Family Law Rules 2004
Statutory Rules No. 375, 2003 as amended
made under the
Family Law Act 1975
Compilation start date: 1 January 2014
Includes amendments up to: SLI No. 282, 2013
This compilation has been split into 2 volumes
Volume 1: rules 1.01–27.01
Volume 2: Schedules
Dictionary
Endnotes
Each volume has its own contents
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Family Law Rules 2004 as in force on 1 January 2014. It includes any commenced amendment affecting the legislation to that date.
This compilation was prepared on 1 January 2014.
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of each amended provision.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not reflected in the text of the compiled law but the text of the amendments is included in the endnotes.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Modifications
If a provision of the compiled law is affected by a modification that is in force, details are included in the endnotes.
Provisions ceasing to have effect
If a provision of the compiled law has expired or otherwise ceased to have effect in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Chapter 1—Introduction 1
Part 1.1—Preliminary 1
1.01....................... Name of Rules.................................................................... 1
1.02....................... Commencement.................................................................. 1
1.03....................... Rules in Chapter 1 prevail................................................... 1
Part 1.2—Main purpose of Rules 2
1.04....................... Main purpose of Rules....................................................... 2
1.05....................... Pre‑action procedure........................................................... 2
1.06....................... Promoting the main purpose............................................... 3
1.07....................... Achieving the main purpose............................................... 3
1.08....................... Responsibility of parties and lawyers in achieving the main purpose 4
Part 1.3—Court’s powers in all cases 5
1.09....................... Procedural orders in cases of doubt or difficulty................ 5
1.10....................... Court may make orders....................................................... 5
1.11....................... Court may set aside or vary order....................................... 5
1.12....................... Court may dispense with Rules.......................................... 5
1.13....................... Judicial officer hearing application...................................... 6
1.14....................... Shortening or extension of time.......................................... 6
1.15....................... Time for compliance........................................................... 6
Part 1.4—Other preliminary matters 7
1.16....................... Definitions—the dictionary................................................. 7
1.17....................... Notes, examples etc............................................................ 7
1.18....................... Sittings................................................................................ 8
1.19....................... Prohibition on recording..................................................... 8
1.20....................... Publishing lists of cases...................................................... 9
1.21....................... Calculating time.................................................................. 9
Chapter 2—Starting a case 11
Part 2.1—Applications 11
2.01....................... Which application to file................................................... 11
2.02....................... Documents to be filed with applications........................... 13
2.02A.................... Documents filed by electronic communication.................. 16
Part 2.2—Brochures 17
2.03....................... Service of brochures......................................................... 17
Part 2.3—Notification in certain cases 18
Division 2.3.1—Cases involving allegation of abuse or family violence in relation to a child 18
2.04....................... Definition.......................................................................... 18
2.04A.................... Application of Division 2.3.1........................................... 18
2.04D.................... Prescribed form................................................................ 18
2.04E..................... Notice of family violence in existing cases....................... 18
2.05....................... Family violence order....................................................... 19
Division 2.3.2—Property settlement or spousal or de facto maintenance cases 20
2.06....................... Notification of proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application (Act ss 79B, 90M and 90VA) 20
2.07....................... Proceeds of crime............................................................. 20
Chapter 3—Divorce 21
Part 3.1—Application for Divorce 22
3.01....................... Fixing of hearing date....................................................... 22
3.02....................... Amendment of an Application for Divorce....................... 22
3.03....................... Discontinuance of an Application for Divorce.................. 22
Part 3.2—Response 23
3.04....................... Response.......................................................................... 23
3.05....................... Objection to jurisdiction.................................................... 23
3.06....................... Response out of time........................................................ 23
3.07....................... Affidavit to reply to information in an Application for Divorce 24
Part 3.3—Attendance at hearing 25
3.08....................... Attendance at hearing........................................................ 25
Part 3.4—Hearing in absence of parties 26
3.09....................... Seeking a hearing in absence of parties............................. 26
3.10....................... Hearing in absence of parties—joint application............... 26
3.11....................... Request not to hear case in parties’ absence...................... 26
Part 3.5—Events affecting divorce order 27
3.12....................... Application for rescission of divorce order....................... 27
3.13....................... Death of party................................................................... 27
Chapter 4—Application for Final Orders 28
Part 4.1—Introduction 29
4.01....................... Contents of Application for Final Orders......................... 29
4.02....................... Filing affidavits................................................................. 29
4.03....................... First court date.................................................................. 30
Part 4.2—Specific applications 31
Division 4.2.1—General 31
4.04....................... General provisions still apply........................................... 31
4.05....................... Application by Attorney‑General for transfer of case....... 31
Division 4.2.2—Cross‑vesting 32
4.06....................... Cross‑vesting matters....................................................... 32
4.07....................... Transfer of case................................................................ 32
Division 4.2.3—Medical procedure 33
4.08....................... Application for medical procedure.................................... 33
4.09....................... Evidence supporting application....................................... 33
4.10....................... Service of application........................................................ 34
4.11....................... Fixing of hearing date....................................................... 34
4.12....................... Procedure on first court date............................................. 35
Division 4.2.4—Spousal or de facto maintenance 36
4.14....................... Procedure on first court date............................................. 36
4.15....................... Evidence to be provided.................................................... 36
Division 4.2.5—Child support and child maintenance 38
4.16....................... Application of Division 4.2.5........................................... 39
4.17....................... Commencing proceedings................................................. 39
4.18....................... Documents to be filed with applications........................... 39
4.19....................... Child support agreements................................................. 40
4.20....................... Time limits for applications under Assessment Act.......... 41
4.21....................... Appeals on questions of law............................................. 41
4.22....................... Time limit for appeals on questions of law....................... 41
4.23....................... Service of application or notice of appeal.......................... 41
4.24....................... Service by Child Support Registrar.................................. 42
4.25....................... Procedure on first court date............................................. 42
4.26....................... Evidence to be provided.................................................... 43
Division 4.2.6—Nullity and validity of marriage and divorce 44
4.27....................... Application of Division 4.2.6........................................... 44
4.28....................... Fixing hearing date........................................................... 44
4.29....................... Affidavit to be filed with application................................. 44
Division 4.2.7—Applications relating to passports 45
4.30....................... Application relating to passport........................................ 45
4.31....................... Fixing hearing date........................................................... 45
Chapter 5—Applications for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders 46
Part 5.1—General 46
5.01....................... Restrictions in relation to applications............................... 46
5.01A.................... Filing of applications seeking parenting orders during the Christmas school holiday period 47
5.02....................... Evidence in applications to which Chapter 5 applies......... 48
5.03....................... Procedure before filing..................................................... 48
5.05....................... Fixing a date for hearing or case assessment conference.. 48
5.06....................... Attendance by electronic communication.......................... 49
5.07....................... Attendance of party or witness in prison.......................... 50
Part 5.2—Hearing—interim and procedural applications 52
5.08....................... Interim orders—matters to be considered......................... 52
5.09....................... Affidavits.......................................................................... 52
5.10....................... Hearing time of interim or procedural application............. 52
5.11....................... Party’s failure to attend..................................................... 52
Part 5.3—Application without notice 54
5.12....................... Application without notice................................................ 54
5.13....................... Necessary procedural orders............................................. 55
Part 5.4—Hearing on papers in absence of parties 56
5.14....................... Request for hearing in absence of parties.......................... 56
5.15....................... Objection to hearing in absence of parties......................... 56
5.16....................... Court decision to not proceed in absence of parties.......... 56
5.17....................... Procedure in hearing in absence of parties........................ 56
Part 5.5—Postponement of interim hearing 58
5.18....................... Administrative postponement of interim hearing.............. 58
Part 5.6—Application for certain orders 59
5.19....................... Application for suppression or non‑publication order...... 59
Chapter 6—Parties 60
Part 6.1—General 60
6.01....................... Parties............................................................................... 60
6.02....................... Necessary parties.............................................................. 60
Part 6.2—Adding and removing a party 62
6.03....................... Adding a party.................................................................. 62
6.04....................... Removing a party.............................................................. 62
6.05....................... Intervention by a person seeking to become a party.......... 62
6.06....................... Intervention by a person entitled to intervene.................... 63
6.07....................... Notice of constitutional matter.......................................... 64
Part 6.3—Case guardian 65
6.08A.................... Interpretation..................................................................... 65
6.08....................... Conducting a case by case guardian.................................. 65
6.09....................... Who may be a case guardian............................................. 65
6.10....................... Appointment, replacement or removal of case guardian.... 65
6.11....................... Attorney‑General may nominate case guardian................. 66
6.12....................... Notice of becoming case guardian.................................... 66
6.13....................... Conduct of case by case guardian..................................... 66
6.14....................... Costs of case guardian...................................................... 67
Part 6.4—Progress of case after death 68
6.15....................... Death of party................................................................... 68
Part 6.5—Progress of a case after bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement 69
6.16....................... Interpretation..................................................................... 69
6.17....................... Notice of bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement... 69
6.18....................... Notice under paragraph 6.17 (1) (b)................................. 70
6.19....................... Notice under paragraph 6.17 (1) (c).................................. 70
6.20....................... Notice of bankruptcy proceedings.................................... 71
6.21....................... Notice of application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act 71
6.22....................... Official name of trustee..................................................... 72
Chapter 7—Service 73
Part 7.1—General 73
7.01A.................... Application....................................................................... 73
7.01....................... Service.............................................................................. 73
7.02....................... Court’s discretion regarding service................................. 74
7.03....................... Service of documents........................................................ 74
7.04....................... Service of filed documents................................................ 75
Part 7.2—Special service 77
7.05....................... Special service.................................................................. 77
7.06....................... Special service by hand..................................................... 77
7.07....................... Special service by post or electronic communication........ 77
7.08....................... Special service through a lawyer....................................... 78
7.09....................... Special service on person with a disability........................ 78
7.10....................... Special service on a prisoner............................................. 79
7.11....................... Special service on a corporation........................................ 79
Part 7.3—Ordinary service 80
7.12....................... Ordinary service............................................................... 80
Part 7.4—Proof of service 81
7.13....................... Proof of service................................................................ 81
7.14....................... Proof of special service..................................................... 81
7.15....................... Evidence of identity.......................................................... 81
Part 7.5—Other matters about service 83
7.16....................... Service by electronic communication................................ 83
7.17....................... When service is taken to have been carried out................. 83
7.18....................... Service with conditions or dispensing with service.......... 84
Part 7.6—Service in non‑convention country 85
7.19....................... Service in non‑convention country................................... 85
7.20....................... Proof of service in non‑convention country...................... 85
Chapter 8—Right to be heard and address for service 87
Part 8.1—Right to be heard and representation 87
8.01....................... Right to be heard and representation................................. 87
8.02....................... Independent children’s lawyer.......................................... 88
8.03....................... Lawyer—conflicting interests........................................... 89
8.04....................... Lawyer—ceasing to act..................................................... 89
Part 8.2—Address for service 90
8.05....................... Address for service........................................................... 90
8.06....................... Change of address for service........................................... 90
Chapter 9—Response and reply 92
Part 9.1—Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) 92
9.01....................... Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law)......... 92
9.02....................... Filing an affidavit with Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) 93
9.03....................... Response objecting to jurisdiction.................................... 93
Part 9.2—Reply to Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) 95
9.04....................... Applicant reply to Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) (Reply) 95
9.04A.................... Additional party reply to Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law), (Reply) 95
Part 9.3—Response to Application in a Case 96
9.05....................... Response to Application in a Case.................................... 96
9.06....................... Affidavit to be filed with Response to an Application in a Case 96
9.07....................... Affidavit in reply to Response to an Application in a Case 96
Part 9.4—Filing and service 97
9.08....................... Time for filing and service of response or reply............... 97
Chapter 10—Ending a case without a trial 98
Part 10.1—Offers to settle 98
Division 10.1.1—General 98
10.01..................... How to make an offer....................................................... 98
10.02..................... Open and ‘without prejudice’ offer................................... 99
10.03..................... How to withdraw an offer................................................ 99
10.04..................... How to accept an offer...................................................... 99
10.05..................... Counter‑offer.................................................................. 100
Division 10.1.2—Offer to settle—property cases 101
10.06..................... Compulsory offer to settle.............................................. 101
10.07..................... Withdrawal of offer........................................................ 101
Part 10.2—Discontinuing a case 102
10.10..................... Definition........................................................................ 102
10.11..................... Discontinuing a case....................................................... 102
Part 10.3—Summary orders and separate decisions 104
10.12..................... Application for summary orders..................................... 104
10.13..................... Application for separate decision.................................... 104
10.14..................... What the court may order under this Part........................ 104
Part 10.4—Consent orders 105
10.15..................... How to apply for a consent order................................... 105
10.15A.................. Consent parenting orders and allegations of abuse or family violence 106
10.16..................... Notice to superannuation trustee..................................... 107
10.17..................... Dealing with a consent order.......................................... 107
10.18..................... Lapsing of respondent’s consent.................................... 108
Chapter 11—Case management 109
Part 11.1—Court’s powers of case management 109
11.01..................... General powers............................................................... 109
11.02..................... Failure to comply with a legislative provision or order... 111
11.03..................... Relief from orders........................................................... 111
11.05 Application for leave to institute proceedings after vexatious proceedings order made 112
11.06..................... Dismissal for want of prosecution.................................. 113
Part 11.2—Limiting issues 114
Division 11.2.1—Admissions 114
11.07..................... Request to admit............................................................. 114
11.08..................... Notice disputing fact or document.................................. 114
11.09..................... Withdrawing admission.................................................. 115
Division 11.2.2—Amendment 116
11.10..................... Amendment by a party or court order............................. 116
11.11..................... Time limit for amendment............................................... 117
11.12..................... Amending a document.................................................... 117
11.13..................... Response to amended document..................................... 117
11.14..................... Disallowance of amendment........................................... 117
Part 11.3—Venue 118
Division 11.3.1—Open court and chambers 118
11.16..................... Cases in chambers.......................................................... 118
Division 11.3.2—Transferring a case 119
11.17..................... Transfer to another court or registry............................... 119
11.18..................... Factors to be considered for transfer............................... 119
Division 11.3.3—Transfer of court file 121
11.20..................... Transfer between courts.................................................. 121
Chapter 12—Court events—Registrar managed 122
Part 12.1—Application of Chapter 12 122
12.01..................... Application of Chapter 12............................................... 122
Part 12.2—Specific court events 123
12.02..................... Property case—exchange of documents before first court date 123
12.03..................... Case assessment conference........................................... 124
12.04..................... Initial procedural hearing in a parenting case.................. 125
12.05..................... Property case—exchange of documents before conciliation conference 126
12.06..................... Financial questionnaire and balance sheet....................... 126
12.07..................... Conduct of a conciliation conference.............................. 127
12.08..................... Procedural hearing in a financial case............................. 127
12.09..................... Procedural hearing after the Child Responsive Program. 128
12.10..................... Procedural hearing where the application includes both a financial case and a parenting case 128
12.10A.................. Expedition....................................................................... 129
Part 12.4—Attendance at court events 131
12.11..................... Party’s attendance........................................................... 131
12.12..................... Attendance by electronic communication........................ 131
12.13..................... Failure to attend court events.......................................... 131
Part 12.5—Adjournment and postponement of court events 133
12.14..................... Administrative postponement of conferences or procedural hearings 133
Chapter 13—Disclosure 134
Part 13.1—Disclosure between parties 135
Division 13.1.1—General duty of disclosure 135
13.01..................... General duty of disclosure.............................................. 135
Division 13.1.2—Duty of disclosure—financial cases 136
13.02..................... Purpose of Division 13.1.2............................................. 136
13.03..................... Definition........................................................................ 136
13.04..................... Full and frank disclosure................................................ 136
13.05..................... Financial statement.......................................................... 138
13.06..................... Amendment of Financial Statement................................ 138
Part 13.2—Duty of disclosure—documents 139
Division 13.2.1—Disclosure of documents—all cases 139
13.07..................... Duty of disclosure—documents..................................... 139
13.08..................... Inspection of documents................................................. 139
13.09..................... Production of original documents................................... 140
13.10..................... Disclosure by inspection of documents.......................... 140
13.11..................... Costs for inspection........................................................ 140
13.12..................... Documents that need not be produced............................ 140
13.13..................... Objection to production.................................................. 141
13.14..................... Consequence of non‑disclosure...................................... 141
13.15..................... Undertaking by party...................................................... 142
13.16..................... Time for filing undertaking............................................. 143
Division 13.2.2—Disclosure of documents—certain applications 144
13.17..................... Application of Division 13.2.2....................................... 144
13.18..................... Party may seek order about disclosure............................ 144
Division 13.2.3—Disclosure of documents—Initiating Applications (Family Law) 145
13.19..................... Application of Division 13.2.3....................................... 145
13.20..................... Disclosure by service of a list of documents................... 145
13.21..................... Disclosure by inspection of documents.......................... 146
13.22..................... Application for order for disclosure................................ 147
13.23..................... Costs of compliance........................................................ 148
13.24..................... Electronic disclosure....................................................... 148
Part 13.3—Answers to specific questions 149
13.25..................... Application of Part 13.3.................................................. 149
13.26..................... Service of specific questions........................................... 149
13.27..................... Answering specific questions......................................... 150
13.28..................... Orders in relation to specific questions........................... 150
Part 13.4—Information from non‑parties 151
Division 13.4.1—Employment information 151
13.29..................... Purpose of Division 13.4.1............................................. 151
13.30..................... Employment information................................................ 151
Chapter 14—Property orders 152
14.01..................... Orders about property..................................................... 152
14.02..................... Service of application...................................................... 153
14.03..................... Inspection....................................................................... 153
14.04..................... Application for Anton Piller order.................................. 153
