement
        6. Suspending a child support agreement

      8. Court variation to assessments
        1. Court orders that vary assessments
        2. Implementing court orders that vary assessments

      9. Making & amending child support assessments
        1. How an assessment is made
        2. Assessment notices
        3. When child support is due & payable
        4. Recovery of child support
        5. Amending assessments

      10. Suspending & ending assessments
        1. Suspension of liability to pay child support when parents reconcile
        2. Electing to end an assessment
        3. Terminating events
        4. Suspension of liability to pay child support when there is a change in eligible carer

    2. Registrable maintenance liabilities
      1. Australian liabilities
        1. Child support assessments
        2. Recovery orders
        3. Child maintenance orders
        4. Orders for step-parents to pay child maintenance
        5. Spousal & de facto maintenance orders
        6. Court registered agreements, financial agreements & parenting plans
        7. Collection agency maintenance liabilities

      2. Requirements of registrable court orders & court registered agreements
        1. Periodic amounts payable to the payee
        2. Court orders & arrears

      3. Notification of court orders & court registered agreements
        1. Notification of court orders & court registered agreements

      4. Court ordered variations & events that affect registered maintenance liabilities (other than child support assessments)
        1. Requirement to advise the Registrar of new order or affecting event
        2. New order or court registered agreement that affects a liability
        3. CPI indexation for cost of living
        4. Joint election to suspend collection after a change in care
        5. Suspension for unemployment (low-income non-enforcement period)

      5. Interpreting court orders
        1. Order requiring payment to the payee
        2. Orders discharging late payment penalties
        3. Orders applying the assessment formula
        4. Orders dealing with arrears
        5. Severability (registering some clauses in an order & not others)
        6. Other common provisions in court orders & agreements

      6. Overseas orders, court registered agreements & assessments
        1. Registrable overseas maintenance liabilities
        2. Registering overseas maintenance liabilities for collection
        3. Overseas maintenance liabilities that cannot be registered
        4. Overseas maintenance liabilities & changes in circumstances

    3. Objecting, seeking a review, appealing & applying to court
      1. Objections
        1. Overview
        2. Decisions made under the CSA Act to which a person may object
        3. Decisions made under the CSRC Act to which a person may object
        4. Can an objection decision be made?
        5. Extensions of time to lodge objections
        6. Making a decision to allow or disallow an objection
        7. Effect of objection on original decision
        8. Care percentage decisions

      2. External review applications to the AAT
        1. Overview
        2. Decisions which can be reviewed by the AAT
        3. How to apply to the AAT for a review of a child support objection decision
        4. Time limit on applications for AAT review
        5. The AAT review process
        6. Effect of AAT first or second review application on the original decision

      3. Court applications, appeals & orders
        1. Overview
        2. Applications & orders about decisions under the CSA Act
        3. Implementing court orders made under the child support legislation
        4. FL Act orders affecting a child support assessment
        5. Effect of a court order for maintenance of an eligible child where there is no assessment
        6. Appealing AAT decisions in court
        7. The Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977

    4. Collecting child support
      1. Show/hide children 5.1 Agency collection
        1. Child Support Registrar & the Child Support Register
        2. Registrable maintenance liabilities & how they are registered
        3. Date a liability first becomes enforceable
        4. Collection of arrears accrued during non-collect period
        5. Payment periods & payment of child support debts
        6. Late payment penalties

      2. Administrative enforcement
        1. Arrangements for payment
        2. Payer election to pay DHS directly
        3. Collection from salary or wages
        4. Employer obligations for collection from salary or wages
        5. Collection from social security pensions & benefits
        6. Collection from family tax benefit
        7. Collection from veterans' pensions & allowances
        8. Tax refund intercepts
        9. Collection from third parties
        10. Collection from parental leave payments
        11. Departure prohibition orders

      3. Non-agency payments, crediting lump sum payments & offsetting liabilities
        1. Non-agency payments
        2. Offsetting debts between payees & payers
        3. Crediting lump sum payments
        4. Reduction of debts when other debts paid back

      4. Court enforcement
        1. Choice of court
        2. The Registrar's power to bring proceedings
        3. Enforcement by civil action
        4. Enforcement under the FL Act
        5. Bankruptcy
        6. Setting aside a transaction
        7. Payee's right to enforce debt via court proceedings

      5. Payments to payees
        1. Child Support Account
        2. Entitlement to payment & disbursement cycle
        3. Top up
        4. Suspending payments to payees
        5. Overpayments

