What is an alternative dispute resolution?Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a legal process in which the parties to a dispute attempt to resolve their dispute outside of a formal court hearing, often with the assistance of an independent third party.…

What is "the Family Court Merger"?On 1 September 2021, the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia (which initially operated effectively as two separate Courts) merged to become the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. With the amalgamation…

In NSW, child protection laws allow the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to become involved with families to protect children and young people from harm. A child’s surroundings, environment and family directly impact the way a child is able…

If you are involved in care proceedings in the Children’s Court of New South Wales you may be asked by the Court to attend a Dispute Resolution Conference (“DRC”). Why has the Court recommended a Dispute Resolution Conference (DRC)?The Court…

In this information sheet, we answer frequently asked questions about Alternative Dispute Resolution. What kinds there are and how they can help to resolve family law parenting and property disputes. What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is…

When is an Independent Legal Representative appointed?In the Children’s Court of New South Wales, the children subject to the proceedings will generally always have their own lawyer, appointed by the Court, and funded by Legal Aid.What is the purpose of…

An Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) is a court appointed legal representative for a child in a family law matter, before the Federal Circuit Court or Family Court. An ICL will represent your child or children throughout the legal proceedings. If…

Parental responsibility refers to how decisions are made for children. Generally parental responsibility is in relation to long-term decisions more so than day-to-day decisions. Long-term decisions primarily relate to where the children live, what health care they receive, what schools…

What is family violence?When considering what family violence is or whether you are a victim of family violence, it is important to be aware that it is not just physical violence, but can also be verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual and…

Often in a parenting matter before the Federal Circuit Court or Family Court, the Court will make an Order (either at the request of one party, by consent with all parties, or by their own accord) for the preparation of…