14.05..................... Application for Mareva order......................................... 154
14.06..................... Notice to superannuation trustee..................................... 155
14.07..................... Notice about intervention under Part VIII or VIIIAB of Act 156
Chapter 15—Evidence 157
15.01..................... Definition........................................................................ 157
Part 15.1—Children 157
15.02..................... Restriction on child’s evidence....................................... 157
15.04..................... Family reports................................................................. 158
Part 15.2—Affidavits 159
15.05..................... No general right to file affidavits.................................... 159
15.06..................... Reliance on affidavits...................................................... 159
15.08..................... Form of affidavit............................................................. 159
15.09..................... Making an affidavit......................................................... 160
15.10..................... Affidavit of illiterate or blind person etc......................... 160
15.12..................... Documents attached........................................................ 161
15.13..................... Striking out objectionable material.................................. 162
15.14..................... Notice to attend for cross‑examination............................ 162
15.15..................... Deponent’s attendance and expenses.............................. 163
Part 15.3—Subpoenas 164
Division 15.3.1—General 164
15.16..................... Interpretation................................................................... 164
15.17..................... Issuing a subpoena......................................................... 164
15.18..................... Subpoena not to issue in certain circumstances............... 165
15.20..................... Amendment of subpoena................................................ 165
15.21..................... Subpoenas to produce documents................................... 166
15.22..................... Service............................................................................ 166
15.23..................... Conduct money and witness fees.................................... 166
15.24..................... When compliance is not required.................................... 166
15.25..................... Discharge of subpoena obligation................................... 167
15.26..................... Objection to subpoena.................................................... 167
Division 15.3.2—Production of documents and access by parties 169
15.27..................... Application of Division 15.3.2....................................... 169
15.28..................... Service of subpoena for production................................ 169
15.29..................... Compliance with subpoena............................................. 170
15.30..................... Right to inspect and copy................................................ 170
15.31..................... Objection to inspection or copying of document............. 171
15.32..................... Court permission to inspect documents.......................... 172
15.34..................... Production of document from another court................... 172
15.35..................... Return of documents produced....................................... 173
Division 15.3.3—Non‑compliance with subpoena 174
15.36..................... Non‑compliance with subpoena...................................... 174
Division 15.3.4—Subpoenas in Trans‑Tasman Cases 175
15.36A.................. Application of Division 15.3.4....................................... 175
15.36B................... General rules to apply..................................................... 175
15.36C................... Definition for Division 15.3.4........................................ 175
15.36D.................. Subpoenas not to be served without leave...................... 175
15.36E................... Application for leave to serve subpoena in New Zealand 175
15.36F................... Hearing of application..................................................... 177
15.36G.................. Setting aside subpoena.................................................... 177
15.36H.................. Service of subpoena........................................................ 178
15.36I.................... Compliance..................................................................... 178
15.36J.................... Non‑compliance.............................................................. 178
Part 15.4—Assessors 179
15.37..................... Application of Part 15.4.................................................. 179
15.38..................... Appointing an assessor................................................... 179
15.39..................... Assessor’s report............................................................ 179
15.40..................... Remuneration of assessor............................................... 180
Part 15.5—Expert evidence 181
Division 15.5.1—General 181
15.41..................... Application of Part 15.5.................................................. 181
15.42..................... Purpose of Part 15.5....................................................... 182
15.43..................... Definition........................................................................ 182
Division 15.5.2—Single expert witness 183
15.44..................... Appointment of single expert witness by parties............ 183
15.45..................... Order for single expert witness....................................... 183
15.46..................... Orders the court may make............................................. 184
15.47..................... Single expert witness’s fees and expenses...................... 184
15.48..................... Single expert witness’s report......................................... 185
15.49..................... Appointing another expert witness................................. 185
15.50..................... Cross‑examination of single expert witness.................... 185
Division 15.5.3—Permission for expert’s evidence 187
15.51..................... Permission for expert’s reports and evidence................. 187
15.52..................... Application for permission for expert witness................ 187
Division 15.5.4—Instructions and disclosure of expert’s report 189
15.53..................... Application of Division 15.5.4....................................... 189
15.54..................... Instructions to expert witness......................................... 189
15.55..................... Mandatory disclosure of expert’s report......................... 190
15.56..................... Provision of information about fees................................ 190
15.57..................... Application for provision of information........................ 190
15.58..................... Failure to disclose report................................................. 191
Division 15.5.5—Expert witness’s duties and rights 192
15.59..................... Expert witness’s duty to the court................................... 192
15.60..................... Expert witness’s right to seek orders.............................. 193
15.61..................... Expert witness’s evidence in chief.................................. 193
15.62..................... Form of expert’s report................................................... 194
15.63..................... Contents of expert’s report............................................. 194
15.64..................... Consequences of non‑compliance................................... 195
Division 15.5.6—Clarification of single expert witness reports 197
15.64A.................. Purpose........................................................................... 197
15.64B................... Conference...................................................................... 197
15.65..................... Questions to single expert witness.................................. 198
15.66..................... Single expert witness’s answers..................................... 198
15.67..................... Single expert witness’s costs.......................................... 199
15.67A.................. Application for directions............................................... 199
Division 15.5.7—Evidence from 2 or more expert witnesses 200
15.68..................... Application of Division 15.5.7....................................... 200
15.69..................... Conference of expert witnesses...................................... 200
15.70..................... Conduct of trial with expert witnesses............................ 201
Part 15.6—Other matters about evidence 202
15.71..................... Court may call evidence.................................................. 202
15.72..................... Order for examination of witness................................... 202
15.73..................... Letters of request............................................................ 202
15.74..................... Hearsay evidence—notice under section 67 of the Evidence Act 1995 203
15.75..................... Transcript receivable in evidence.................................... 203
15.76..................... Notice to produce............................................................ 204
15.77..................... Parenting questionnaire................................................... 204
Chapter 16—Court events—Judge managed 205
Part 16.1—Preliminary 205
16.01..................... Application..................................................................... 205
16.02..................... Compliance check........................................................... 205
16.03..................... Vacating dates that are Judge managed........................... 206
Part 16.2—Proceedings before the Judge—general 207
16.04..................... Trial management............................................................ 207
16.05..................... Attendance, submissions and evidence by electronic communication 208
16.06..................... Foreign evidence by electronic communication............... 210
16.07..................... Parties’ participation....................................................... 211
Part 16.3—Proceedings before the Judge—parenting case 212
16.08..................... First day of trial.............................................................. 212
16.09..................... Continuation of trial........................................................ 212
16.10..................... Final stage of trial........................................................... 213
Part 16.4—Proceedings before the Judge—financial case 214
16.11..................... The first procedural hearing before the Judge................. 214
16.12..................... Further days before the Judge......................................... 214
16.13..................... The trial........................................................................... 214
Part 16.5—Proceedings before the Judge—combined parenting and financial cases 215
16.14..................... Conduct of combined cases............................................ 215
Chapter 16A—Division 12A of Part VII of the Act 216
Part 16A.1—Consent for Division 12A of Part VII of the Act to apply to a case 216
16A.01.................. Definition........................................................................ 216
16A.02.................. Application of Part 16A.1............................................... 217
16A.03.................. Consent for Division 12A of Part VII of the Act to apply 217
16A.04.................. Application for Division 12A of Part VII of the Act to apply for case commenced by application before 1 July 2006................................................................................ 217
Part 16A.2—Trials of certain cases to which Division 12A of Part VII of the Act applies 218
16A.05.................. Definitions...................................................................... 218
16A.06.................. Application..................................................................... 218
16A.10.................. Parties to be sworn etc.................................................... 219
Chapter 17—Orders 220
17.01..................... When an order is made................................................... 220
17.02..................... Errors in orders............................................................... 221
17.03..................... Rate of interest................................................................ 221
17.04..................... Order for payment of money.......................................... 222
17.05..................... Order for payment of fine............................................... 222
Chapter 18—Powers of Judicial Registrars, Registrars and Deputy Registrars 223
Part 18.1—Delegation of powers to Judicial Registrars and Registrars 223
Division 18.1.1—General 223
18.01A.................. Definitions...................................................................... 223
18.01..................... Exercise of powers and functions................................... 223
Division 18.1.2—Delegation to Judicial Registrars 225
18.02..................... Delegation of powers to Judicial Registrars.................... 225
18.03..................... Property value exceeding limit—power to determine case 226
Division 18.1.3—Delegation of powers to Registrars and Deputy Registrars 227
18.04..................... Application of Division 18.1.3....................................... 227
18.05..................... Registrars........................................................................ 227
18.06..................... Deputy Registrars........................................................... 229
Part 18.2—Review of decisions 233
18.07..................... Application of Part 18.2.................................................. 233
18.08..................... Review of order or decision............................................ 233
18.09..................... Stay................................................................................. 234
18.10..................... Power of court on review............................................... 234
Chapter 19—Party/party costs 236
Part 19.1—General 236
19.01..................... Application of Chapter 19............................................... 236
19.02..................... Interest on outstanding costs........................................... 237
Part 19.2—Obligations of a lawyer about costs 238
19.03..................... Duty to inform about costs............................................. 238
19.04..................... Notification of costs........................................................ 238
Part 19.3—Security for costs 240
19.05..................... Application for security for costs.................................... 240
19.06..................... Order for security for costs............................................. 240
19.07..................... Finalising security........................................................... 241
Part 19.4—Costs orders 242
19.08..................... Order for costs................................................................ 242
19.09..................... Costs order for cases in other courts............................... 242
19.10..................... Costs orders against lawyers.......................................... 243
19.11..................... Notice of costs order....................................................... 243
Part 19.5—Calculation of costs 244
19.18..................... Method of calculation of costs........................................ 244
19.19..................... Maximum amount of party/party costs recoverable........ 244
Part 19.6—Claiming and disputing costs 246
Division 19.6.1—Itemised costs account 246
19.20..................... Request for itemised costs account................................. 246
19.21..................... Service of lawyer’s itemised costs account..................... 246
19.22..................... Lawyer’s itemised costs account..................................... 246
19.23..................... Disputing itemised costs account.................................... 247
19.24..................... Assessment of disputed costs......................................... 247
19.25..................... Amendment of itemised costs account and Notice Disputing Itemised Costs Account 248
Division 19.6.2—Assessment process 249
19.26..................... Fixing date for first court event....................................... 249
19.27..................... Notification of hearing.................................................... 249
19.28..................... Settlement conference..................................................... 249
19.29..................... Preliminary assessment................................................... 249
19.30..................... Objection to preliminary assessment amount.................. 250
19.31..................... If no objection to preliminary assessment....................... 250
19.32..................... Assessment hearing........................................................ 251
19.33..................... Powers of Registrars...................................................... 251
19.34..................... Assessment principles.................................................... 252
19.35..................... Allowance for matters not specified................................ 253
19.36..................... Neglect or delay before Registrar.................................... 254
19.37..................... Costs assessment order—costs account not disputed..... 254
19.38..................... Setting aside a costs assessment order............................ 255
Part 19.7—Specific costs matters 256
19.40..................... Costs in court of summary jurisdiction........................... 256
19.41..................... Charge for each page...................................................... 256
19.42..................... Proportion of costs......................................................... 256
19.43..................... Costs for reading............................................................ 256
19.44..................... Postage within Australia................................................. 257
19.45..................... Waiting and travelling time............................................. 257
19.46..................... Agent’s fees.................................................................... 257
19.49..................... Costs of cases not started together.................................. 258
19.50..................... Certificate as to counsel.................................................. 258
19.51..................... Lawyer as counsel—party and party costs...................... 258
19.52..................... Lawyer as counsel—assessment of fees......................... 259
Part 19.8—Review of assessment 260
19.54..................... Application for review.................................................... 260
19.55..................... Time for filing an application for review......................... 260
19.56..................... Hearing of application..................................................... 260
Chapter 20—Enforcement of financial orders and obligations 262
Part 20.1—General 262
20.01..................... Enforceable obligations................................................... 262
20.02..................... When an agreement may be enforced.............................. 263
20.03..................... When a child support liability may be enforced.............. 264
20.04..................... Who may enforce an obligation...................................... 264
20.05..................... Enforcing an obligation to pay money............................ 265
20.06..................... Affidavit to be filed for enforcement order..................... 265
20.07..................... General enforcement powers of court............................. 266
20.08..................... Enforcement order.......................................................... 266
20.09..................... Discharging, suspending or varying enforcement order. 267
Part 20.2—Information for aiding enforcement 268
Division 20.2.1—Processes for aiding enforcement 268
20.10..................... Processes for obtaining financial information................. 268
Division 20.2.2—Enforcement hearings 269
20.11..................... Enforcement hearing....................................................... 269
20.12..................... Obligations of payer....................................................... 269
20.13..................... Subpoena of witness....................................................... 270
20.14..................... Failure concerning Financial Statement or enforcement hearing 270
Part 20.3—Enforcement warrants 272
Division 20.3.1—General 272
20.15..................... Definitions...................................................................... 272
20.16..................... Request for Enforcement Warrant................................... 272
20.17..................... Period during which Enforcement Warrant is in force.... 273
20.18..................... Enforcement officer’s responsibilities............................. 273
20.19..................... Directions for enforcement............................................. 274
20.20..................... Effect of Enforcement Warrant....................................... 275
20.21..................... Advertising before sale................................................... 275
20.21A.................. Sale of property at reasonable price................................ 276
20.21B................... Conditions of sale of property........................................ 277
20.22..................... Result of sale of property under Enforcement Warrant... 277
20.23..................... Payee’s responsibilities................................................... 278
20.24..................... Orders for real property.................................................. 279
Division 20.3.2—Claims by person affected by an Enforcement Warrant 281
20.25..................... Notice of claim................................................................ 281
20.26..................... Payee to admit or dispute claim....................................... 281
20.27..................... Admitting claim.............................................................. 281
20.28..................... Denial or no response to claim........................................ 281
20.29..................... Hearing of application..................................................... 282
Part 20.4—Third Party Debt Notice 283
20.30..................... Application of Part 20.4.................................................. 283
20.31..................... Money deposited in a financial institution....................... 283
20.32..................... Request for Third Party Debt Notice.............................. 283
20.33..................... Service of Third Party Debt Notice................................. 284
20.34..................... Effect of Third Party Debt Notice—general.................... 284
20.35..................... Employer’s obligations................................................... 285
20.36..................... Duration of Third Party Debt Notice.............................. 285
20.37..................... Response to Third Party Debt Notice............................. 285
20.38..................... Discharge of Third Party Debt Notice............................ 286
20.39..................... Claim by affected person................................................ 286
20.40..................... Cessation of employment................................................ 286
20.41..................... Compliance with Third Party Debt Notice...................... 287
Part 20.5—Sequestration of property 289
20.42..................... Application for sequestration of property....................... 289
20.43..................... Order for sequestration................................................... 289
20.44..................... Order relating to sequestration........................................ 290
20.45..................... Procedural orders for sequestration................................ 290
Part 20.6—Receivership 292
20.46..................... Application for appointment of receiver.......................... 292
20.47..................... Appointment and powers of receiver.............................. 292
20.48..................... Security........................................................................... 293
20.49..................... Accounts......................................................................... 293
20.50..................... Objection to accounts...................................................... 293
20.51..................... Removal of receiver........................................................ 294
20.52..................... Compliance with orders and Rules................................. 294
Part 20.7—Enforcement of obligations other than an obligation to pay money 295
20.53..................... Application for other enforcement orders....................... 295
20.54..................... Warrant for possession of real property.......................... 295
20.55..................... Warrant for delivery........................................................ 295
20.56..................... Warrant for seizure and detention of property................. 296
Part 20.8—Other provisions about enforcement 297
20.57..................... Service of order.............................................................. 297
20.58..................... Certificate for payments under maintenance order.......... 297
20.59..................... Enforcement by or against a non‑party........................... 297
20.60..................... Powers of enforcement officer........................................ 297
Chapter 21—Enforcement of parenting orders, contravention of orders and contempt 299
Part 21.1—Applications for enforcement of orders, contravention of orders and contempt of court 300
21.01..................... Application of Part 21.1.................................................. 300
21.02..................... How to apply for an order.............................................. 300
21.03..................... Application made or continued by Marshal.................... 302
21.04..................... Contempt in the court room............................................ 302
21.05..................... Fixing of hearing date..................................................... 303
21.06..................... Response to an application.............................................. 303
21.07..................... Failure of respondent to attend........................................ 303
21.08..................... Procedure at hearing....................................................... 303
Part 21.2—Parenting orders—compliance 305
21.09..................... Duties of program provider............................................ 305
21.10..................... Relisting for hearing....................................................... 305
Part 21.3—Location and recovery orders 306
21.11..................... Application of Part 21.3.................................................. 306
21.12..................... Application for order under Part 21.3............................. 306
21.13..................... Fixing of hearing date..................................................... 306
21.14..................... Service of recovery order................................................ 306
21.15..................... Application for directions for execution of recovery order 307
Part 21.4—Warrants for arrest 308
21.16..................... Application for warrant................................................... 308
21.17..................... Execution of warrant....................................................... 308
21.18..................... Duration of warrant........................................................ 309
21.19..................... Procedure after arrest...................................................... 309
21.20..................... Application for release or setting aside warrant.............. 310
Chapter 22—Appeals 311
Part 22.1—Introduction 311
22.01..................... Application of Chapter 22............................................... 311
Part 22.2—Starting an appeal 312