      6. Ending & reapplying for collection
        1. Election to end collection
        2. Registrar-initiated ending of collection
        3. Reapplying for collection

      7. Non-pursuit of debts
        1. Non-pursuit of debt

      8. Obsolete entries
        1. Obsolete entries

    5. Administration
      1. Authorisation & delegation
        1. Child Support Registrar's powers
        2. Delegation of powers
        3. Authorisation to make decision on another's behalf

      2. Collecting information
        1. Information need not be in writing
        2. Taking information from children
        3. Information gathering powers under the CSA Act
        4. Information gathering powers under the CSRC Act
        5. Access to employer records
        6. Legal professional privilege

      3. Privacy, secrecy & proof of identity
        1. Privacy Act
        2. Tax file numbers & taxation information
        3. Secrecy provisions
        4. Collection & use of third party information
        5. Proof of identity
        6. Authorised representatives

      4. Subpoenas
        1. Subpoenas & notices to produce documents

      5. Forwarding documents
        1. Forwarding documents & substituted service

      6. Freedom of information
        1. Number not currently in use
        2. Gaining access to documents

      7. Service of documents
        1. Methods of service
        2. Address for service of notices
        3. Proof of service
        4. Service & evidence

      8. Offences & prosecution
        1. Employer offences
        2. Offences involving a failure to comply with notices
        3. Offences involving a failure to comply with a requirement of the legislation
        4. False & misleading statements
        5. Offences in relation to departure prohibition orders
        6. Secrecy offences
        7. Prosecution of offences

      9. Compensation & waiver of debts
     

    Application to Change Your Assessment - Special Circumstances

    After the First Parent has their Application to the Department of Human Services Child Support (“DHSCS”), DHSCS will send the Application and all supporting documents to the Second Parent. DHSCS will attempt to talk to both parents. The Second Parent will be given the opportunity to respond to the Application and also make their own cross application. If the other parents submits a Response and/or makes a Cross Application, the First Parent will receive a copy of the Response and/or Cross Application and any supporting documents. The First parent will be given the opportunity to respond to the Second Parent’s Response and/or Cross Application. If the Second Parent fails to submit a Response by the deadline provided by DHSCS, DHSCS will make a decision - called Notice of Decision - based on the information they have. A written copy of their decision will be sent to both parents. 

    Legal Strategy Considerations

    1. There are circumstances where parents engage in a continual loop whereby both parents submit an Application to Change Your Assessment - Special Circumstances over and over. The fact that there is no limit to the number of times both parents can submit an application and the fact that the Notice of Decision is not final, allows some parents to engage in an eternal battle.

      As an example of the above, there are circumstances where one parent may believe that the other parent is hiding money and in turn, not paying enough child support. Parent A may submit an application. If Parent B’s response to the application is unsuccessful, Parent B in turn may submit their own application. If Parent A’s response to Parent B’s application is unsuccessful, Parent A in turn may submit their own application, and so on and so forth.

      Some suggestions to break the loop may include:

      (1) Put an offer to the other parent and formalise the offer by a Binding Child Support Agreement. It is better to compromise and offer a higher amount than to end up in continual loop as described above. The Binding Child Support Agreement also provides certainty to both parties, that is, the payer’s worry about paying more will be lessened and the other parent’s worry about their payments reduced will be lessened.

      (2) Wait until the parent’s exhaust all arguments and supporting evidence. However, if the parents do not provide the supporting evidence early, and instead provide a little more upon each application, the application battle can last a long time.

    2. Where one of the parent’s income changes and this income is reflected on the parent’s tax return, the Australian Tax Office automatically notifies DHSCS which in turn causes DHSCS to make a change in assessment.

    Some suggestions to break the loop may include:

    (1) Put an offer to the other parent and formalise the offer by a Binding Child Support Agreement. While the parent should adjust the amount of child support as their income changes, there is not automatic notification to DHSCS.

    8. Family Violence (Intervention Order / AVO / DVO / FVO / FVRO)

     

    8.1. Overview


    A ‘Family Violence Intervention Order’ is a Court order prohibiting someone from committing family violence against a family member. Intervention orders are powerful because breaking the Court order is a criminal offence and the punishment may be serious.


    8.2. Meaning of 'Family Violence'


    'Family violence' in relation to intervention orders does not need to constitute a criminal offence.31 While the behaviour of criminal offences and family violence may overlap at times, the two are separate legal pathways.

