Federal Circuit Court of Australia Representation

The Federal Circuit Court historically handled the bulk of everyday family law matters in Australia — divorce applications, the majority of parenting and property disputes, and child support appeals — providing a more streamlined and accessible process than the former Family Court. Since 1 September 2021 it has formed Division 2 of the combined Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). At Bruce Dulley Family Lawyers we regularly appear in this court on behalf of Brisbane clients and can guide you through every step.

For most people, this is the court they will encounter. Divorce applications are dealt with here, as are most parenting applications and a large share of property settlements. The court was designed to be faster and less formal than the old Family Court, with simpler procedures intended to get matters resolved more quickly and at lower cost. Following the 2021 merger, a single set of rules and a single national case-management pathway now applies across both divisions, so that matters are triaged and managed consistently from filing through to resolution.

A matter generally starts with an application supported by affidavit material and, in financial cases, full and frank financial disclosure. The court then manages the case through directions, interim hearings to deal with anything urgent, and compulsory dispute resolution aimed at settlement. The strong emphasis on resolving matters by agreement means most cases never reach a final hearing — but where one is needed, the court will hear evidence and decide the outcome. We make sure your case is properly prepared at each of these stages, that deadlines and disclosure obligations are met, and that you understand what is happening and what to expect next.

The range of matters dealt with in Division 2 is broad: applications for divorce, parenting orders about living and time arrangements, property settlements and the division of assets and superannuation, spousal and de facto maintenance, enforcement of existing orders, and appeals from child support decisions. We act across all of these.

While the procedures here are designed to be more accessible, that does not mean you should navigate them without advice. The rules, the disclosure requirements and the evidence still have to be right, and the outcome — about your children, your home and your financial future — is too important to leave to guesswork. Sound preparation and clear advice make a real difference to both the result and the cost of getting there.

Whether you are filing for divorce, seeking parenting orders, or resolving a property dispute, we can represent you in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and work to achieve the best outcome efficiently. 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.