22.02..................... Starting an appeal............................................................ 312
22.03..................... Time for appeal............................................................... 312
22.04..................... Parties to an appeal......................................................... 313
22.05..................... Service............................................................................ 313
22.06..................... Notice about appeal to other courts................................. 313
22.07..................... Cross‑appeal................................................................... 313
22.08..................... Time for cross‑appeal..................................................... 314
22.09..................... Amendment of Notice of Appeal.................................... 314
22.10..................... Documents filed in a current appeal................................ 314
22.11..................... Stay................................................................................. 314
22.12..................... Application for leave to appeal........................................ 315
22.13..................... Filing draft index to appeal books................................... 315
Part 22.3—Appeal to Full Court 317
22.14..................... Application of Part 22.3.................................................. 317
22.15..................... Procedural hearing.......................................................... 317
22.16..................... Attendance at first procedural hearing............................. 318
22.17..................... Orders to be made at procedural hearing......................... 318
22.18..................... Preparation of appeal books............................................ 319
22.19..................... Contents of appeal books................................................ 319
22.20..................... Form of appeal books..................................................... 320
22.21..................... Failure to file appeal books by due date.......................... 321
22.22..................... Summary of argument and list of authorities.................. 321
Part 22.4—Appeal from Federal Magistrates Court or a Family Law Magistrate of Western Australia heard by single Judge 322
22.23..................... Application of Part 22.4.................................................. 322
22.24..................... Procedural hearing.......................................................... 322
22.25..................... Attendance at procedural hearing.................................... 322
22.26..................... Procedural orders for conduct of appeal......................... 323
22.27..................... Documents for appeal hearing if appeal book not required 323
Part 22.5—Appeal from court of summary jurisdiction other than a Family Law Magistrate of Western Australia 325
22.28..................... Application of Part 22.5.................................................. 325
22.29..................... Fixing of hearing date..................................................... 325
Part 22.6—Powers of appeal courts and conduct of appeal 326
22.30..................... Non‑attendance by party................................................. 326
22.31..................... Attendance by electronic communication........................ 326
22.32..................... Attendance of party in prison.......................................... 327
22.33..................... Short reasons for decision.............................................. 328
22.34..................... Subpoenas...................................................................... 328
Part 22.7—Applications in relation to appeals 329
Division 22.7.1—How to make an application 329
22.35..................... Application of Part 22.7.................................................. 329
22.36..................... Application in relation to appeal...................................... 329
22.37..................... Hearing date for application............................................ 329
22.38..................... Decision without an oral hearing.................................... 329
Division 22.7.2—Specific applications relating to appeals 331
22.39..................... Further evidence on appeal............................................. 331
22.40..................... Review of Regional Appeal Registrar’s order................ 331
Part 22.8—Concluding an appeal, an application for leave to appeal or an application in relation to an appeal 332
22.41..................... Consent orders on appeal................................................ 332
22.42..................... Discontinuance of appeal or application.......................... 332
22.43..................... Abandoning an appeal.................................................... 332
22.44..................... Application for reinstatement of appeal........................... 333
22.45..................... Dismissal of appeal and applications for non‑compliance or delay 333
Part 22.9—Case stated 334
22.46..................... Application of Part 22.9.................................................. 334
22.47..................... Case stated...................................................................... 334
22.48..................... Objection to draft case stated.......................................... 334
22.49..................... Settlement and signing.................................................... 335
22.50..................... Filing of copies of case stated......................................... 335
22.51..................... Fixing of hearing date..................................................... 335
22.52..................... Summary of argument and list of authorities.................. 335
Part 22.10—Costs orders 337
22.53..................... Order for costs................................................................ 337
Chapter 23—Registration of documents 338
Part 23.1—Registration of agreements, orders and child support debts 338
23.01..................... Registration of agreements.............................................. 338
23.01A.................. Registration of State child orders under section 70C or 70D of the Act 339
23.01B................... Registration of de facto maintenance orders under section 90SI of the Act 339
23.02..................... Registration of debt due to the Commonwealth under child support legislation 339
Part 23.2—Parenting plans 340
23.03..................... Requirements for registration of an agreement revoking a registered parenting plan 340
23.04..................... Court may require service or additional information....... 340
23.05..................... Application may be dealt with in chambers..................... 341
Chapter 24—Documents, filing, registry 342
Part 24.1—Requirements for documents 342
24.01..................... General requirements...................................................... 342
24.02..................... Corporation as a party..................................................... 343
24.03..................... Change of name of party................................................. 343
24.04..................... Forms............................................................................. 344
Part 24.2—Filing documents 345
24.05..................... How a document is filed................................................. 345
24.06..................... Filing a document by facsimile....................................... 346
24.07..................... Filing by e‑mail and Internet........................................... 346
24.08..................... Additional copies for filing............................................. 347
24.09..................... Documents filed during a case........................................ 348
24.10..................... Rejection of documents................................................... 348
24.11..................... Filing a notice of payment into court............................... 349
Part 24.3—Registry records 350
24.12..................... Removal of document from registry............................... 350
24.13..................... Searching court record and copying documents.............. 350
24.14..................... Exhibits........................................................................... 351
Chapter 25—Applications under the Corporations Act 2001 and the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 352
25.01..................... Application of Chapter 25............................................... 352
25.02..................... Application of Corporations Rules................................. 352
25.03..................... Modification of Corporations Rules............................... 352
25.04..................... Application under Corporations Act 2001 or Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006........................................................................................ 353
25.05..................... Transfer of cases under Corporations Act 2001 or Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006................................................................................ 353
25.06..................... Fixing a date for hearing................................................. 354
Chapter 26—Cases to which the Bankruptcy Act 1966 applies 355
Part 26.1—Introduction 355
26.01..................... Application of Chapter 26............................................... 355
26.02..................... Expressions used in the Bankruptcy Act........................ 355
Part 26.2—General 357
26.04..................... Bankruptcy Application and Bankruptcy Application in a Case 357
26.05..................... Leave to be heard............................................................ 358
26.06..................... Appearance at application or examination....................... 358
26.07..................... Opposition to Bankruptcy Application or a Bankruptcy Application in a Case 359
Part 26.3—Examinations 360
Division 26.3.1—Interpretation 360
26.08..................... Definition for Part 26.3................................................... 360
Division 26.3.2—Examination of relevant person 361
26.09..................... Application for summons (Bankruptcy Act s 81)........... 361
26.10..................... Hearing of application..................................................... 361
26.11..................... Requirements of summons............................................. 361
26.12..................... Service of summons....................................................... 362
26.13..................... Failure to attend examination.......................................... 362
26.14..................... Application for discharge of summons........................... 362
Division 26.3.3—Examination of examinable person 363
26.15..................... Application for summons (Bankruptcy Act s 81)........... 363
26.16..................... Hearing of application..................................................... 364
26.17..................... Requirements of summons............................................. 364
26.18..................... Service of summons....................................................... 364
26.19..................... Application for discharge of summons........................... 365
26.20..................... Conduct money and witnesses expenses........................ 365
Part 26.4—Annulment of bankruptcy 366
26.21..................... Application of Part 26.4.................................................. 366
26.22..................... Requirements of application............................................ 366
26.23..................... Notice to creditors........................................................... 366
26.24..................... Procedural hearing—report by trustee............................ 366
26.25..................... Service of annulment order............................................. 367
Part 26.5—Trustees 368
26.26..................... Objection to appointment of trustee (Bankruptcy Act s 157 (6)) 368
26.27..................... Resignation or release of trustee (Bankruptcy Act ss 180 and 183) 368
Part 26.6—Warrants 370
26.28..................... Arrest of bankrupt (Bankruptcy Act s 78)...................... 370
26.29..................... Apprehension of person failing to attend Court (Bankruptcy Act s 264B (1)) 370
Part 26.7—Costs 371
26.30..................... Order for costs................................................................ 371
26.31..................... Application of Part 40 of Federal Court Rules 2011...... 371
Chapter 27—Transitional provisions 372
Part 1—Provisions for Access to Justice (Federal Jurisdiction) Amendment Act 2012 372
27.01..................... Rules for vexatious proceedings immediately before the commencement of Schedule 3 to the Access to Justice (Federal Jurisdiction) Amendment Act 2012.................. 372
Chapter 1—Introduction
Summary of Chapter 1
Chapter 1 sets out the rules relating to:
· the main purpose of these Rules, and the obligations of parties, lawyers and the court;
· the court’s general powers that are to apply in all cases; and
· other preliminary matters, including sittings, definitions, calculation of time and publication.
These Rules are not, and should not be read as if they were, a complete code of the court’s powers. Other powers are found in the provisions of various Acts, the court’s inherent jurisdiction and the common law.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 1.1—Preliminary
1.01 Name of Rules
These Rules are the Family Law Rules 2004.
1.02 Commencement
These Rules commence on 29 March 2004.
Note: The Family Law Rules 1984 (the old Rules), as in force under the Family Law Act 1975 immediately before the commencement of these Rules (the new Rules), are repealed—see the Family Law Repeal Rules 2004. The new Rules apply to a case that was commenced in accordance with the old Rules and not determined before the repeal of those Rules—see rule 4 of the Family Law Repeal Rules 2004.
1.03 Rules in Chapter 1 prevail
(1) Chapter 1 sets out the general rules that the court may apply in all cases.
(2) If a rule in another Chapter conflicts with a rule in Chapter 1 of these Rules, the rule in Chapter 1 applies.
Part 1.2—Main purpose of Rules
1.04 Main purpose of Rules
The main purpose of these Rules is to ensure that each case is resolved in a just and timely manner at a cost to the parties and the court that is reasonable in the circumstances of the case.
Note: Section 43 of the Act sets out the principles that the court must apply when exercising its jurisdiction under the Act.
1.05 Pre‑action procedure
(1) Before starting a case, each prospective party to the case must comply with the pre‑action procedures, the text of which is set out in Schedule 1.
(2) Compliance with subrule (1) is not necessary if:
(a) for a parenting case—the case involves allegations of child abuse or family violence, or the risk of child abuse or family violence;
(b) for a property case—the case involves allegations of family violence, or the risk of family violence, or fraud;
(c) the application is urgent;
(d) the applicant would be unduly prejudiced;
(e) there has been a previous application in the same cause of action in the 12 months immediately before the start of the case;
(f) the case is an application for divorce;
(g) the case is a child support application or appeal; or
(h) the case involves a court’s jurisdiction in bankruptcy under section 35 or 35B of the Bankruptcy Act.
Note 1: The court publishes a brochure setting out the pre‑action procedures for financial cases and parenting cases.
Note 2: The court may take into account a party’s failure to comply with a pre‑action procedure when considering whether to order costs (see paragraph 1.10 (2) (d)).
Note 3: Subsections 60I (7) to (12) provide for attendance at family dispute resolution before applying for an order under Part VII of the Act in relation to a child.
1.06 Promoting the main purpose
The court must apply these Rules to promote the main purpose, and actively manage each case by:
(a) encouraging and helping parties to consider and use a dispute resolution method rather than having the case resolved by trial;
(b) having regard to unresolved risks or other concerns about the welfare of a child involved;
(c) identifying the issues in dispute early in the case and separating and disposing of any issues that do not need full investigation and trial;
(d) at an early stage, identifying and matching types of cases to the most appropriate case management procedure;
(e) setting realistic timetables, and monitoring and controlling the progress of each case;
(f) ensuring that parties and their lawyers comply with these Rules, any practice directions and procedural orders;
(g) considering whether the likely benefits of taking a step justify the cost of that step;
(h) dealing with as many aspects of the case as possible on the same occasion;
(i) minimising the need for parties and their lawyers to attend court by, if appropriate, relying on documents; and
(j) having regard to any barriers to a party’s understanding of anything relevant to the case.
1.07 Achieving the main purpose
To achieve the main purpose, the court applies these Rules in a way that:
(a) deals with each case fairly, justly and in a timely manner;
(b) encourages parties to negotiate a settlement, if appropriate;
(c) is proportionate to the issues in a case and their complexity, and the likely costs of the case;
(d) promotes the saving of costs;
(e) gives an appropriate share of the court’s resources to a case, taking into account the needs of other cases; and
(f) promotes family relationships after resolution of the dispute, where possible.
1.08 Responsibility of parties and lawyers in achieving the main purpose
(1) Each party has a responsibility to promote and achieve the main purpose, including:
(a) ensuring that any orders sought are reasonable in the circumstances of the case and that the court has the power to make those orders;
(b) complying with the duty of disclosure (see rule 13.01);
(c) ensuring readiness for court events;
(d) providing realistic estimates of the length of hearings or trials;
(e) complying with time limits;
(f) giving notice, as soon as practicable, of an intention to apply for an adjournment or cancellation of a court event;
(g) assisting the just, timely and cost‑effective disposal of cases;
(h) identifying the issues genuinely in dispute in a case;
(i) being satisfied that there is a reasonable basis for alleging, denying or not admitting a fact;
(j) limiting evidence, including cross‑examination, to that which is relevant and necessary;
(k) being aware of, and abiding by, the requirements of any practice direction or guideline published by the court; and
(l) complying with these Rules and any orders.
(2) A lawyer for a party has a responsibility to comply, as far as possible, with subrule (1).
Note: The court recognises that a lawyer acts on a party’s instructions and may be unable to establish whether those instructions are correct.
(3) A lawyer attending a court event for a party must:
(a) be familiar with the case; and
(b) be authorised to deal with any issue likely to arise.
Note: The court may take into account a failure to comply with this rule when considering costs (see subrule 19.10 (1) and subclause 6.10 (1) of Schedule 6).
Part 1.3—Court’s powers in all cases
1.09 Procedural orders in cases of doubt or difficulty
If the court is satisfied that:
(a) a legislative provision does not provide a practice or procedure; or
(b) a difficulty arises, or doubt exists, in relation to a matter of practice or procedure;
it may make such orders as it considers necessary.
1.10 Court may make orders
(1) Unless a legislative provision states otherwise, the court may make an order, on application or on its own initiative, in relation to any matter mentioned in these Rules.
(2) When making an order, the court may:
(a) impose terms and conditions;
(b) make a consequential order;
(c) specify the consequence of failure to comply with the order; and
(d) take into account whether a party has complied with a pre‑action procedure.
1.11 Court may set aside or vary order
The court may set aside or vary an order made in the exercise of a power under these Rules.
1.12 Court may dispense with Rules
(1) These Rules apply unless the court, on application or its own initiative, orders otherwise.
(2) The court may dispense with compliance with any of these Rules at any time, before or after the occasion for compliance arises.
(3) In considering whether to make an order under this rule, the court may consider:
(a) the main purpose of these Rules (see rule 1.04);
(b) the administration of justice;
(c) whether the application has been promptly made;
(d) whether non‑compliance was intentional; and
(e) the effect that granting relief would have on each party and parties to other cases in the court.
1.13 Judicial officer hearing application
Unless a legislative provision states otherwise, if:
(a) these Rules provide that an application or appeal is to be heard by a particular judicial officer or particular class of judicial officer; and
(b) such a person is unavailable;
the application or appeal may be listed before another judicial officer who has jurisdiction to hear the application or appeal.
1.14 Shortening or extension of time
(1) A party may apply to the court to shorten or extend a time that is fixed under these Rules or by a procedural order.
(2) A party may make an application under subrule (1) for an order extending a time to be made even though the time fixed by the rule or order has passed.
(3) A party who makes an application under subrule (1) for an extension of time may be ordered to pay any other party’s costs in relation to the application.
1.15 Time for compliance
If a rule or order requires a person to take an action but does not specify a time by which the action is to be taken, the person must take the action as soon as practicable.
Part 1.4—Other preliminary matters
1.16 Definitions—the dictionary
(1) The dictionary at the end of these Rules defines and explains certain words and expressions.
(2) Within a definition, the defined term is identified by bold italics.
(3) The dictionary is part of these Rules.
(4) A definition of a word or expression in the dictionary applies to each use of the word or expression in these Rules, unless the context does not permit.
1.17 Notes, examples etc
(1) The following are explanatory only and are not part of these Rules:
(a) chapter summaries;
(b) examples;
(c) flow charts;
(d) notes.
(2) The explanatory guide at the end of these Rules is not part of these Rules and is not to be used in interpreting these Rules.
Note 1: See section 13 and paragraph 15AB (2) (a) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Note 2: In interpreting these Rules:
Specific prevails over the general
In these Rules, if there is a conflict between a general rule and a specific rule, the specific rule prevails.
Use of ‘and’ and ‘or’ between paragraphs etc
A series of paragraphs may be joined by the word and or or, which will appear between the last 2 paragraphs only. The series is to be read as if the same word appears between each paragraph in the series—for example:
(1) This is:
(a) a paragraph;
(b) another paragraph; and
(c) yet another paragraph.
and
(2) This is:
(a) a paragraph;
(b) another paragraph; or
(c) yet another paragraph.
If the paragraphs are to be read as a list, the words and or or are not used—for example:
(3) A provision may include the following:
(a) a paragraph;
(b) another paragraph;
(c) yet another paragraph.
1.18 Sittings
The Family Court of Australia must sit at the times and places the Chief Justice directs.
1.19 Prohibition on recording
(1) A person must not photograph or record by electronic or mechanical means:
(a) a hearing or part of a hearing:
(b) a trial or part of a trial;
(c) a conference under the Act, these Rules or an order of a court;
(d) an attendance with a family consultant;
(e) an attendance with a single expert under these Rules;
(f) a conference of experts ordered by a court; or
(g) a person who is in court premises.
Note: Section 121 of the Act restricts publication of information relating to cases.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to a photograph or recording made at the request of:
(a) a court;
(b) in relation to an attendance with a family consultant—the family consultant;
(c) in relation to an attendance with an expert witness—the expert; or
(d) in relation to a conference of experts—the experts.
(3) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subrule (1).
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
1.20 Publishing lists of cases
(1) A list of cases to be heard in the court prepared by a Registry Manager may be:
(a) published in the law list in a newspaper; and
(b) made available to members of the legal profession and their employees.
Note: See subsection 121 (2) of the Act.
(2) The list may contain:
(a) subject to subrule (3), the family name of a party, but not a given name;
(b) the file number of a case;
(c) the name of the judicial officer for a hearing or trial;
(d) the time and place where a named judicial officer will sit; and
(e) the general nature of an application.
(3) For a case in which a court has jurisdiction in bankruptcy under section 35 or 35B of the Bankruptcy Act, the list may contain the given name of a party.
1.21 Calculating time
(1) Time in a case runs during a period when the filing registry is closed.
(2) If:
(a) the period allowed by these Rules or an order for an action to be validly taken is 5 days or less; and
(b) the period includes a day when the filing registry is closed;
that day is not counted.
(3) For the calculation of time of one day or more from a particular day, or from the occurrence of a particular event, the particular day, or the day when the event occurs, is not counted.
(4) If the last day for taking an action requiring attendance at a filing registry is on a day when the filing registry is closed, the action may be taken on the next day when the filing registry is open.
(5) Subsection 36 (2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 does not apply to these Rules.
Chapter 2—Starting a case
Summary of Chapter 2
Chapter 2 sets out rules about:
· the form of application you must file to start a case in a court, respond to an application or seek orders in the course of a case;
· the documents you must file with an application or response; and
· the brochures that must be served in a case.
Before starting a case, you must comply with the court’s pre‑action procedures (see subrule 1.05(1) and Schedule 1).
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 2.1—Applications
2.01 Which application to file
A person starting a case must file an application as set out in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Applications
| Item | Kind of application | Application form to be filed |
| 1 | Application seeking final orders (other than a consent order or a divorce), for example: | Initiating Application (Family Law) |
| | · property settlement · parenting · maintenance · child support · medical procedures | |
| | · nullity · declaration as to validity of marriage, divorce or annulment · order relating to passport (see Division 4.2.7) | |
| 2 | Interim order sought at the same time as an application for final orders is made | Initiating Application (Family Law) |
| 2A | Interim order sought after an application for final orders is made | Application in a Case |
| 3 | Procedural, ancillary or other incidental order relating to an order or application sought at the same time as an application for final orders is made | Initiating Application (Family Law) |
| 3A | Procedural, ancillary or other incidental order relating to an order or application sought after an application for final orders is made | Application in a Case |
| 4 | Enforcement of a financial obligation or parenting order | Application in a Case |
| 5 | Review of an order of a Registrar or Judicial Registrar | Application in a Case |
| 6 | Divorce | Application for Divorce |
| 7 | Consent order when there is no current case | Application for Consent Orders |
| 8 | Contravention of an order under Division 13A of Part VII of the Act affecting children, for example, a breach of a contact order | Application—Contravention |
| 9 | Contravention of an order under Part XIIIA of the Act not affecting children, for example, a breach of a property order | Application—Contravention |
| 10 | Failure to comply with a bond entered into in accordance with the Act | Application—Contravention |
| 11 | Contempt of court | Application—Contempt |
Note 1: A respondent seeking orders in another cause of action may make an application in a Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) (see paragraph 9.01 (3) (c)).