    ‘Family violence’ in respect to intervention orders includes the following behaviour towards a family member:

    1. Physical abuse;
      1. Examples:
        1. Hitting, punching, pushing, pulling, kicking, choking.1

    2. Sexual abuse;
      1. Examples:
        1. Pressuring a person into doing sexual acts.19
        2. Pressuring a person into watching pornography.20
        3. Pressuring a person into filming pornography.21
        4. Rape.22

    3. Emotional or psychological abuse;
      1. Emotional or psycholofical abuse is behaviour that torments, intimidates, harasses or is offensive to the other person.36
      2. Examples:
        1. Endeavouring to find out a person's home address.32

    4. Economic abuse;
      1. Economic abuse is behaviour by a person that is coercive, deceptive, or unreasonably controls another person without their consent.23 The abuser's behaviour may occur in two ways:
        1. (1) The abuser may behave in way which denies the victim's financial autonomy;24 or
        2. (2) If the victim is financial reliant of the abuser, the abuser may withhold or threaten to withold financial support for the victim's or victim's child's living expenses.25

      2. Examples
        1. Coercing a person to give-up control over assets and income;2
        2. Removing or keeping (including threatening to remove or keep) a family member's property without permission;3
        3. Getting rid of property owned by a person, or owned jointly with a person, against the person's wishes (unless legally able to do so);4
        4. Preventing a person from having access to joint financial assets for the purposes of meeting normal household expenses (unless legally able to do so);5
        5. Preventing a person from seeking or keeping employment;6
        6. Coercing a person to claim social security payments;7
        7. Coercing a person to sign a power of attorney that would enable the person's finances to be managed by another person;8
        8. Coercing a person to sign a contract for the purchase of goods or services;9
        9. Coercing a person to sign a contract for getting finance, a loan or credit;10
        10. Coercing a person to sign a contract of guarantee;11
        11. Coercing a person to sign any legal document for the establishment or operation of a business.12

    5. Threats;
      1. Including:
        1. Threats to assault or to cause personal injury.26
        2. Threats to sexually assault or to sexually coerce.27
        3. Threats to damage property.28
        4. Threats to deprive a person's liberty.29
        5. Threats to kill or injure an animal.30
        6. Endeavouring to find out a person's home address.35

    6. Coercion;
    7. Any other behaviour which controls or dominates the family member and causes that family member to feel fear for the safety or wellbeing of that family member or another person;
      1. Examples:
        1. Endeavouring to find out a person's home address.34

    8. Behaviour by a person that causes a child to hear or witness, or otherwise be exposed to the effects of, the behaviour above.13
      1. Examples
        1. Overhearing threats of physical abuse by one family member towards another family member;14
        2. Seeing or hearing an assault of a family member by another family member;15
        3. Comforting or providing assistance to a family member who has been physically abused by another family member;16
        4. cleaning up a site after a family member has intentionally damaged another family member's property;17
        5. being present when police officers attend an incident involving physical abuse of a family member by another family member.18
    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6..

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 6.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5.

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 5(3).

    • YY v ZZ & Anor [2013] VSC 743 (Cavanough J), [66].

    • YY v ZZ & Anor [2013] VSC 743 (Cavanough J), [66].

    • YY v ZZ & Anor [2013] VSC 743 (Cavanough J), [66].

    • Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s 7.

    9. Bibliography

    9.1. Legislation


    1. Family Court Rules 1998 (WA)

    2. Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 (Cth)

    3. Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

    4. Family Law Regulations 1984 (Cth)

    5. Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth)

    6. Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999 (Cth)

    7. Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth)

    8. Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)

    9.2. Cases


    1. Blum & Blum [2019] FCCA 3346 (21 November 2019)

    2. Hencken & Dow [2019] FamCAFC 154 (AustLii) (Jade)

    3. In the Marriage of Bates and Sawyer (1977) FLC ¶90-319

    4. In the Marriage of Bevan (1993) 120 FLR 283

    5. In the Marriage of Nuell (1976) 1 Fam LR 11,239

    6. In the Marriage of Pavey (1976) 25 FLR 450

    7. In the Marriage of Redman [1987] FacCA 2

    8. In the Marriage of Todd (No 2) (1976) 25 FLR 260

    9. Maroney & Maroney [2009] FamCAFC 45

    10. Price v Underwood (2008) 39 Fam LR 614 (AustLii) (Jade)

    11. Yee & Woo [2018] FCCA 666 (AustLii) (Jade)

    9.3. Textbooks & Books

    1. The College of Law, Victoria Practice Papers 2019-2020 (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2019) vol 1

