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What does the Family Court do?

The Family Court of Australia is a Commonwealth Court. It covers most states and territories of Australia. Western Australia has its own Family Court. 

If parents can't agree on what to do after separation, they may have to go to Family Court. There, a judge will decide.

The Court puts the needs of children first. This is part of the Family Law Act 1975. You can read about this Act on the Australian Government website (external link).

All children in Australia have the right to happiness and security. They have the right to a safe relationship with both parents if possible. Going through Family Court can be stressful. Help and support are available.

Is Family Court the only option?

Not everyone who has children together has to go to Family Court when the relationship ends.  Instead, you could:

The Court can approve Parenting Orders. They then become legally binding.

You do not need to make a parenting agreement or write the parenting orders yourself. You can get help and support from the Family Relationship Advice Line (external link). You can also find help through the Community Legal Centres website (external link).

You may need to go to the Family Court if:

  • You can't reach an agreement with your ex-partner about childcare and custody.
  • You want to file for divorce or divide your shared property after separation.

Preparing for Family Court

If you go to Family Court, you need a family lawyer to support you. People on a low income, like a disability support payment, can get help from legal aid (external link).

Your lawyer will explain the process to you. Disability should not make it unfair.

Your lawyer can help you access aids or other assistance you need. It could be:

  • A translator.
  • A communication aid.
  • Anything else you need to understand and participate.

If there has been domestic or family violence in your relationship, let your lawyer know.

You can also seek help from the free Family Advocacy and Support Service (external link). It supports people affected by domestic and family violence.

The Court will consider your safety in their decisions. The Court will also help you be safe during the court process.

How can disability affect decisions made at Family Court?

The Court may want to know how your disability does or does not affect your ability to look after your child on your own. It is a good idea to think about this before Court. How do you manage your disability as you care for your child?

Some parents with disability experience are treated unfairly in Court. For example, the Court may assume that your child is at risk just because you have a disability. Talk to your lawyer about this possibility.

How do judges make decisions in Family Court?

The judge will consider:

  • Parent responsibility. Usually, both parents are responsible for their children. The judge might make a court order for equal shared responsibility. This does not mean the child must spend equal time with each parent. Or, the Court can remove parenting responsibility from one or both parents. They might make a legal guardian responsible for the child instead.
  • Parenting time. How much time a child should spend with each parent varies. The judge will consider the child's age and how close the parents live to each other. There is no rule that children must spend equal time with each parent.
  • Financial responsibility. Both parents are financially responsible for children after separation, no matter who the child lives with. Parents can manage child support payments themselves. Or you can apply to Services Australia (external link) to collect child support through their systems.

Where to get help

Every Australian state and territory has a Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS). FASS offers free legal advice and help at Court for people affected by domestic and family violence. You can find more information about FASS on their website (external link) or call their 24/7 Crisis line: 1800 737 732.

You can also use support services such as carers, therapists and counsellors to support you. You can read more about counselling and therapy in our Support section.

1800 RESPECT

If you experience violence or abuse you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling.
Call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800 RESPECT website to chat with someone online (external link).

‍To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.

If you were not born in Australia

You can get more information about your rights when a relationship ends from the Immigration and Rights Advice Centre website (external link).

How to find practical help

This section of the website lets you know where to go and what to do when you need help. People who've been hurt by violence will find advice here, but others will find it helpful, too. There is information about legal support, health services, money, sex and relationships and violence and abuse. If you are in a difficult situation and don't know what to do, the strategies here can make a difference.

Find out more

Supporting children and young people

Witnessing family violence harms children and young people, and disability can increase the harm. You can help by letting them know they can talk about their experiences. You can also offer practical assistance. Here, we share common reactions to family violence. We explain how to report the problem and how to help with safety planning.

Find out more

Resources.

May 13, 2024

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Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence

You have rights - Easy Read

A guide for women with disability experiencing family and domestic violence.

Check resource

May 13, 2024

|

Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence

Your rights

A guide for women with disability and mothers of children with disability who have experience of family and domestic violence.

Check resource

May 13, 2024

|

SECCA

Online dating

Information about online dating.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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1800 RESPECT

Escape bag checklist

If you are going to leave a relationship, deciding what to take with you is an important step in creating a safety plan. This checklist helps you plan what you may need to take if you need to leave.

Check resource

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Family court

People go to Family Court if they can't agree on things like child custody and what to do with shared property after a relationship ends. Here, you can learn about what the Court does. You can get information on how it deals with disability and find support.

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