Note 2: For further information about:
(a) a divorce application, see Chapter 3;
(b) starting a case for final orders other than a divorce, see Chapter 4;
(c) making an Application in a Case, see Chapter 5;
(d) an application for a consent order, see Chapter 10;
(e) an application for contempt, enforcement or contravention, see Chapters 20 and 21; and
(f) an application relating to the failure of a party to comply with a bond, see Chapter 21;
(g) an appeal or an application relating to an appeal, see Chapter 22; and
(h) an application relating to a bankruptcy case, see Chapter 26.
Note 3: An application seeking orders under the Act may not be filed in a court of a Territory unless the applicant or respondent ordinarily resides in the Territory at the time the application is filed (see subsection 39 (8) and section 69K of the Act).
2.02 Documents to be filed with applications
(1) A person must file with an application mentioned in an item of Table 2.2, the document mentioned in the item if the document has not already been filed.
Table 2.2 Documents to be filed with applications
| Item | Application | Documents to be filed with application |
| 2A | Initiating Application (Family Law) in which an order is sought under Part VII of the Act, for example, a parenting order | (a) a certificate given to the applicant by a family dispute resolution practitioner under subsection 60I (8) of the Act; or (b) if no certificate is required because paragraph 60I (9) (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of the Act applies—an affidavit in a form approved by the Principal Registrar unless another affidavit filed in the proceedings sets out the factual basis of the exception claimed |
| 2B | Initiating Application (Family Law) in which an order is sought relating to a de facto relationship | (a) the documents required by an item in this table that applies to the application (for example items 2A to 6 and 9); and (b) to satisfy the court for section 90SB of the Act that the relationship is or was registered under a prescribed law—the certificate of registration; and |
| | | (c) for an applicant who has made a choice under subitem 86A (1) or 90A (1) of Schedule 1 to the Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial Matters and Other Measures) Act 2008—a document that satisfies the requirements of subitem 86A (5) or 90A (5) of that Act |
| 3 | Initiating Application (Family Law), or Response to Initiating Application (Family Law), in which financial orders are sought, for example, property settlement, maintenance, child support | a completed Financial Statement (see rule 13.05) |
| 4 | Initiating Application (Family Law) or Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) in which property settlement orders are sought, and Reply responding to Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) in which property orders are sought as a new cause of action | (a) the documents mentioned in this column in item 3; (b) a completed superannuation information form (attached to the Financial Statement) for a superannuation interest of the party filing the Initiating Application (Family Law), Response or Reply to an Initiating Application (Family Law) |
| 5 | Initiating Application (Family Law) or Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) relying on a cross‑vesting law, or seeking an order under Part 4.2: · for a medical procedure; · for step‑parent maintenance, if there is consent; · for nullity of marriage; · for a declaration as to validity of a marriage or divorce or annulment; or · relating to a passport | an affidavit (see section 66M of the Act and rules 4.06, 4.09, 4.29 and 4.30) |
| 6 | Initiating Application (Family Law) or Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) in which a child support application or appeal is made | the documents mentioned in rule 4.18 for the application |
| 7 | Application for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders in an Initiating Application (Family Law) or Application in Case (other than an application seeking review of a decision of a Registrar or Judicial Registrar) | an affidavit (see rules 5.02 and 9.02) |
| 9 | Application for Consent Orders | (a) if the orders sought are for a de facto relationship—one of the documents mentioned in this column in item 2B; |
| | | (b) if the orders sought relate to a superannuation interest (see rule 10.16)—a completed superannuation information form for the superannuation interest; |
| | | (c) if the orders sought relate to parenting—the annexure mentioned in subrule 10.15A (3) |
| 10 | Application—Contravention, other than an application to which item 10A applies | an affidavit (see subrules 21.02 (2) and (3)) |
| 10A | Application—Contravention in which an order is sought under Part VII of the Act | (a) an affidavit (see subrules 21.02 (2) and (3)); and (b) either: (i) a certificate given to the applicant by the family dispute resolution practitioner under subsection 60I (8) of the Act; or (ii) if no certificate is required because paragraph 60I (9) (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of the Act applies—an affidavit in a form approved by the Principal Registrar unless another affidavit filed in the proceedings sets out the factual basis of the exception claimed |
| 11 | Application—Contempt | an affidavit (see subrule 21.02 (2)) |
(4) If a document mentioned in Table 2.2 is not in English, the person filing the document must file:
(a) a translation of the document, in English; and
(b) an affidavit, by the person who made the translation, verifying the translation and setting out the person’s qualifications to make the translation.
(5) An applicant in proceedings mentioned in subsection 100 (1) of the Assessment Act or subsection 105 (1) of the Registration Act is not required to file in the court a certificate given to the applicant by a family dispute resolution practitioner under subsection 60I (8) of the Family Law Act.
Note 1: A party must not file an affidavit with an Initiating Application (Family Law) unless an application seeking interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders is included in the Initiating Application (Family Law) or permitted to do so by Chapter 4 or an order (see rules 1.12 and 4.02).
Note 2: A document that is filed must be served (see rules 7.03 and 7.04).
Note 3: For information about filing documents, see Chapter 24.
2.02A Documents filed by electronic communication
A person who files a document by electronic communication must:
(a) include in the filed document and each copy served on another person any details the person knows about the location, date and time of the next court event in the matter; and
(b) if the Registry Manager notifies the person of the details of the next court event—give a copy of the notice as soon as practicable to each person on whom the document is or has been served.
Part 2.2—Brochures
2.03 Service of brochures
A person who files an Initiating Application (Family Law) or an Application for Divorce must, when serving the application on the respondent, also serve a brochure prepared by the court for section 12F of the Act.
Note: In addition to the requirements of this rule, an applicant who has filed an application for enforcement must serve the relevant brochure on the respondent (see paragraph 20.11 (3) (b)).
Part 2.3—Notification in certain cases
Division 2.3.1—Cases involving allegation of abuse or family violence in relation to a child
2.04 Definition
In this Division:
Part VII order has the same meaning as in subsection 60I (1) of the Act.
Registry Manager has the same meaning as in section 67Z of the Act.
2.04A Application of Division 2.3.1
This Division applies to a case if an application is made to a court for a Part VII order in relation to a child in the case.
2.04D Prescribed form
(1) A Notice of Child Abuse or Family Violence (Form 4) is the prescribed form for a notice mentioned in subsections 67Z (2) and 67ZBA (2) of the Act.
(2) A person who files a Form 4 must file an affidavit or affidavits setting out the evidence on which the allegations in the Form 4 are based, no later than the time the Form 4 is filed.
Note: For service of a notice filed in a case to which section 67Z or 67ZBA of the Act applies, subsections 67Z (2) and 67ZBA (2), respectively, require that a person that is the subject of the allegation in the notice must be served with a copy of the notice. The requirements for service of filed documents are set out in rule 7.04.
2.04E Notice of family violence in existing cases
(1) This rule applies if, in a case to which this Division applies:
(a) proceedings were instituted before 7 June 2012; and
(b) a party to the proceedings alleges that:
(i) there has been family violence by one of the parties to the proceedings; or
(ii) there is a risk of family violence by one of the parties to the proceedings; and
(c) the party making the allegation did not file a Notice of Child Abuse or Family Violence (Form 4) before 7 June 2012.
(2) The party making the allegation must file a Form 4 in the court hearing the proceedings, and serve a true copy of the notice on the party referred to in subparagraph (1) (b) (i) or (ii).
(3) If a Form 4 is filed in accordance with subrule (2), the court must treat the allegation as if it were an allegation to which section 67ZBB of the Act applied.
(4) If the alleged family violence (or risk of family violence) is abuse of a child (or a risk of abuse of a child), the Registry Manager must, as soon as practicable, notify a prescribed child welfare authority.
2.05 Family violence order
(1) A party must file a copy of any family violence order affecting the child or a member of the child’s family:
(a) when a case starts; or
(b) as soon as practicable after the order is made.
(2) If a copy of the family violence order is not available, the party must file a written notice containing:
(a) an undertaking to file the order within a specified time;
(b) the date of the order;
(c) the court that made the order; and
(d) the details of the order.
Division 2.3.2—Property settlement or spousal or de facto maintenance cases
2.06 Notification of proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application (Act ss 79B, 90M and 90VA)
If a party to a property settlement or spousal maintenance case, or a de facto property settlement or maintenance proceedings, is required to give the Registry Manager written notice under subsection 79B (3), 90M (3) or 90VA (3) of the Act of a proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application, the party must:
(a) file the notice as soon as possible after the party is notified by the proceeds of crime authority under paragraph 79B (3) (b), 90M (3) (b) or 90VA (3) (b) of the Act; and
(b) if the person is required under paragraph 79B (3) (d), 90M (3) (d) or 90VA (3) (d) of the Act to give a document to the Registry Manager—attach the document to the notice.
2.07 Proceeds of crime
(1) If the proceeds of crime authority applies under section 79C, 90N or 90VB of the Act to stay a property settlement or spousal maintenance case, or a de facto property settlement or maintenance proceedings, the authority must, at the same time, file a sealed copy of the proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application covering the property of the parties to the marriage or either of them, if not already filed.
(2) An application under section 79D, 90P or 90VC of the Act to lift a stay of a property settlement or spousal maintenance case, or a de facto property settlement or maintenance proceedings, must have filed with it:
(a) proof that the proceeds of crime order has ceased to be in force or that the forfeiture application has been finally determined; and
(b) if made by a party, the written consent of the proceeds of crime authority under section 79D, 90P or 90VC of the Act.
Note: A party seeking a stay of a case or an order lifting a stay under this rule must file an Application in a Case (see Chapter 5).
Chapter 3—Divorce
Summary of Chapter 3
Chapter 3 sets out the procedure for obtaining a divorce. You may also need to refer to other Chapters in these Rules, particularly Chapters 7 and 24, when applying for a divorce.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 3.1—Application for Divorce
3.01 Fixing of hearing date
(1) On the filing of an Application for Divorce, the Registry Manager must fix a date for the hearing of the application.
(2) The date fixed must be:
(a) for a joint application—at least 28 days after the application is filed; or
(b) for any other application:
(i) if the respondent is in Australia—at least 42 days after the application is filed; or
(ii) if the respondent is outside Australia—at least 56 days after the application is filed.
Note 1: An Application for Divorce (other than a joint application) must be served on the respondent (see rule 7.03).
Note 2: When an Application for Divorce is served, the respondent must also be given a brochure approved by the Principal Registrar (see rule 2.03).
3.02 Amendment of an Application for Divorce
An applicant may amend an Application for Divorce:
(a) within 14 days before the hearing; or
(b) within any shorter time permitted by the court or consented to by the respondent.
3.03 Discontinuance of an Application for Divorce
An applicant may discontinue an Application for Divorce by filing and serving a Notice of Discontinuance at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing.
Note: The court may, at the hearing, give permission for an Application for Divorce to be discontinued.
Part 3.2—Response
3.04 Response
(1) A respondent to an Application for Divorce who seeks to oppose the divorce or contest the jurisdiction of the court must file a Response to an Application for Divorce:
(a) if the respondent is served in Australia—within 28 days after the day when the Application for Divorce is served on the respondent; or
(b) if the respondent is served outside Australia—within 42 days after the day when the Application for Divorce is served on the respondent.
(2) If a respondent files a Response to an Application for Divorce:
(a) the hearing must proceed in open court; and
(b) each party must attend or be represented by a lawyer.
Note: A document that is filed must be served (see rules 7.03 and 7.04).
3.05 Objection to jurisdiction
(1) If, in a Response to an Application for Divorce, a respondent objects to the jurisdiction of the court, the respondent will not be taken to have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court by also seeking an order that the application be dismissed on another ground.
(2) The objection to the jurisdiction must be determined before any other orders sought in the Response to an Application for Divorce.
3.06 Response out of time
If a respondent files a Response to an Application for Divorce after the time allowed under subrule 3.04 (1):
(a) the applicant may consent to the late filing; or
(b) if the applicant does not consent, the court may continue the case as if the response had not been filed.
Note: The respondent may apply to the court for permission to file a Response to an Application for Divorce after the time allowed by rule 3.04 (see rule 1.14).
3.07 Affidavit to reply to information in an Application for Divorce
A respondent to an Application for Divorce who disputes any of the facts set out in the application, but does not oppose the divorce, may, at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing of the application, file and serve an affidavit setting out the facts in dispute.
Part 3.3—Attendance at hearing
3.08 Attendance at hearing
(1) A party may apply under rule 5.06 to attend the hearing of an Application for Divorce by electronic communication.
(2) Subject to Part 3.4:
(a) if the applicant fails to attend the hearing in person or by a lawyer, the application may be dismissed; and
(b) if the respondent fails to attend the hearing in person or by a lawyer, the applicant may proceed with the hearing as if the application were undefended.
Part 3.4—Hearing in absence of parties
3.09 Seeking a hearing in absence of parties
If, in an Application for Divorce (other than a case started by a joint Application):
(a) no Response has been filed;
(b) at the date fixed for the hearing, there are no children of the marriage within the meaning of subsection 98A (3) of the Act;
(c) the applicant has requested that the case be heard in the absence of the parties; and
(d) the respondent has not requested the court not to hear the case in the absence of the parties;
the court may determine the case in the absence of the parties.
3.10 Hearing in absence of parties—joint application
If, in a joint Application for Divorce, the applicants request that the case be heard in their absence, the court may so determine the case.
Note: The court must not determine the Application in the absence of the parties if there are any children of the marriage who are under 18 and the court is not satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for their care, welfare and development (see subsection 98A (2A) of the Act).
3.11 Request not to hear case in parties’ absence
A respondent to an Application for Divorce who objects to the case being heard in the absence of the parties must, at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing, file and serve a written notice to that effect.
Note 1: If a respondent seeks that a case not be heard in the absence of the parties, the court must not determine the case in the absence of the parties (see subsection 98A (1) of the Act).
Note 2: A notice under this rule must comply with subrule 24.01 (1).
Part 3.5—Events affecting divorce order
3.12 Application for rescission of divorce order
A party may, before a divorce order nisi becomes absolute, apply for the order to be rescinded by filing an Application in a Case.
Note 1: Sections 57 and 58 of the Act set out the circumstances in which the court may rescind a divorce order nisi.
Note 2: A party filing an Application in a Case must file an affidavit (see rule 5.02).
3.13 Death of party
If a party to an Application for Divorce dies after the divorce order nisi is made but before the order becomes absolute, the surviving party must inform the Registry Manager of the death of the other party by filing:
(a) the death certificate of the deceased party; or
(b) an affidavit stating the details of the deceased party’s date and place of death.
Chapter 4—Application for Final Orders
Summary of Chapter 4
Chapter 4 sets out rules about:
· the general procedure for starting a case by an Initiating Application (Family Law) seeking final orders, for example, an Application for Property Settlement or Parenting Orders; and
· the procedure for starting specific applications such as an Application relying on cross‑vesting laws, for a medical procedure, maintenance, child support or a declaration as to validity of a marriage.
Before starting a case, you must comply with the court’s pre‑action procedures (see subrule 1.05 (1) and Schedule 1).
You may also need to refer to other Chapters in these Rules when making an application, in particular, Chapters 6, 7 and 24.
Note: This Chapter does not apply to:
(a) an Application for Divorce (see Chapter 3);
(b) an application for an interim, procedural or other incidental order about an application seeking final orders whether made in an Initiating Application (Family Law) or an Application in a Case (see Chapter 5);
(c) an Application for Review of a Judicial Registrar’s or a Registrar’s Order (see Chapter 18);
(d) an Application to enforce an obligation to pay money (see Chapter 20);
(e) an Application resulting from a contravention of an order or in relation to contempt (see Chapter 21);
(f) an Application relating to an appeal (see Chapter 22); or
(g) an appeal (see Chapter 22).
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 4.1—Introduction
4.01 Contents of Application for Final Orders
(1) In an Initiating Application (Family Law), the applicant must:
(a) give full particulars of the orders sought; and
(b) include all causes of action that can be disposed of conveniently in the same case.
Note: Under paragraph 1.08 (1) (a), any orders sought must be reasonable in the circumstances of the case and within the power of the court.
(2) A party seeking any of the following must not include any other cause of action in the Application:
(a) an order that a marriage be annulled;
(b) a declaration as to the validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment;
(c) an order authorising a medical procedure under Division 4.2.3.
Note: An application for an order mentioned in subrule (2) may only be made in an Initiating Application (Family Law) and must not be made in a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) (see subrule 9.01 (4)).
(3) Despite subrule (2), a party may seek the following orders in the same Application:
(a) an order that a marriage be annulled;
(b) a declaration as to the validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment.
Note: For amendment of an application, see Division 11.2.2.
4.02 Filing affidavits
A party must not file an affidavit with an Initiating Application (Family Law) unless permitted or required to do so by these Rules.
Example: A party only seeking final orders for property settlement or parenting orders must not file an affidavit with an Initiating Application (Family Law).
4.03 First court date
On the filing of an Initiating Application (Family Law), the Registry Manager must fix a date:
(a) in a parenting case—for a procedural hearing that is as near as practicable to 28 days after the application was filed;
(b) in a financial case—for a case assessment conference that is as near as practicable to 28 days after the application was filed;
(c) if the application includes both a financial case and a parenting case—for a case assessment conference that is as near as practicable to 28 days after the application was filed; or
(d) if an earlier date is fixed for the hearing of that or another application so far as it concerns an interim, procedural or other ancillary order in the case—for a procedural hearing on the same day.
Note: Under subrule 5.05 (4), a Registrar may, in exceptional circumstances, allow an application for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order to be listed for urgent hearing. Chapter 12 sets out the requirements for case assessment conferences and procedural hearings.