    2. Livermore, Maree, The Family Law Handbook (Thomson Reuters, 5th ed, 2019)

    3. Mills, Eithne, Focus: Family Law (LexisNexis Butterworths, 7th ed, 2017)

    4. Young, Lisa, Adiva Sifris, Robyn Carroll and Geoffrey Monahan, Family Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 9th ed, 2016)

    9.4. Online Legal Commentary



    1. LexisNexis, Australian Encyclopedia of Forms & Precedents (online at 12 October 2019) 270.85 Affidavit that the marriage certificate is lost, ‘Marriage Certificate’

    2. LexisNexis, Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents (online at 12 October 2019) 270.70 Affidavit Deposing to of Less Than 2 and That Marriage Years Counselling Should Not Be Required, ‘Application for Divorce’

    9.5. Websites



    1. Australian Capital Territory Government Access Canberra, Apply for a birth, death or marriage certificate (Webpage, 17 December 2019) <https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/18/~/apply-for-a-birth%2C-death-or-marriage-certificate#!tabs-4>

    2. Australian Government Department of Human Services, ABSTUDY (Webpage, 23 December 2019) <https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/abstudy>

    3. Australian Government Department of Human Services, Austudy (Webpage, 23 December 2019) <https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/austudy>

    4. Australian Government Department of Human Services, Health Care Card (Webpage, 12 May 2018) <https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/health-care-card>

    5. Australian Government Department of Human Services, Pensioner Concession Card (Webpage, 25 September 2019) <https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/pensioner-concession-card>

    6. Australian Government Department of Human Services, Youth Allowance (Webpage, 8 October 2019) <https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/youth-allowance>

    7. Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Get a marriage certificate (Webpage, 19 December 2019) <https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/marriages-and-relationships/get-a-marriage-certificate>

    8. Buying For Victoria, Document mail exchange (DX) service contract (Webpage, 18 November 2019) <https://buyingfor.vic.gov.au/document-mail-exchange-dx-service>

    9. Commonwealth Courts Portal, Application for Divorce (Webpage) <https://www.comcourts.gov.au/>

    10. Family Court of Australia, Counselling certificate for applicants married less than 2 years (Webpage, 10 May 2018) <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/forms-and-fees/court-forms/form-topics/divorce/counselling-certificate-for-applicants-married-less-than-2-years>

    11. Family Court of Australia, Family Law National Enquiry Centre (Webpage, 19 September 2019) <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/contact-us/national-enquiry-centre/fl-nec>

    12. Family Court of Australia, Have you been married less than two years? (Webpage, 1 March 2013) <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/reports-and-publications/publications/separation/have-you-been-married-less-than-two-years>

    13. Family Court of Australia, Live Chat (Webpage) <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/live-chat/live_chat>

    14. Family Court of Australia, Marriage, families and separation (prescribed brochure) (Webpage, 28 June 2019) <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/reports-and-publications/publications/separation/marriage-families-and-separation>

    15. Family Court of Western Australia, Forms (Webpage) <https://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au/_apps/doclist/doclist.aspx?forms>

    16. Family Court of Western Australia, Making an Application: Divorce (Webpage, 1 May 2019) <https://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au/A/application_divorce.aspx#file>

    17. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Affidavit (Webpage, 3 February 2009) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/forms-and-fees/court-forms/form-topics/all+jurisdictions/form-fcc-affidavit>

    18. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Affidavit Translation of Marriage Certificate (Webpage, 8 July 2014) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/forms-and-fees/court-forms/form-topics/Family+Law/form-affidavit-trans-marriage-cert>

    19. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Application for reduction of payment of divorce or decree of nullity - financial hardship (Webpage, 1 July 2019) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/forms-and-fees/court-forms/form-topics/family+law/form-application-reduction-divorce-decree-of-nullity-financial-hardship>

    20. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Court Locations (Webpage) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/contact-us/locations/court-locations>

    21. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Guidelines for reduced fee - divorce and decree of nullity application (Webpage, 1 July 2019) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/reports-and-publications/publications/family-law/guidelines-for-reduced-fee-divorce-and-decree-of-nullity-application>

    22. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, How do I apply for a Divorce? (Web Page, 12 August 2019) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/how-do-i/divorce/apply-for-a-divorce/apply-for-divorce>

    23. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, How do I serve a divorce? (Webpage, 22 July 2016) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/how-do-i/divorce/serve-divorce/serve-a-divorce>

