September has been a significant month for anyone involved in the family law systems. Previously family law matters were heard either in the Federal Circuit Court or Family Court of Australia based on their complexity. The Federal Circuit Court and Family Court are now merged and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (as one court) has commenced operation on 1 September 2021.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) will have two divisions:

Division 1 will only deal with family law matters while Division 2 hears family law, migration and other general federal law matters.

The merger promises harmony with one set of rules being Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021, one website fcfcoa.gov.au and one point of entry for all family law matters.

The objective of the new system is for participants to take ownership of their matters, reduced costs, stress and delay.

This short article does not provide legal advice and should not be relied as such. If you need legal assistance, get in touch with us.