Part 4.2—Specific applications
Division 4.2.1—General
4.04 General provisions still apply
If a rule in this Part specifies particular requirements for an application, those requirements are in addition to the general requirements for an Initiating Application (Family Law).
4.05 Application by Attorney‑General for transfer of case
If the Attorney‑General of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, applies for the transfer of a case under Division 4.2.2 (Cross‑vesting) or Chapter 25 (Corporations Act 2001), the Attorney‑General does not, by that application, automatically become a party to the case.
Division 4.2.2—Cross‑vesting
4.06 Cross‑vesting matters
(1) If a party filing an Initiating Application (Family Law) or a Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) relies on a cross‑vesting law, the party must specify, in the application or response, the particular State or Territory law on which the party relies.
(2) A party relying on a cross‑vesting law after a case has started must file an Application in a Case seeking procedural orders in relation to the matter.
(3) A party to whom subrule (1) or (2) applies must also file an affidavit stating:
(a) that the claim is based on the State or Territory law and the reasons why the Family Court should deal with the claim;
(b) the rules of evidence and procedure (other than those of the relevant Family Court) on which the party relies; and
(c) if the case involves a special federal matter—the grounds for claiming the matter involves a special federal matter.
4.07 Transfer of case
A party to a case to which rule 4.06 applies may apply to have the case transferred to another court by filing an Application in a Case.
Note: An application under this rule must be listed for hearing by a Judge.
Division 4.2.3—Medical procedure
4.08 Application for medical procedure
(1) Any of the following persons may make a Medical Procedure Application in relation to a child:
(a) a parent of the child;
(b) a person who has a parenting order in relation to the child;
(c) the child;
(d) the independent children’s lawyer;
(e) any other person concerned with the care, welfare and development of the child.
(2) If a person mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) or (b) is not an applicant, the person must be named as a respondent to the application.
Note 1: Section 65C of the Act sets out who may apply for a parenting order.
Note 2: Chapter 2 provides for the form to be used to make an Initiating Application (Family Law) and the documents to be filed with that application.
4.09 Evidence supporting application
(1) If a Medical Procedure Application is filed, evidence must be given to satisfy the court that the proposed medical procedure is in the best interests of the child.
(2) The evidence must include evidence from a medical, psychological or other relevant expert witness that establishes the following:
(a) the exact nature and purpose of the proposed medical procedure;
(b) the particular condition of the child for which the procedure is required;
(c) the likely long‑term physical, social and psychological effects on the child:
(i) if the procedure is carried out; and
(ii) if the procedure is not carried out;
(d) the nature and degree of any risk to the child from the procedure;
(e) if alternative and less invasive treatment is available—the reason the procedure is recommended instead of the alternative treatments;
(f) that the procedure is necessary for the welfare of the child;
(g) if the child is capable of making an informed decision about the procedure—whether the child agrees to the procedure;
(h) if the child is incapable of making an informed decision about the procedure—that the child:
(i) is currently incapable of making an informed decision; and
(ii) is unlikely to develop sufficiently to be able to make an informed decision within the time in which the procedure should be carried out, or within the foreseeable future;
(i) whether the child’s parents or carer agree to the procedure.
(3) The evidence may be given:
(a) in the form of an affidavit; or
(b) with the court’s permission, orally.
4.10 Service of application
The persons on whom a Medical Procedure Application and any document filed with it must be served include the prescribed child welfare authority.
Note: For service of an Initiating Application (Family Law), see rules 7.03 and 7.04.
4.11 Fixing of hearing date
(1) On the filing of a Medical Procedure Application, the Registry Manager must fix a date for a hearing before a Judge of a Family Court.
(2) The date fixed must be:
(a) as soon as possible after the date of filing; and
(b) if practicable, within 14 days after the date of filing.
Note: Under subrule 9.08 (1), a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) must be filed at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing of the application.
4.12 Procedure on first court date
On the first court date for a Medical Procedure Application, the court must:
(a) make procedural orders for the conduct of the case and adjourn the case to a fixed date of hearing; or
(b) hear and determine the application.
Division 4.2.4—Spousal or de facto maintenance
Note: Applications should not be made under this Division unless an associated matter is pending in the court or filing with the Federal Magistrates Court is not available. Under section 33B of the Family Law Act 1975, the Family Court may transfer the proceeding to the Federal Magistrates Court without notice to the parties.
4.14 Procedure on first court date
(1) On the first court date for an Application for spousal or de facto maintenance, the Registrar must, if practicable, conduct a case assessment conference.
(2) If the case is not resolved at the case assessment conference, the Registrar may make orders for the conduct of the case, including the exchange of affidavits between the parties and the listing of the case for hearing.
4.15 Evidence to be provided
(1) On the first court date and the hearing date of an Application for spousal or de facto maintenance, each party must bring to the court the following documents:
(a) a copy of the party’s taxation returns for the 3 most recent financial years;
(b) the party’s taxation assessments for the 3 most recent financial years;
(c) the party’s bank records for the period of 3 years ending on the date on which the application was filed;
(d) if the party receives wages or salary payments—the party’s payslips for the past 12 months;
(e) if the party owns or controls a business, either as sole trader, partnership or a company—the business activity statements and the financial statements (including profit and loss statements and balance sheets) for the 3 most recent financial years of the business; and
(f) any other document relevant to determining the income, needs and financial resources of the party.
Note 1: Documents that may need to be produced under paragraph (f) include documents setting out the details mentioned in rule 13.04.
Note 2: For modification of a spousal maintenance order, see section 83 of the Act. For modification of a de facto maintenance order, see section 90SI of the Act.
(2) Before the hearing date, a party must produce the documents mentioned in subrule (1) for inspection, if the other party to the proceedings makes a written request for their production.
(3) If a request is made under subrule (2), the documents must be produced within 7 working days of the request being received
Division 4.2.5—Child support and child maintenance
Overview of proceedings to which this Division applies
Child support
Applications may be made under the following provisions of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989:
· subsection 95 (6), section 98 or 136 about a child support agreement that has been accepted by the Registrar
· sections 106A and 107 about who is or who is not the parent of the child
· section 111 seeking a departure from administrative assessment backdated over 18 months and up to 7 years
· section 118 for departure from administrative assessment as follows:
· if the Child Support Registrar has refused to determine the departure application because the issues are too complex (sections 98E and 98R);
· if the court has a discretion to determine the application because there is another application pending before the court and the court is satisfied that special circumstances exist to enable it to determine both applications (section 116);
· if there is a minimum administrative assessment (paragraph 116 (1) (c))
· section 123 for lump sum or non periodic payments of child support
· section 129 to vary a prior order for lump sum or non periodic child support
· section 139 seeking urgent maintenance after an application has been made for administrative assessment of child support, but has yet to be determined
· section 143 for recovery of child support paid when a person is not liable to pay child support
Note: Applications should not be made under this Division unless an associated matter is pending in the court or filing with the Federal Magistrates Court is not available. Under section 33B of the Family Law Act 1975, the Family Court may transfer the proceeding to the Federal Magistrates Court without notice to the parties.
Section 110B of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 allows appeals from the Social Security Appeals Tribunal on questions of law.
Applications may be made under the section 111C of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 for an order staying (suspending) the operation of the Act and the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, until the finalisation of court proceedings.
Child maintenance
Applications may be made for child maintenance under Division 7 of Part VII of the Family Law Act in relation to children to whom the child support scheme does not apply. Applications may also be made under Parts III and IV of the Family Law Regulations.
4.16 Application of Division 4.2.5
This Division applies to:
(a) an application under the Assessment Act, other than an application for leave to appeal from an order of a court exercising jurisdiction under the Assessment Act;
(b) an appeal under the Registration Act, other than an appeal from a court;
(ba) an application under section 111C of the Registration Act;
(c) an application under Division 7 of Part VII of the Family Law Act; and
(e) an application under Parts III and IV of the Family Law Regulations.
Note 1: Chapter 2 provides for the form to be used to make an Initiating Application (Family Law) and the documents to be filed with that form.
Note 2: Chapter 22 sets out the procedure for appealing from a decision of a court.
Note 3: The Assessment Act provides that the parties to a child support application should be the liable parent and the eligible carer. The Child Support Registrar does not need to be joined as a party but, after being served with a copy of the application, may intervene in the case.
4.17 Commencing proceedings
(1) An application under this Part must be made in accordance with an Initiating Application (Family Law).
(2) An appeal under this Part must be made in accordance with a Notice of Appeal (Child Support).
4.18 Documents to be filed with applications
(1) A person must file with an application mentioned in an item of Table 4.1, the documents mentioned in the item.
Table 4.1 Documents to file with applications
| Item | Application | Documents to be filed with application |
| 1 | All applications for child support | An affidavit setting out the facts relied on in support of the application, attaching: (a) a schedule setting out the section of the Assessment Act or Registration Act under which the application is made; (b) a copy of any decision, notice of decision or assessment made by the Child Support Registrar relevant to the application and statement of reasons for that decision; and (c) a copy of any document lodged by a party with the Child Support Registrar, or received by a party from the Child Support Registrar, relevant to the decision or assessment |
| 2 | Application under section 98, 111, 116, 123, 129, 136, 139 and 143 of the Assessment Act and 111C of the Registration Act | An affidavit setting out the facts relied on in support of the application, attaching: (a) the documents mentioned in this column in item 1; (b) a completed Financial Statement; (c) a copy of any relevant order or agreement |
| 3 | All applications for child maintenance | A completed Financial Statement |
Note: The documents required to be filed with an application under this rule are in addition to the documents required to be filed under rule 2.02.
(2) For paragraph (c) of item 1 of Table 4.1, if the applicant does not have a copy of a document lodged by the other party with the Child Support Agency, the applicant may file the summary of the document prepared by the Child Support Agency.
4.19 Child support agreements
A person who makes an application in relation to a child support agreement must register a copy of the agreement with the court by filing one of the following:
(a) an affidavit attaching the original agreement;
(b) an affidavit attaching a copy of the agreement and stating that the copy is a true copy of the original agreement;
(c) an affidavit stating that the original agreement has been lost and the steps taken to locate the agreement, and attaching a copy of a document received from the Child Support Registrar setting out the terms of the agreement as registered by the Child Support Agency.
4.20 Time limits for applications under Assessment Act
A person must file an application for a declaration under subsection 106A (2) or 107 (1) of the Assessment Act within 56 days after being served with a notice given under section 33 or 34 of that Act.
Note 1: A person may apply for an extension of time to file after the time limit mentioned in this rule by filing an Initiating Application (Family Law) or an Application in a Case and an affidavit (see rules 1.14 and 5.01).
Note 2: For information about when a document is taken to be served, see rule 7.17.
4.21 Appeals on questions of law
(1) An appeal on a question of law from the Social Security Appeals Tribunal may be made by filing a Notice of Appeal (Child Support).
(2) A person must file with a Notice of Appeal (Child Support) a copy of the Statement of Reasons of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
4.22 Time limit for appeals on questions of law
A party to a proceeding before the Social Security Appeals Tribunal under Part VIIA of the Registration Act may file an appeal, on a question of law, from any decision of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal in that proceeding, within 28 days of the publication of the Statement of Reasons.
4.23 Service of application or notice of appeal
(1) The persons to be served with an application or notice of appeal under this Part are:
(a) each respondent;
(b) a parent or eligible carer of the child in relation to whom the application or appeal is made;
(c) the Child Support Registrar; and
(d) for appeals from the Social Security Appeals Tribunal—the Executive Director of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal and any other parties to the appeal.
(2) Except for an application for an order staying a decision or an urgent order for child maintenance, an application or notice of appeal must be served at least 28 days before the hearing date.
(3) A person seeking to appeal a decision of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal must serve a notice of the appeal on the Executive Director of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal within 7 working days of the day of filing the appeal.
(4) Any documents on which the applicant or appellant intends to rely must be served on the persons mentioned in subrule (1) at least 21 days before the hearing date.
4.24 Service by Child Support Registrar
For rule 4.20, if the Child Support Registrar serves a document on a person under the Assessment Act or Registration Act, the document is taken to have been served on the person on the day specified in rule 7.17.
4.25 Procedure on first court date
(1) On the first court date of a child maintenance application or a child support application or appeal, the Registrar must, if practicable, conduct a case assessment conference.
Note: The Registry Manager fixes the first court date (see rule 4.03).
(2) If the application or appeal is not resolved on the first court date, the Registrar may make orders for the future conduct of the case, including the exchange of affidavits between the parties and the listing of the case for hearing.
4.26 Evidence to be provided
(1) This rule applies to a child support application under section 98, 111, 116, 123, 129, 136, 139 or 143 of the Assessment Act or section 111C of the Registration Act, or a child maintenance application.
(2) On the first court date and the hearing date of the application, each party must bring to the court the following documents:
(a) a copy of the party’s taxation returns for the 3 most recent financial years;
(b) the party’s taxation assessments for the 3 most recent financial years;
(c) the party’s bank records for the period of 3 years ending on the date on which the application was filed;
(d) if the party receives wages or salary payments—the party’s payslips for the past 12 months;
(e) if the party owns or controls a business, either as sole trader, partnership or a company—the business activity statements and the financial statements (including profit and loss statements and balance sheets) for the 3 most recent financial years of the business; and
(f) any other document relevant to determining the income, needs and financial resources of the party.
Note 1: Documents that may need to be produced under paragraph (f) include documents setting out the details mentioned in rule 13.04.
Note 2: For variation of a maintenance order, see subsection 66S (3) of the Act.
(3) Before the hearing date, a party must produce the documents mentioned in subrule (2) for inspection, if the other party to the proceedings makes a written request for their production.
(4) If a request is made under subrule (3), the documents must be produced within 7 working days of the request being received.
Division 4.2.6—Nullity and validity of marriage and divorce
4.27 Application of Division 4.2.6
This Division applies to the following applications:
(a) an application for an order that a marriage is a nullity;
(b) an application for a declaration as to the validity of a marriage;
(c) an application for a declaration as to the validity of a divorce or annulment of marriage.
Note: Chapter 2 provides for the form to be used to make an Initiating Application (Family Law) and the documents to be filed with that application.
4.28 Fixing hearing date
(1) On the filing of an application under this Division, the Registry Manager must fix a date for the hearing of the application.
(2) The date fixed must be:
(a) if the respondent is in Australia—at least 42 days after the application is filed; or
(b) if the respondent is outside Australia—at least 56 days after the application is filed.
4.29 Affidavit to be filed with application
An applicant must file with the application an affidavit stating:
(a) the facts relied on;
(b) for an application for an order that a marriage is a nullity or a declaration as to the validity of a marriage—details of the type of marriage ceremony performed; and
(c) for an application for a declaration as to the validity of a divorce or annulment of marriage:
(i) the date of the divorce or order of nullity;
(ii) the name of the court that granted the divorce or order of nullity; and
(iii) the grounds on which the divorce or order of nullity was ordered.
Division 4.2.7—Applications relating to passports
4.30 Application relating to passport
A party seeking only an order that relates to a passport must file an Initiating Application (Family Law) and an affidavit stating the facts relied on.
Note: An application under this rule includes an application under section 67ZD, 68B or 114 of the Act. See also section 7A of the Passports Act 1938.
4.31 Fixing hearing date
On the filing of an application referred to in rule 4.30, the Registry Manager must fix a date for hearing that is as soon as practicable after the date when the application was filed.
Chapter 5—Applications for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders
Summary of Chapter 5
Chapter 5 sets out the procedure for making an application for interim, procedural, ancillary, or other incidental orders. You may also need to refer to other Chapters in these Rules when making an Application, in particular, Chapters 2, 4, 7 and 24.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 5.1—General
5.01 Restrictions in relation to applications
(1) A party may apply for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order in relation to a cause of action only if:
(a) the party has made an application for final orders in that cause of action; and
(b) final orders have not been made on that application.
Note: A reference to application includes a reference to cross‑application (see the dictionary).
(2) A party may apply for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order only if the order sought relates to a current case.
(3) Subrule (2) does not apply if the party is seeking:
(a) permission to start a case or extend a time limit to start a case;
(b) to start a case for a child or a person with a disability under rule 6.10; or
(c) an order for costs.
(4) This rule does not apply to restrict the filing of an Application in a Case by:
(a) an independent children’s lawyer;
(b) the Director of Public Prosecutions, when making an application under section 79C, 79D, 90N, 90P, 90VB or 90VC of the Act, to stay or lift a stay of a property settlement or spousal or de facto maintenance case;
(c) a bankruptcy trustee; or
(d) a trustee of a personal insolvency agreement.
(5) If a party applies for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other order at the start of a case, the application must be in an Initiating Application (Family Law).
(6) If a party applies for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other order after a case has commenced, the application must be in an Application in a Case.
Note 1: An Application in a Case is used to make:
(a) an Application for review of a Judicial Registrar’s or Registrar’s order (see Chapter 18); and
(b) an Application to enforce an obligation to pay money or to enforce a parenting order (see Chapter 20 and rule 21.01).
Note 2: A party may ask for a procedural order orally (see paragraph (h) of item 3 of Table 11.1).
5.01A Filing of applications seeking parenting orders during the Christmas school holiday period
(1) This rule applies to an application for a parenting order relating in whole or part to the school holiday period beginning in December in a year (the application year) and extending to January in the following year.
(2) The application must be filed before 4.00 pm on the second Friday in November of the application year.
Note: Except in cases of urgency (where the usual criteria for an urgent hearing will apply), an application filed after the deadline under subrule (2) will be allocated the next available date in the usual way. That date may be after Christmas. In other words, if the deadline has passed, the fact that an application relates to the school holiday period will not of itself justify a listing before Christmas. In urgent cases, applications to abridge times and to list a matter on short notice can be made to the Registry.
5.02 Evidence in applications to which Chapter 5 applies
(1) A party who applies for an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order in an Initiating Application (Family Law), or who files an Application in a Case, must at the same time file an affidavit stating the facts relied on in support of the orders sought.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to an Application in a Case in which a review of the order of a Judicial Registrar or Registrar is sought.
Note: Some rules require that the affidavit filed with the Application address specific factors (see, for example, rule 5.12).
5.03 Procedure before filing
(1) Before filing an application seeking interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders, a party must make a reasonable and genuine attempt to settle the issue to which the application relates.
(2) An applicant does not have to comply with subrule (1) if:
(a) compliance will cause undue delay or expense;
(b) the applicant would be unduly prejudiced;
(c) the application is urgent; or
(d) there are circumstances in which an application is necessary (for example, if there is an allegation of child abuse, family violence or fraud).