    24. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Separated but living under one roof (Webpage, 1 March 2013) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/reports-and-publications/publications/family-law/separated-but-living-under-one-roof>

    25. Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Telephone/Video link attendance request (Web Page, 16 January 2017) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/forms-and-fees/court-forms/form-topics/family+law/telephone-video-attendance-request>

    26. Government of Western Australia Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Marriage Certificate (Webpage, 15 April 2019) <https://www.bdm.justice.wa.gov.au/M/marriage_certificate.aspx?uid=6132-6634-3584-1880>

    27. Legal Aid ACT, Legal Aid ACT (Webpage) <https://www.legalaidact.org.au/>

    28. Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania, Home (Webpage) <https://www.legalaid.tas.gov.au/>

    29. Legal Aid Queensland, Home (Webpage) <https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Home>

    30. Legal Aid New South Wales, Divorce factsheet 3 - Separation under the same roof (Webpage, June 2019) <https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/get-legal-help/factsheets-and-resources/divorce-factsheet-3-separation-under-the-same-roof>

    31. Legal Aid New South Wales, Home (Webpage, 3 December 2019) <https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/>

    32. Legal Aid Western Australia, Home (Webpage) <https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/>

    33. Legal Services Commission of South Australia, Grounds for divorce (Webpage, 29 May 2014) <https://lawhandbook.sa.gov.au/ch21s04s01.php>

    34. Legal Services Commission of South Australia, Home (Webpage) <https://lsc.sa.gov.au/>

    35. New South Wales Government Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages, Marriage certificate (Webpage) <https://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/Pages/marriages-relationships/marriage-certificate.aspx>

    36. Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission, Home (Webpage) <https://www.legalaid.nt.gov.au/>

    37. Northern Territory Government information and services, Apply for birth, death or marriage certificate (Webpage, 13 August 2019) <https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/apply-for-birth-death-or-marriage-certificate>

    38. Queensland Government, Marriage certificates (Webpage) <https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/birth-death-and-marriage-certificates/marriage-certificates>

    39. South Australia, Apply for a marriage or relationship certificate (Webpage, 10 December 2019) <https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/family-and-community/births-deaths-and-marriages/certificates/apply-for-a-marriage-or-relationship-certificate>

    40. Tasmanian Government Births, Deaths and Marriages, Apply for a marriage certificate (Webpage, 16 October 2018) <https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/apply-for-a-marriage-certificate>

    41. Victoria Legal Aid, Divorce (Webpage, 26 July 2016) <https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/find-legal-answers/separation-divorce-and-marriage-annulment/divorce>

    42. Victoria Legal Aid, Home (Webpage, 23 December 2019) <http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/>

    9.6. Miscellaneous

    1. Commonwealth of Australia, Annual Federal Courts and Tribunals Fee Increases from 1 July 2019, No C2019G00482, 04 Jun 2019 <https://lst.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gazette-Notice-Annual-Fee-Increases.pdf>

    2. Family Court of Australia, Practice Direction 2003/6: No. 6 of 2003 - Divorce Applications to be Filed in Federal Magistrates Court, 13 November 2003 <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/rules-and-legislation/practice-directions/2003/>

    3. Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Application for Divorce Kit (Guide) <http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/d9c6e4be-3288-4fc5-9080-e0ffb759beee/Divorce_Kit_0313_V2.pdf%3FMOD%3DAJPERES%26CONVERT_TO%3Durl%26CACHEID%3Dd9c6e4be-3288-4fc5-9080-e0ffb759beee>

    4. Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Marriage, families & separation (Brochure) <http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/reports-and-publications/publications/separation/marriage-families-and-separation>

    5. Family Court of Western Australia, Case Management Guidelines (7 May 2012) <https://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au/_files/Legal_resources/Case_Management_Guidelines.pdf>

    6. Family Court of Western Australia, Information Note: Same-Sex Marriages, 11 December 2017 <https://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au/_files/Information_Notes_Practice_Directions/InformationNote_Same_Sex_Divorce.pdf>

    10. About the Author

     

    Rod Hollier is a lawyer at M A Legal and the founder of The Law Project. He has completed the Juris Doctor (postgraduate law) at RMIT University and has worked for law firms since 2014. Rod is very serious about research and he strives to take legal knowledge to the next level.

    Outside of the law, Rod is a recovering coffee addict, a gym junkie, and he loves reading non-fiction books.

    You can find Rod on LinkedIn or email rod@thelawproject.com.au.