Family Court of Australia Representation

The Family Court of Australia, now part of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), is the federal court that deals with the most complex family law disputes — difficult parenting cases, large or intricate property pools, international elements and serious allegations of family violence. Appearing in this court is daunting for anyone who has not done it before. At Bruce Dulley Family Lawyers we have represented Brisbane families in these courts for more than 40 years, and we know how to prepare and present a case effectively.

On 1 September 2021 the former Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court were combined into a single court, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, with a single set of rules and a single point of entry for most family law matters. This reform was designed to simplify the system, reduce delay and provide a clearer, more consistent path through the courts. Most family law applications are now filed in Division 2, with the most complex matters dealt with in Division 1. The Brisbane registry sits close to our offices at North Quay, which is convenient for our clients and for the appearances we conduct.

The court process typically begins with an initiating application setting out the orders you seek, supported by affidavit evidence and, in financial matters, full financial disclosure. The matter then moves through a series of court events — first returns, interim hearings where urgent issues are decided, dispute resolution steps, and, if the matter cannot be resolved, a final hearing or trial. Throughout this process the court actively encourages settlement, and the majority of cases resolve before trial. Our job is to position your case strongly at every stage, to resolve it by agreement where a fair outcome is available, and to be fully prepared to run a trial where it is not.

We assist with the full range of matters dealt with in this court: parenting disputes about where children live and the time they spend with each parent, property settlements involving businesses, trusts, superannuation and competing contribution claims, spousal maintenance, relocation and recovery applications, and matters with an international dimension. We also act in urgent applications, where the court can be asked to make orders quickly to protect a child or preserve assets.

Good representation in the FCFCOA is about far more than turning up on the day. It is about getting the affidavit evidence right, complying with the court's rules and timetables, obtaining the necessary valuations and reports, narrowing the issues in dispute, and presenting a clear, credible and well-organised case. Errors in preparation — incomplete disclosure, poorly drafted affidavits, missed deadlines — can be costly and hard to undo. Our experience means we get these fundamentals right.

If your matter is, or may be, heading to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, we can guide you through it from start to finish. Every family law matter is different. The information on this page is general only and is not legal advice. To discuss your situation in confidence, request a confidential consultation with our Brisbane family law team.