Note: The court may take into account a party’s failure to comply with subrule (1) when considering any order for costs (see subsections 117 (2) and (2A) of the Act).
5.05 Fixing a date for hearing or case assessment conference
(1) On the filing of an Application in a Case, or an Initiating Application (Family Law) in which application is made for interim, procedural, ancillary or other orders, the Registry Manager must fix a date for a hearing, procedural hearing or case assessment conference on a date that is as near as practicable to 28 days after the application was filed.
(2) An application in which the only orders sought are procedural orders must be listed for a hearing on the first court date.
(3) If an Application in a Case is filed after another related application, the Application in a Case may be listed for the same first court date as the related application if a Registrar considers it to be reasonable in the circumstances.
Note: If an Initiating Application (Family Law) seeks interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders, and an earlier date is fixed for the hearing of the application under subrule 5.05 (4), the Application to the extent that it concerns final orders must be dealt with on the same court date (see subrule 4.03).
(4) The Registry Manager may fix an earlier date for the hearing of an Application in a Case, or an Initiating Application (Family Law) in which application is made for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders, if a Registrar is satisfied that:
(a) the reason for the urgency is significant and credible; and
(b) there is a harm that will be avoided, remedied or mitigated by hearing the application earlier.
Note: The court may order costs against a party who has unreasonably had a matter listed for urgent hearing.
(5) If a date for a hearing is fixed, the application must, as far as practicable, be heard by the court on that day.
5.06 Attendance by electronic communication
(1) A party may request permission to do any of the following things by electronic communication at a hearing:
(a) attend;
(b) make a submission;
(c) give evidence;
(d) adduce evidence from a witness.
(2) Before making a request, the party must ask any other party whether the other party agrees, or objects, to the use of electronic communication for the purpose proposed by the party.
(3) A request must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be made at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing;
(c) set out the information required under subrule 16.08 (3);
(d) set out details of the notice in relation to the request that has been given to any other party;
(e) state whether any other party agrees or objects to the request; and
(f) state the expense to be incurred by using the electronic communication.
(4) A request may be considered in chambers, on the documents.
(5) The court may take the following matters into account when considering a request:
(a) the distance between the party’s residence and the place where the court is to sit;
(b) any difficulty the party has in attending because of illness or disability;
(c) the expense associated with attending;
(d) the expense to be incurred, or the savings to be made, by using the electronic communication;
(e) any concerns about security, including family violence and intimidation;
(f) whether any other party objects to the request.
(6) If the court grants the request, the court may:
(a) order a party to pay the expense of using the electronic communication; or
(b) apportion the expense between the parties.
(7) If a request is granted, the party who made the request must immediately give written notice to the other parties.
5.07 Attendance of party or witness in prison
(1) A party who is in prison must attend at a hearing by electronic communication.
(2) A party who intends to adduce evidence from a witness in prison must:
(a) arrange for the witness to attend and give evidence at the hearing by electronic communication; and
(b) advise the court and the other parties about that arrangement at least 2 days before the date fixed for the hearing.
(3) A party may seek permission from the court for a party or witness who is in prison to attend the hearing in person.
Example: A party may apply for an order under subrule (3) if a prison or court has no facilities for the hearing to proceed by electronic communication.
(4) A request under subrule (3) must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be made at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing;
(c) set out the reasons why permission should be granted; and
(d) inform the court whether the other party objects to the request.
(5) Subrules 5.06 (4) and (7) apply to a request under this rule.
Part 5.2—Hearing—interim and procedural applications
5.08 Interim orders—matters to be considered
When considering whether to make an interim order, the court may take into account:
(a) in a parenting case—the best interests of the child (see section 60CC of the Act);
(b) whether there are reasonable grounds for making the order;
(c) whether, for reasons of hardship, family violence, prejudice to the parties or the children, the order is necessary;
(d) the main purpose of these Rules (see rule 1.04); and
(e) whether the parties would benefit from participating in one of the dispute resolution methods.
5.09 Affidavits
The following affidavits may be relied on as evidence in chief at the hearing of an interim or procedural application:
(a) subject to rule 9.07, one affidavit by each party;
(b) one affidavit by each witness, provided the evidence is relevant and cannot be given by a party.
5.10 Hearing time of interim or procedural application
(1) The hearing of an interim or procedural application must be no longer than 2 hours.
(2) Cross‑examination will be allowed at a hearing only in exceptional circumstances.
5.11 Party’s failure to attend
(1) If a party does not attend when a hearing starts, the other party may seek the orders sought in that party’s application, including (if necessary) adducing evidence to establish an entitlement to the orders sought against the party not attending.
(2) If no party attends the hearing, the court may dismiss the application and response, if any.
Note: A reference to application includes a reference to cross‑application (see the dictionary).
Part 5.3—Application without notice
5.12 Application without notice
An applicant seeking that an interim order or procedural order be made without notice to the respondent must:
(a) satisfy the court about why:
(i) shortening the time for service of the application and the fixing of an early date for hearing after service would not be more appropriate; and
(ii) an order should be made without notice to the other party; and
(b) in an affidavit or orally, with the court’s permission, make full and frank disclosure of all the facts relevant to the application, including:
(i) whether there is a history or allegation of child abuse or family violence between the parties;
(ii) whether there has been a previous case between the parties and, if so, the nature of the case;
(iii) the particulars of any orders currently in force between the parties;
(iv) whether there has been a breach of a previous order by either party to the case;
(v) whether the respondent or the respondent’s lawyer has been told of the intention to make the application;
(vi) whether there is likely to be any hardship, danger or prejudice to the respondent, a child or a third party if the order is made;
(vii) the capacity of the applicant to give an undertaking as to damages;
(viii) the nature of the damage or harm that may result if the order is not made;
(ix) why the order must be urgently made; and
(x) the last known address or address for service of the other party.
Note: The applicant must file any existing family violence order when filing the application (see rule 2.05).
5.13 Necessary procedural orders
If the court makes an order on application without notice, the order must be expressed to operate:
(a) until a time specified in the order; or
(b) if the hearing of the application is adjourned—until the date of the hearing.
Part 5.4—Hearing on papers in absence of parties
5.14 Request for hearing in absence of parties
A party applying for an interim order, enforcement order or procedural order may, in the application, ask the court to determine the application in the absence of the parties.
Note: This Part also applies to an Application in an Appeal (see rule 22.45).
5.15 Objection to hearing in absence of parties
If a respondent objects to an application being determined by the court in the absence of the parties:
(a) the respondent must notify the court and the other party, in writing, of the objection at least 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing; and
(b) the parties must attend on the first court date for the application.
Note: A notice under this rule must comply with rule 24.01.
5.16 Court decision to not proceed in absence of parties
Despite parties consenting to a hearing being held in their absence, the court may postpone or adjourn the application and direct the Registry Manager:
(a) to fix a new date for hearing the application; and
(b) to notify the parties that they are required to attend court for the hearing.
5.17 Procedure in hearing in absence of parties
(1) If the application is to be determined in the absence of the parties, each party must file, at least 2 days before the date fixed for hearing the application:
(a) a list of documents to be read by the court; and
(b) a supporting submission.
(2) A supporting submission must:
(a) state the reasons why the orders sought by that party should be made;
(b) refer to any material in a document filed with the application by the page number of the document, and should not repeat the text of that material;
(c) not be more than 5 pages;
(d) have all paragraphs consecutively numbered;
(e) be signed by the party or the lawyer who prepared the submission; and
(f) include the signatory’s name, telephone number, facsimile number (if any) and e‑mail address (if any) at which the signatory can be contacted.
Part 5.5—Postponement of interim hearing
5.18 Administrative postponement of interim hearing
(1) If the parties agree that the hearing of an interim application should not proceed on the date fixed for the hearing, the parties may request the Registry Manager to postpone it.
(2) A request must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) specify why it is appropriate to postpone the hearing;
(c) specify the date to which the hearing is sought to be postponed;
(d) be signed by each party or the party’s lawyer; and
(e) be received by the Registry Manager no later than 12 noon on the day before the date fixed for the hearing.
(3) If a request is made, the Registry Manager must tell the parties:
(a) that the event has been postponed; and
(b) the date to which it has been postponed.
Part 5.6—Application for certain orders
5.19 Application for suppression or non‑publication order
An applicant for an order to suppress publication of a judgment must file an affidavit that sets out evidence relating to the following:
(a) the public interest in suppressing or not suppressing publication;
(b) why further anonymisation of the judgment would not be sufficient;
(c) whether publication of the entire judgment should be suppressed or only part of the judgment;
(d) whether publication should be suppressed in one medium or in all media;
(e) whether a summary of the judgment should be made publicly available if publication of the judgement is suppressed;
(f) one or more of the grounds, mentioned in subsection 102PF (1) of the Act, on which the application is made.
Note: The Court anonymises all judgments in accordance with the requirements of section 121 of the Act.
Chapter 6—Parties
Summary of Chapter 6
Chapter 6 sets out who are the necessary parties to a case and how a person becomes, or ceases to be, a party or a case guardian.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 6.1—General
6.01 Parties
A party includes the following:
(a) an applicant in a case;
(b) an appellant in an appeal;
(c) a respondent to an application or appeal;
(d) an intervener in a case.
Note 1: An independent children’s lawyer is not a party to a case but must be treated as a party (see rule 8.02).
Note 2: Pre‑action procedures must be complied with by all prospective parties under rule 1.05.
6.02 Necessary parties
(1) A person whose rights may be directly affected by an issue in a case, and whose participation as a party is necessary for the court to determine all issues in dispute in the case, must be included as a party to the case.
Example: If a party seeks an order of a kind mentioned in section 90AE or 90AF of the Act, a third party who will be bound by the order must be joined as a respondent to the case.
(2) If an application is made for a parenting order, the following must be parties to the case:
(a) the parents of the child;
(b) any other person in whose favour a parenting order is currently in force in relation to the child;
(c) any other person with whom the child lives and who is responsible for the care, welfare and development of the child;
(d) if a State child order is currently in place in relation to the child—the prescribed child welfare authority.
(3) If a person mentioned in subrule (2) is not an applicant in a case involving the child, that person must be joined as a respondent to the application.
Note 1: The court may dispense with compliance with a rule (see rule 1.12).
Note 2: Pre‑action procedures must be complied with by all prospective parties under rule 1.05.
Part 6.2—Adding and removing a party
6.03 Adding a party
(2) A party may add another party after a case has started by amending the application or response to add the name of the party.
(3) A party who relies on subrule (2) must:
(a) file an affidavit setting out the facts relied on to support the addition of the new party, including a statement of the new party’s relationship (if any) to the other parties; and
(b) serve on the new party:
(i) a copy of the application, amended application, response or amended response; and
(ii) the affidavit mentioned in paragraph (a); and
(iii) any other relevant document filed in the case.
Note 1: For amendment of an application, see Division 11.2.2.
Note 2: If a Form is amended after the first court date, the Registry Manager will set a date for a further procedural hearing (see subrule 11.10 (3)).
Note 3: Pre‑action procedures must be complied with by all prospective parties under rule 1.05.
6.04 Removing a party
A party may apply to be removed as a party to a case.
Note: Rule 5.01 sets out the procedure for making an Application in a Case.
6.05 Intervention by a person seeking to become a party
If a person who is not a party to a case (other than a person to whom rule 6.06 applies) seeks to intervene in the case to become a party, the person must file:
(a) an Application in a Case; and
(b) an affidavit:
(i) setting out the facts relied on to support the application, including a statement of the person’s relationship (if any) to the parties; and
(ii) attaching a schedule setting out any orders that the person seeks if the court grants permission to intervene.
Note: Part IX of the Act deals with intervention in a case. Once a person has, by order or under rule 6.06, intervened in a case, the person becomes a party with all the rights and obligations of a party (see subsections 91 (2) and 91A (4), paragraph 91B (2) (b) and subsections 92 (3) and 92A (3) of the Act).
6.06 Intervention by a person entitled to intervene
(1) This rule applies if the Attorney‑General, or any other person who is entitled under the Act to do so without the court’s permission, intervenes in a case.
(2) The person intervening must file:
(a) a Notice of Intervention by Person Entitled to Intervene; and
(b) an affidavit:
(i) stating the facts relied on in support of the intervention; and
(ii) attaching a schedule setting out the orders sought.
Note: The following are examples of when a person is entitled under the Act to intervene in a case without the court’s permission:
(a) subsection 79 (10) authorises a creditor of a party to a case who may not be able to recover his or her debt if an order is made under section 79, and a person whose interests would be affected by an order under section 79, to become a party to the case;
(aa) subsection 90SM (10) authorises a creditor of a party to a case who would not be able to recover a debt if an order is made under section 90SM of the Act, a party to a de facto relationship or marriage with a party to a case, a party to certain financial agreements and a person whose interests would be affected by the making of an order to become parties to the case;
(b) section 91 of the Act and section 78A of the Judiciary Act 1903 authorise the Attorney‑General to intervene in a case;
(c) section 92A of the Act authorises the people mentioned in subsection 92A (2) to intervene in a case without the court’s permission;
(d) section 145 of the Assessment Act authorises the Child Support Registrar to intervene in a case.
(3) On the filing of a Notice of Intervention by Person Entitled to Intervene, the Registry Manager must fix a date for a procedural hearing.
(4) The person intervening must give each other party written notice of the procedural hearing.
6.07 Notice of constitutional matter
(1) If a party is, or becomes, aware that a case involves a matter that:
(a) arises under the Constitution or involves its interpretation, within the meaning of section 78B of the Judiciary Act 1903; and
(b) is a genuine issue in the case;
the party must give written notice of the matter to the Attorneys‑General of the Commonwealth, and each State and Territory, and to each other party to the case.
(2) The notice must state:
(a) the nature of the matter;
(b) the issues in the case;
(c) the constitutional issue to be raised; and
(d) the facts relied on to show that section 78B of the Judiciary Act 1903 applies.
Note: Section 78B of the Judiciary Act 1903 provides that once a court becomes aware that a case involves a matter referred to in that section, it is the court’s duty not to proceed to determine the case unless and until it is satisfied that notice of the case has been given to the Attorneys‑General of the Commonwealth and of the States and Territories.
Part 6.3—Case guardian
6.08A Interpretation
In this Part:
a manager of the affairs of a party includes a person who has been appointed, in respect of the party, a trustee or guardian under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law.
6.08 Conducting a case by case guardian
(1) A child or a person with a disability may start, continue, respond to, or seek to intervene in, a case only by a case guardian.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply if the court is satisfied that a child understands the nature and possible consequences of the case and is capable of conducting the case.
Note 1: For service on a person with a disability, see rule 7.09.
Note 2: If a case is started by a child or person with a disability without a case guardian, the court may appoint a case guardian to continue the case.
6.09 Who may be a case guardian
A person may be a case guardian if the person:
(a) is an adult;
(b) has no interest in the case that is adverse to the interest of the person needing the case guardian;
(c) can fairly and competently conduct the case for the person needing the case guardian; and
(d) has consented to act as the case guardian.
6.10 Appointment, replacement or removal of case guardian
(1) A person may apply for the appointment, replacement or removal of a person as the case guardian of a party.
Note 1: Chapter 5 sets out the procedure for making an Application in a Case.
Note 2: An application in relation to a case guardian may be made by a party or a person seeking to be made the case guardian or by a person authorised to be a case guardian.
(2) A person who is a manager of the affairs of a party is taken to be appointed as the case guardian of the party if the person has filed:
(a) a notice of address for service; and
(b) an affidavit which:
(i) provides evidence that the person has been appointed manager of the affairs of the party; and
(ii) states that the person consents to being appointed as the case guardian of the party.
6.11 Attorney‑General may nominate case guardian
(1) If in the opinion of the court a suitable person is not available for appointment as a case guardian of a person with a disability, the court may request that the Attorney‑General nominate, in writing, a person to be a case guardian.
(2) A person nominated by the Attorney‑General to be a case guardian of a person with a disability is taken to be appointed as such if the person files:
(a) a consent to act in relation to the person with a disability;
(b) a copy of the written nomination of the person as a case guardian; and
(c) a Notice of Address for Service.
Note: A consent to act must comply with subrule 24.01 (1).
6.12 Notice of becoming case guardian
A person appointed as a case guardian of a party must give written notice of the appointment to each other party and any independent children’s lawyer in the case.
Note: The case guardian may also need to file a Notice of Address for Service (see rules 8.05 and 8.06).
6.13 Conduct of case by case guardian
(1) A person appointed as the case guardian of a party:
(a) is bound by these Rules;
(b) must do anything required by these Rules to be done by the party;
(c) may, for the benefit of the party, do anything permitted by these Rules to be done by the party; and
(d) if seeking a consent order (other than an order relating to practice or procedure), must file an affidavit setting out the facts relied on to satisfy the court that the order is in the party’s best interests.
(2) The duty of disclosure applies to a case guardian for a child and a person with a disability.
Note 1: The court may order a case guardian to pay costs.
Note 2: Rule 13.01 sets out the elements of the duty of disclosure.
6.14 Costs of case guardian
The court may order the costs of a case guardian to be paid:
(a) by a party; or
(b) from the income or property of the person for whom the case guardian is appointed.
Part 6.4—Progress of case after death
6.15 Death of party
(1) This rule applies to a property case or an application for the enforcement of a financial obligation.
(2) If a party dies, the other party or the legal personal representative must ask the court for procedural orders in relation to the future conduct of the case.
(3) The court may order that the legal personal representative of the deceased person be substituted for the deceased person as a party.
Note 1: The court may make other procedural orders, including that a person has permission to intervene in the case (see rules 1.12 and 6.05).
Note 2: For the effect of the death of a party in certain cases, see subsections 79 (1A), 79 (8), 79A (1C), 90SM (2), 90SM (8), 90SN (5), 90UM (8) and 105 (3) of the Act.
Part 6.5—Progress of a case after bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement
6.16 Interpretation
In this Part:
bankruptcy proceedings means proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act, in the Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court, in relation to:
(a) the bankruptcy of a relevant party; or
(b) a relevant party’s capacity as a debtor subject to a personal insolvency agreement.
relevant case means any of the following:
(a) a pending case under section 66G, 66S, 74, 78, 79, 79A, 83, 90SE, 90SL, 90SM or 90SN of the Act;
(b) a pending case under Division 4 or 5 of Part 7 of the Assessment Act;
(c) a pending case for enforcement of an order made under a provision mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
relevant party means a person who is:
(a) a party to a marriage or de facto relationship; and
(b) a party to a relevant case in relation to that marriage or de facto relationship.
Note: The following terms are defined in the Act:
· bankruptcy trustee (subsection 4 (1))
· debtor subject to a personal insolvency agreement (section 5)
· trustee, in relation to a personal insolvency agreement (subsection 4 (1)).
6.17 Notice of bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement
(1) If a relevant party is also a bankrupt or a debtor subject to a personal insolvency agreement, that party must notify:
(a) all other parties to the relevant case, in writing, about the bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement;
(b) the bankruptcy trustee or the trustee of the personal insolvency agreement, as the case may be, about the relevant case in accordance with rule 6.18; and
(c) the court in which the relevant case is pending, in accordance with rule 6.19.
(2) A party may apply for procedural orders for the future conduct of the case.
6.18 Notice under paragraph 6.17 (1) (b)
For paragraph 6.17 (1) (b), notice to a bankruptcy trustee or a trustee of a personal insolvency agreement must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be given within 7 days, or as soon as practicable, after the date on which the party becomes both:
(i) a relevant party; and
(ii) a bankrupt or debtor;
(c) attach a copy of the application starting the relevant case, response (if any), and any other relevant documents; and
(d) state the date and place of the next court event in the relevant case.
6.19 Notice under paragraph 6.17 (1) (c)
For paragraph 6.17 (1) (c), notice to the court must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be given within 7 days, or as soon as practicable, after the date on which the party becomes both:
(i) a relevant party; and
(ii) a bankrupt or debtor; and
(c) attach a copy of the notices given in accordance with paragraphs 6.17 (1) (a) and (b).
6.20 Notice of bankruptcy proceedings
(1) If a relevant party is a party to bankruptcy proceedings the party must give notice of the bankruptcy proceedings, in accordance with subrule (2), to:
(a) the court in which the relevant case is pending; and
(b) the other party (or parties) to the case.
(2) The notice must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be given within 7 days, or as soon as practicable, after the date on which the party becomes a party to bankruptcy proceedings; and
(c) state the date and place of the next court event in the bankruptcy proceedings.
6.21 Notice of application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act
(1) If the bankruptcy trustee of a bankrupt party to a marriage or de facto relationship has applied under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act for an order under Division 4A of Part VI of that Act, and the trustee knows that a relevant case in relation to the bankrupt party is pending in a court exercising jurisdiction under the Act, the trustee must notify:
(a) the court exercising jurisdiction under the Act in the relevant case, in accordance with subrule (2); and
(b) if the bankruptcy trustee’s application relates to an entity other than the other party to the marriage or de facto relationship—the other party to the marriage or de facto relationship, in accordance with subrule (3).
(2) For paragraph (1) (a), notice to the court must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be given within 7 days, or as soon as practicable, after the bankruptcy trustee makes the application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act; and
(c) state the date and place of the next court event in the proceedings under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act.
(3) For paragraph (1) (b), notice to the other party to the marriage or de facto relationship must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be given within 7 days, or as soon as practicable, after the bankruptcy trustee makes the application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act;
(c) attach a copy of the application, other initiating process and any other relevant documents in the application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act; and
(d) state the date and place of the next court event in the proceedings under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act.
6.22 Official name of trustee
(1) If a bankruptcy trustee or a trustee of a personal insolvency agreement is added as a party to a relevant case, the trustee must be added using the prescribed official name of the trustee.
(2) In subrule (1):
prescribed official name of the trustee has the meaning given by:
(a) for a bankruptcy trustee—subsection 161 (2) of the Bankruptcy Act; and
(b) for a trustee of a personal insolvency agreement—subsection 219 (2) of the Bankruptcy Act.
Chapter 7—Service
Summary of Chapter 7
Chapter 7 sets out the rules for serving documents and proving service. The rules in this chapter apply only to the service of documents in Australia and non‑convention countries. The Regulations deal with service in countries that are party to certain conventions. If there is an inconsistency between the Regulations and these Rules, the Regulations prevail (see subsection 125 (3) of the Act).
When a court determines a case, the judicial officer must be satisfied that all the documents filed that are to be relied on in the case have been served or otherwise brought to the attention of the other parties to the case.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 7.1—General
7.01A Application
This Chapter does not apply to service of a document in a foreign country that is a party to a convention to which Australia is also a party regarding legal proceedings in civil and commercial matters.
Note: Regulation 12 of the Regulations deals with service of documents in convention countries.
7.01 Service
Service of a document may be carried out by special service (see Part 7.2) or ordinary service (see Part 7.3) unless otherwise required by a legislative provision.
Note: Certain applications must have other documents served with them. For example, an Initiating Application (Family Law), when served, must be accompanied by the brochure mentioned in rule 2.03; when a subpoena is served, the witness must be paid conduct money.
7.02 Court’s discretion regarding service
(1) A court may find that a document has been served or that it has been served on a particular date, even though these Rules or an order have not been complied with in relation to service.
Note: Rule 7.17 also sets out when a document is taken to have been served.
(2) The court may order a party, or a person applying to intervene in a case under rule 6.05, to serve a document or give written notice of a matter or case to a person specified in the order.
7.03 Service of documents
A person must serve a document in the manner set out in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Service of documents
| Item | Document | Form of service |
| 1 | Initiating Application (Family Law) | Special service |
| 3 | Application in a Case fixing an enforcement hearing | Special service |
| 4 | Application for Divorce | Special service |
| 5 | Subpoena | Special service by hand |
| 6 | Application—Contravention | Special service by hand |
| 7 | Application—Contempt | Special service by hand |
| 8 | Document mentioned in item 3, 4, 5 or 6 of Table 2.2 in rule 2.02 that must be filed with a Form mentioned in this Table | The form of service set out in this Table for that Form |
| 9 | Brochure required by these Rules to be served with a Form mentioned in this Table (see rules 2.03 and 4.13 and subrules 15.28 (1) and 20.11 (3)) | The form of service set out in this Table for that Form |
| 10 | Order made on application without notice (see rule 5.12) | Special service |
| 12 | Document that is not required to be served by special service. For example: · an Application in a Case (other than an Application in a Case mentioned in item 3) and any document filed with it · a document filed after a case is started · a notice required to be given under these Rules | Ordinary service |
7.04 Service of filed documents
(1) A document that is filed must be served on each person to be served:
(a) as soon as possible after the date of filing and within 12 months after that date; or
(b) if a provision elsewhere in these Rules specifies a time for service—within the specified time.
Note: If a document is not served within the time required, service after that time is ineffective unless the court otherwise orders (see rules 1.12, 7.02 and 11.02).
(1A) A person who serves a document filed by electronic communication must:
(a) if the Registry Manager has sent the person who filed the document a communication recording the date of filing—ensure that a copy of the communication is served; or
(b) in any other case—write on the front of the served copy of the document the date of filing.
(2) Despite subrule (1) and rule 7.03, the following documents do not have to be served on any other party:
(a) a joint application;
(b) an application without notice;
(c) an Affidavit of Service;
(d) a document signed by all parties;
(e) an affidavit seeking the issue, without notice, of an Enforcement Warrant under rule 20.16 or a Third Party Debt Notice under rule 20.32.
Note: A draft consent order signed by all parties does not have to be served on the other parties to the application. However, if an order is sought affecting a superannuation interest, it must be served on the trustee of the superannuation fund in which that interest is held (see rule 10.16).
(3) If a document or notice is served on or given to a party under these Rules, a copy of the document or notice must also be served on or given to any independent children’s lawyer.
(4) For subrule (1):
each person to be served, for a case, includes:
(a) all parties to the case;
(b) any independent children’s lawyer; and
(c) any other person specifically required by a legislative provision or order to be served in the case.
Part 7.2—Special service
Note: Special service of a document may be performed by delivering the document:
· to the person to be served by hand (see rule 7.06) or by post or electronic communication (see rule 7.07); or
· if a lawyer representing the person undertakes, in writing, to accept service of the document, by delivering it to the person’s lawyer (see rule 7.08).
7.05 Special service
A document that must be served by special service must be personally received by the person served.
Note: For proof of service, see Part 7.4.
7.06 Special service by hand
(1) A document to be served by hand must be given to the person to be served (the receiver).
(2) If the receiver refuses to take the document, service occurs if the person serving the document:
(a) places it down in the presence of the receiver; and
(b) tells the receiver what it is.
(3) A party must not serve another party by hand but may be present when service by hand occurs.
7.07 Special service by post or electronic communication
(1) A document may be served on a person in Australia by sending a copy of it to the person’s last known address by post.
(2) A document may be served on a person in Australia by sending it to the person by electronic communication.
(3) A person serving a document by post or electronic communication must include with the document:
(a) an Acknowledgement of Service for the person served to sign; and
(b) for service by post within Australia—a stamped self‑addressed envelope.
Note: Subrule 24.07 (3) does not apply to an Acknowledgement of Service. If an applicant wants to prove service by electronic communication (other than by facsimile), the applicant must still produce a signed Acknowledgement of Service. This means that the person served will need to print out and sign a hard copy of the Acknowledgement of Service and arrange for the signed copy to be returned to the applicant in a form in which the applicant is able to identify the signature on the signed copy as that of the person served (see note to rule 7.14).
7.08 Special service through a lawyer
A document is taken to be served by special service on a person if:
(a) a lawyer representing the person agrees, in writing, to accept service of the document for the person; and
(b) the document is served on the lawyer in accordance with rule 7.06 or 7.07.
7.09 Special service on person with a disability
(1) A document that is required to be served by special service on a person with a disability, must be served:
(a) on the person’s case guardian;
(b) on the person’s guardian appointed under a State or Territory law; or
(c) if there is no one under paragraph (a) or (b)—on an adult who has the care of the person.
(2) For paragraph (1) (c), the person in charge of a hospital, nursing home or other care facility is taken to have the care of a person who is a patient in the hospital, nursing home or facility.
Note: If a person with a disability wants to start, continue or respond to, or seek to intervene in, a case, the person may do so through a case guardian (see rule 6.08).
7.10 Special service on a prisoner
(1) A document that is required to be served by special service on a prisoner must be served by special service on the person in charge of the prison.
(2) At the time of service of an Application, Subpoena or Notice of Appeal on a prisoner, the prisoner must be informed, in writing, about the requirement to attend by electronic communication under rule 5.07, subrule 12.12 (4) or rule 22.40 (whichever is applicable).
7.11 Special service on a corporation
A document that is required to be served by special service on a corporation must be served in accordance with section 109X of the Corporations Act 2001.
Note: A subpoena must be served on the proper officer or other person entitled to accept service of a subpoena for a corporation (see subrule 15.17 (4)).
Part 7.3—Ordinary service
7.12 Ordinary service
If special service of a document is not required, the document may be served on a person:
(a) by any method of special service;
(b) if the person has given an address for service:
(i) by delivering it to the address in a sealed envelope addressed to the person;
(ii) by sending it to the address by post in a sealed envelope addressed to the person; or
(iii) by sending it to the facsimile or e‑mail address stated in the address for service by electronic communication addressed to the person (see rule 7.16);
(c) if the person has not given an address for service:
(i) by handing it to the person;
(ii) by delivering it to the person’s last known address or place of business in a sealed envelope addressed to the person; or
(iii) by sending it by post in a sealed envelope addressed to the person at the person’s last known address or place of business;
(d) if a lawyer representing the person agrees, in writing, to accept service of the document, by sending it to the lawyer; or
(e) if the person’s address for service includes the number of a lawyer’s document exchange box, by delivering it in a sealed envelope, addressed to the lawyer at that box address, to:
(i) that box; or
(ii) a box provided at another branch of the document exchange for delivery of documents to the box address.
Part 7.4—Proof of service
7.13 Proof of service
(1) Service of an application is proved:
(a) by filing an Affidavit of Service;
(b) by the respondent filing a Notice of Address for Service or a Response; or
(c) if service was carried out by giving the document to a lawyer—by filing an Acknowledgement of Service that has been signed by the lawyer.
(2) Service of any other document is proved by filing an Affidavit of Service.
7.14 Proof of special service
(1) This rule applies if a document is required to be served by special service and the applicant seeks to prove service by way of affidavit.
(2) If service was by post or electronic communication, service is proved by:
(a) attaching to an Affidavit of Service, an Acknowledgement of Service signed by the respondent; and
(b) evidence identifying the signature on the Acknowledgement of Service as the respondent’s signature.
Note: If a person serving a document seeks to prove service under this rule, an Acknowledgment of Service must be signed by the person served with the document. However, if the Affidavit of Service with the Acknowledgement of Service is filed by electronic communication, subrule 24.07 (4) applies to the original affidavit and the signed acknowledgment.
7.15 Evidence of identity
(1) A statement by a person of the person’s identity, office or position is evidence of the identity, the holding of the office or position.
(2) Another person may give evidence about the identity, office or position of a person served.
Example: A person may give evidence about the identity of another person by identifying:
(a) the signature of the person served on the Acknowledgment of Service;
(b) the person served from a photograph; or
(c) the person when accompanying the process server.
Part 7.5—Other matters about service
7.16 Service by electronic communication
(1) Service of a document may be carried out by facsimile only if the total number of pages (including the cover page) to be transmitted:
(a) is not more than 25; or
(b) if the person on whom the document is to be served has first agreed to receiving more than 25 pages—is not more than the number of pages agreed to be transmitted.
(2) A document served by electronic communication must include a cover page stating:
(a) the sender’s name and address;
(b) the name of the person to be served;
(c) the date and time of transmission;
(d) the total number of pages, including the cover page, transmitted;
(e) that the transmission is for service of court documents;
(f) the name and telephone number of a person to contact if there is a problem with transmission; and
(g) a return electronic address.
7.17 When service is taken to have been carried out
A document is taken to have been served:
(a) on the date when service is acknowledged;
(b) if served by post to an address in Australia—on the third day after it was posted;
(c) if served by delivery to a document exchange—on the next working day after the day when it was delivered; or
(d) on a date fixed by the court.
7.18 Service with conditions or dispensing with service
(1) A party who is unable to serve a document may apply, without notice, for an order:
(a) to serve the document in another way; or
(b) to dispense with service of the document, with or without conditions.
(2) The factors the court may have regard to when considering an application under subrule (1) include:
(a) the proposed method of bringing the document to the attention of the person to be served;
(b) whether all reasonable steps have been taken to serve the document or bring it to the notice of the person to be served;
(c) whether the person to be served could reasonably become aware of the existence and nature of the document by advertisement or another form of communication that is reasonably available;
(d) the likely cost of service; and
(e) the nature of the case.
(3) If the court orders that service of a document is:
(a) dispensed with unconditionally; or
(b) dispensed with on a condition that is complied with;
the document is taken to have been served.
Note: An application under this rule is made by filing an Application in a Case and an affidavit (see rules 5.01 and 5.02).
Part 7.6—Service in non‑convention country
7.19 Service in non‑convention country
(1) A person may serve a document on a person in a non‑convention country:
(a) in accordance with the law of the non‑convention country; or
(b) if the non‑convention country permits service of judicial documents through the diplomatic channel—through the diplomatic channel.
(2) A person seeking to serve a document in a non‑convention country through the diplomatic channel must:
(a) request the Registry Manager, in writing, to arrange service of the document under this Part; and
(b) lodge 2 copies of each document to be served, translated, if necessary, into an official language of that country.
(3) If the Registry Manager receives a request under subrule (2), the Registry Manager must:
(a) seal the documents to be served; and
(b) send to the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
(i) the sealed documents; and
(ii) a written request that the documents be sent to the government of the non‑convention country for service.
7.20 Proof of service in non‑convention country
(1) This rule applies if:
(a) a document is sent to the Secretary of the Attorney‑ General’s Department for service on a person in a non‑convention country; and
(b) an official certificate or declaration by the government or court of the country, stating that the document has been personally served, or served in another way under the law of the country, is sent to the court.
(2) The certificate or declaration is proof of service of the document and, when filed, is a record of the service and has effect as if it were an affidavit of service.
Note: If service cannot be carried out under this rule, the applicant may apply for an order dispensing with service (see rule 7.18).
Chapter 8—Right to be heard and address for service
Summary of Chapter 8
Chapter 8 sets out rules about:
· the people who may be heard by the court and the requirements for their address for service;
· the appointment of an independent children’s lawyer; and
· lawyer’s conflict of interest and ceasing to act.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 8.1—Right to be heard and representation
8.01 Right to be heard and representation
(1) A person (other than a corporation or authority) who is entitled to be heard in a case may conduct the case on the person’s own behalf or be represented by a lawyer.
(2) A corporation or authority that is entitled to be heard in a case may be represented by a lawyer, or an officer of the corporation or authority.
Note 1: For the right of a lawyer to appear in a court exercising jurisdiction under the Act, see Part VIIIA of the Judiciary Act 1903.
Note 2: A party may apply to appear at a hearing or trial by electronic communication (see rules 5.06 and 16.08).
Note 3: A party is not entitled to be represented by a person who is not a lawyer unless the court otherwise orders. The court will give permission for representation by a person other than a lawyer only in special circumstances.
8.02 Independent children’s lawyer
(1) A party may apply for the appointment or removal of an independent children’s lawyer by filing an Application in a Case.
Note: A party may ask for a procedural order orally (see paragraph (h) of item 3 of Table 11.1 in rule 11.01).
(2) If the court makes an order for the appointment of an independent children’s lawyer:
(a) it may request that the representation be arranged by a legal aid body that is a relevant authority within the meaning of subsection 116C (5) of the Act; and
(b) it may order that the costs of the independent children’s lawyer be met by a party.
Note: Section 68L of the Act provides for the independent representation of children.
(3) A person appointed as an independent children’s lawyer:
(a) must file a Notice of Address for Service;
(b) must comply with these Rules and do anything required to be done by a party; and
(c) may do anything permitted by these Rules to be done by a party.
(4) If an independent children’s lawyer is appointed, the parties must conduct the case as if the independent children’s lawyer were a party.
(5) The appointment of an independent children’s lawyer ceases:
(a) when the Initiating Application (Family Law) is determined or withdrawn; or
(b) if there is an appeal—when the appeal is determined or withdrawn.
Note 1: If a document or notice is served on or given to a party under these Rules, the document or notice must also be served on or given to any independent children’s lawyer (see subrule 7.04 (4)).
Note 2: This rule applies unless the court orders otherwise (see rule 1.12).
8.03 Lawyer—conflicting interests
A lawyer acting for a party in a case must not act in the case for any other party who has a conflicting interest.
Note: This rule does not purport to set out all the situations in which a lawyer may not act for a party.
8.04 Lawyer—ceasing to act
(1) A lawyer may cease to act for a party:
(a) by serving on the party a Notice of Ceasing to Act and, no sooner than 7 days after serving the notice, filing a copy of the notice; or
(b) with the court’s permission.
(2) If:
(a) a party’s address for service is the party’s lawyer’s address; and
(b) the lawyer ceases to act for the party;
the party’s last known residential address is the address for service until the party files a Notice of Address for Service.
Part 8.2—Address for service
8.05 Address for service
(1) A party must give an address for service if:
(a) the party files or responds to an application; or
(b) the party seeks to be heard by the court.
(2) A party must give only one address for service for each application filed.
(3) A party may give an address for service:
(a) in the first document filed by the party; or
(b) by filing a Notice of Address for Service.
(4) An address for service:
(a) must be an address in Australia where documents may be left or received by post;
(aa) must include a telephone number at which the party may be contacted; and
(b) may include a facsimile number and an address for service by electronic communication.
(5) A party may include an address for service by electronic communication only if documents sent to or from that address can be read by the computer software of each party and the court.
Note: If an address for service includes a facsimile number or an address for service by electronic communication, documents served on the person by that method are taken by the court to be served on the person on the day when the documents were transmitted to that address (see paragraph 7.17 (d)).
8.06 Change of address for service
If a party’s address for service changes during a case, the party must file a Notice of Address for Service within 7 days after the change.
Note 1: A new address for service will be needed if a party:
(a) acts in person and changes address;
(b) initially acts in person and later appoints a lawyer;
(c) initially appoints a lawyer and later acts in person; or
(d) changes lawyers during the case.
Note 2: Until a Notice of Address for Service is filed and served, the previous address remains on the court record as the address for service and all documents will be served at that address unless subrule 8.04 (2) applies.
Chapter 9—Response and reply
Summary of Chapter 9
Chapter 9 sets out the procedure for:
· responding to an Initiating Application (Family Law) (known as a Response to Initiating Application (Family Law);
· responding to an Application in a Case (known as a Response to an Application in a Case); and
· replying to a Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) seeking orders in a cause of action other than one mentioned in the application (known as a Reply).
Note: A Response to Application for Divorce is used to respond to an Application for Divorce (see rule 3.04).
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 9.1—Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law)
9.01 Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law)
(1) A respondent to an Initiating Application (Family Law) who seeks to oppose the orders sought in the application or seeks different orders must file a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law).
(2) A Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) must:
(a) state the facts in the application with which the respondent disagrees;
(b) state what the respondent believes the facts to be; and
(c) give full particulars of the orders the respondent wants the court to make.
(3) In addition to the matters in subrule (2), a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) may:
(a) consent to an order sought by the applicant;
(b) ask that the application be dismissed; or
(c) ask for orders in another cause of action.
(4) A Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) must not include a request for any of the following orders:
(a) a divorce order;
(b) an order that a marriage be annulled;
(c) a declaration as to validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment;
(d) an order under Division 4.2.3 authorising a medical procedure.
Note: If:
(a) a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) includes a request for orders in another cause of action; and
(b) documents would be required to be filed under rule 2.02 to support that cause of action;
the respondent must file with the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) the document required under rule 2.02 to be filed for that cause of action.
9.02 Filing an affidavit with Response to Initiating Application (Family Law)
A respondent must not file an affidavit with a Response to Initiating Application (Family Law) unless:
(a) responding to interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders sought in the Initiating Application;
(b) seeking interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders in the Response; or
(c) required to do so by item 5 or 6 of Table 2.2.
9.03 Response objecting to jurisdiction
(1) A respondent seeking to object to the jurisdiction of the court:
(a) must file a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law); and
(b) is not taken to have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court by seeking other orders in the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law).
(2) The objection to the jurisdiction must be determined before any other orders sought in the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law).
Part 9.2—Reply to Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law)
9.04 Applicant reply to Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) (Reply)
An applicant must file a Reply if:
(a) in the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law), the respondent seeks orders in a cause of action other than a cause of action mentioned in the application; and
(b) the applicant seeks:
(i) to oppose the orders sought in the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law); or
(ii) different orders in the cause of action mentioned in the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law).
9.04A Additional party reply to Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law), (Reply)
(1) This rule applies if, in a Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law), a respondent seeks orders against a person other than the applicant (an additional party).
(2) An additional party who seeks to oppose the orders sought in the Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law), or who seeks different orders, must file a Reply.
Part 9.3—Response to Application in a Case
9.05 Response to Application in a Case
A respondent to an Application in a Case who seeks to oppose the Application or seeks different orders must file a Response to an Application in a Case.
9.06 Affidavit to be filed with Response to an Application in a Case
(1) A respondent who files a Response to an Application in a Case must, at the same time, file an affidavit stating the facts relied on in support of the Response to an Application in a Case.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to a Response to an Application in a Case filed in response to an application to review an order of a Judicial Registrar or Registrar.
9.07 Affidavit in reply to Response to an Application in a Case
If:
(a) a respondent files a Response to an Application in a Case seeking orders in a cause of action other than a cause of action mentioned in the Application in a Case; and
(b) the applicant opposes the orders sought in the Response to an Application in a Case;
the applicant may file an affidavit setting out the facts relied on.
Part 9.4—Filing and service
9.08 Time for filing and service of response or reply
(1) A party may respond to an application by filing and serving a Response (and any affidavit filed with it) at least 7 days before the date fixed for the case assessment conference, procedural hearing or hearing to which the response relates.
(2) If a party wishes to file a Reply, the party must file and serve the reply as soon as possible after the response is received.
(3) All affidavits in a case started by an Application in a Case or a Response to an Application in a Case must be filed at least 2 days before the date fixed for the hearing.
Note: The affidavits to which subrule (3) applies include those affidavits that must be filed with the application or response and any affidavit by the applicant responding to the orders sought in a new cause of action in a Response to an Application in a Case.
Chapter 10—Ending a case without a trial
Summary of Chapter 10
Chapter 10 sets out how a party may resolve a case without a trial and the procedure to end a case, if agreement is reached.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 10.1—Offers to settle
Note: Each party is encouraged at all times to make an offer to settle to the other party in an effort to resolve a case. This Part sets out the rules that apply to offers to settle in the Family Court. Part 10.1 contains two Divisions.
Division 10.1.1 applies to all offers to settle and provides for:
(a) how an offer is made;
(b) the form an offer is to take;
(c) how an offer is accepted or withdrawn;
(d) the timing of acceptance or withdrawal; and
(e) what to do when an offer is accepted and a case is resolved.
Division 10.1.2 applies only to offers to settle in property cases in which an offer to settle must be made after a conciliation conference.
Division 10.1.1—General
10.01 How to make an offer
(1) A party may make an offer to another party to settle all or part of a case by serving on the other party an offer to settle at any time before the court makes an order disposing of the case.
Note: See also paragraph 117 (2A) (f) and section 117C of the Act in relation to offers to settle.
(2) A party may make an offer to settle all or part of an appeal by serving on the other party an offer to settle at any time before the court makes an order disposing of the appeal.
(3) An offer to settle:
(a) must be in writing; and
(b) must not be filed.
Note: A later offer to settle has the effect of withdrawing an earlier offer (see subrule 10.03 (3)).
10.02 Open and ‘without prejudice’ offer
(1) An offer to settle is made without prejudice (a without prejudice offer) unless the offer states that it is an open offer.
(2) A party must not mention the fact that a without prejudice offer has been made, or the terms of the offer:
(a) in any document filed; or
(b) at a hearing or trial.
(3) If a party makes an open offer, any party may disclose the facts and terms of the offer to other parties and the court.
(4) Subrule (2) does not apply to:
(a) an application relating to an offer; or
(b) an application for costs.
10.03 How to withdraw an offer
(1) A party may withdraw an offer to settle by serving a written notice on the other party that the offer is withdrawn.
(2) A party may withdraw an offer to settle at any time before:
(a) the offer is accepted; or
(b) the court makes an order disposing of the application or appeal to which the offer relates.
(3) A second or later offer by a party has the effect of withdrawing an earlier offer.
10.04 How to accept an offer
(1) A party may accept an offer to settle by notice, in writing, to the party making the offer.
(2) A party may accept an offer to settle at any time before:
(a) the offer is withdrawn; or
(b) the court makes an order disposing of the application or appeal.
(3) If an offer to settle is accepted, the parties must lodge a draft consent order.
Note 1: The draft consent order should set out the orders agreed to by the parties and must be signed by both parties. Once lodged, it will be considered by the court under rule 10.17. The parties may agree to the dismissal of all applications.
Note 2: Paragraph 6.13 (1) (d) requires that, if a party seeks a consent order and a case guardian has been appointed for the party, the case guardian must file an affidavit stating why the consent order is in the best interests of the party, and any other matter the court may require.
10.05 Counter‑offer
A party may accept an offer to settle even though the party has made a counter‑offer to settle.
Division 10.1.2—Offer to settle—property cases
10.06 Compulsory offer to settle
(1) This rule applies to a property case.
(2) Each party must make a genuine offer to settle to all other parties within:
(a) 28 days after the conciliation conference;
(b) if no conciliation conference has been held—28 days after the procedural hearing at which the case was allocated the first day before the Judge; or
(c) such further time as ordered by the court.
(3) The offer to settle must state that it is made under this Division.
Example: The offer to settle must include a statement along the following lines:
‘This offer to settle is made under Division 10.1.2 of the Family Law Rules 2004.’
Note 1: For rules about making, withdrawing and accepting an offer, see Division 10.1.1.
Note 2: An offer to settle is a factor that must be taken into account when the court exercises its discretion in relation to costs (see paragraph 117 (2A) (f) of the Act).
Note 3: Rule 11.02 sets out the consequences of failing to comply with these Rules.
10.07 Withdrawal of offer
A party who withdraws an offer to settle made under this Division must, at the same time, make another genuine offer to settle.
Part 10.2—Discontinuing a case
10.10 Definition
In this Part:
case includes:
(a) part of a case;
(b) an order sought in an application; and
(c) an application for a consent order when there is no current case (see Part 10.4).
10.11 Discontinuing a case
(1) A party may discontinue a case by filing a Notice of Discontinuance .
(2) A party must apply to the court for permission to discontinue a case if:
(a) the case relates to property of the parties, or a party, and one of the parties dies before the case is determined; or
(b) in an application for divorce—there are less than 7 days before the date of the hearing.
Note: Under subsection 79 (8) of the Act, a party may continue with an application for property even if one of the parties has died.
(3) Discontinuance of a case by a party does not discontinue any other party’s case.
Note: If one or more joint applicants, but not all, discontinue a case, any discontinuing applicant becomes a respondent.
(4) If a party discontinues a case, another party may apply for costs within 28 days after the Notice of Discontinuance is filed.
(5) If:
(a) a party is required to pay the costs of another party because of the discontinuance of a case; and
(b) the party required to pay the costs starts another case on the same, or substantially the same, grounds before paying the costs;
the other party may apply for the case to be stayed until the costs are paid.
Part 10.3—Summary orders and separate decisions
Note: An application under this Part is made by filing an Application in a Case and an affidavit (see rules 5.01 and 5.02).
10.12 Application for summary orders
A party may apply for summary orders after a response has been filed if the party claims, in relation to the application or response, that:
(a) the court has no jurisdiction;
(b) the other party has no legal capacity to apply for the orders sought;
(c) it is frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process; or
(d) there is no reasonable likelihood of success.
10.13 Application for separate decision
A party may apply for a decision on any issue, if the decision may:
(a) dispose of all or part of the case;
(b) make a trial unnecessary;
(c) make a trial substantially shorter; or
(d) save substantial costs.
10.14 What the court may order under this Part
On an application under this Part, the court may:
(a) dismiss any part of the case;
(b) decide an issue;
(c) make a final order on any issue;
(d) order a hearing about an issue or fact; or
(e) with the consent of the parties, order arbitration about the case or part of the case.
Note: This list does not limit the powers of the court. The court may make orders on an application, or on its own initiative (see rule 1.10).
Part 10.4—Consent orders
10.15 How to apply for a consent order
(1) A party may apply for a consent order:
(a) in a current case:
(i) orally, during a hearing or a trial;
(ii) by lodging a draft consent order; or
(iii) by tendering a draft consent order to a judicial officer during a court event; or
(b) if there is no current case—by filing an Application for Consent Orders.
Note: A case guardian for a party seeking a consent order (other than an order relating to practice or procedure), must file an affidavit setting out the facts relied on to satisfy the court that the consent order is in the party’s best interests (see paragraph 6.13 (1) (d)).
(1A) A party who files an Application for Consent Orders if there is no current case must:
(a) lodge a draft consent order; or
(b) tender a draft consent order to a judicial officer during a court event.
(2) A draft consent order must:
(a) set out clearly the orders that the parties ask the court to make;
(b) state that it is made by consent;
(c) be signed by each of the parties; and
(d) be accompanied by additional copies of the order:
(i) so that there is a copy for each person to be served and an additional copy for the court; and
(ii) each of which is certified by the applicant’s lawyer, or by each party to the application, as a true copy.
(3) Paragraph (1) (b) does not apply if a party applies for a consent order:
(a) for step‑parent maintenance under section 66M of the Act;
(b) relying on a cross‑vesting law;
(c) approving a medical procedure;
(d) for a parenting order when section 65G of the Act applies; or
(e) for an order under the Assessment Act or Registration Act.
(4) A party applying for a consent order in a case mentioned in subrule (3) must file an Initiating Application (Family Law) as soon as the consent is received.
Note: If an independent children’s lawyer has been appointed in a case, the court will not make a consent order unless the independent children’s lawyer has also signed the draft consent order (see subrule 8.02 (4)).
10.15A Consent parenting orders and allegations of abuse or family violence
(1) This rule applies if an application is made to the court in a current case for a parenting order by consent.
(2) If an application is made orally during a hearing or trial, each party, or if represented by a lawyer, the party’s lawyer:
(a) must advise the court whether the party considers that the child concerned has been, or is at risk of being, subjected to or exposed to abuse, neglect or family violence;
(b) must advise the court whether the party considers that he or she, or another party to the proceedings, has been or is at risk of being subjected to family violence; and
(c) if allegations of abuse or family violence have been made—must explain to the court how the order attempts to deal with the allegations.
(3) For any other application each party, or if represented by a lawyer, the party’s lawyer:
(a) must certify in an annexure to the draft consent order whether the party considers that the child concerned has been, or is at risk of being, subjected to or exposed to abuse, neglect or family violence;
(b) must certify in the annexure whether the party considers that he or she, or another party to the proceedings, has been or is at risk of being subjected to family violence; and
(c) if allegations of abuse or family violence have been made—must explain in the annexure how the order attempts to deal with the allegations.
10.16 Notice to superannuation trustee
(1) This rule applies in a property case if a party intends to apply for a consent order which is expressed to bind the trustee of an eligible superannuation plan.
(2) The party must, not less than 28 days before lodging the draft consent order or filing the Application for Consent Orders, notify the trustee of the eligible superannuation plan in writing of the following:
(a) the terms of the order that will be sought to bind the trustee;
(b) the next court event (if any);
(c) that the parties intend to apply for the order sought if no objection to the order is received from the trustee within the time mentioned in subrule (3);
(d) that if the trustee objects to the order sought, the trustee must give the parties written notice of the objection within the time mentioned in subrule (3).
(3) If the trustee does not object to the order sought within 28 days after receiving notice under subrule (2), the party may file the application or lodge the draft consent order.
(4) Despite subrule (3), if, after service of notice under subrule (2) on the trustee, the trustee consents, in writing, to the order being made, the parties may file the Application for Consent Orders or lodge the draft consent order.
Note: Eligible superannuation plan is defined in section 90MD of the Act.
10.17 Dealing with a consent order
If a party applies for a consent order, the court may:
(a) make an order in accordance with the orders sought;
(b) require a party to file additional information;
(c) dismiss the application
Note: A party applying for a consent order must satisfy the court as to why the consent order should be made.
10.18 Lapsing of respondent’s consent
A respondent’s consent to an application that an order be made in the same terms as the draft consent order attached to a Application for Consent Orders lapses if:
(a) 90 days have passed since the date of the first statement of truth in the Application for Consent Orders; and
(b) the Application for Consent Orders has not been filed.
Chapter 11—Case management
Summary of Chapter 11
Chapter 11 sets out the ways the court may manage a case to achieve the main purpose of these Rules (see rule 1.04), including:
· making procedural orders;
· limiting the issues in dispute;
· permitting amendment of applications or documents to clarify the issues in dispute; and
· changing the venue of a case.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 11.1—Court’s powers of case management
11.01 General powers
The court may exercise any of the powers mentioned in Table 11.1 to manage a case to achieve the main purpose of these Rules (see rule 1.04).
Table 11.1 Court’s powers
| Item | Subject | Power |
| 1 | Attendance | (a) order a party to attend: (ii) a procedural hearing; (iii) a family consultant; (iv) family counselling or family dispute resolution; (v) a conference or other court event; or (vi) a post‑separation parenting program; (b) require a party, a party’s lawyer or an independent children’s lawyer to attend court |
| 2 | Case development | (a) consolidate cases; (b) order that part of a case be dealt with separately; (c) decide the sequence in which issues are to be tried; (d) specify the facts that are in dispute, state the issues and make procedural orders about how and when the case will be heard or tried; (e) finalise the balance sheet setting out all assets, liabilities and financial resources that either party asserts are relevant to the determination of the case; (f) with the consent of the parties, order that a case or part of a case be submitted to arbitration; (g) order a party to provide particulars, or further and better particulars, of the orders sought by that party and the basis on which the orders are sought; (h) order a party to produce any relevant document in a financial case to the court or to any other party for the purpose of developing and finalising the balance sheet |
| 3 | Conduct of case | (a) hold a court event and receive submissions and evidence by electronic communication; (b) postpone, bring forward or cancel a court event; (c) adjourn a court event; (d) stay a case or part of a case; (e) make orders in the absence of a party; (f) deal with an application without an oral hearing; (g) deal with an application with written or oral evidence or, if the issue is a question of law, without evidence; (h) allow an application to be made orally; (i) determine an application without requiring notice to be given; (j) order that a case lose listing priority; (k) make a self‑executing order; (l) make an order granting permission for a party to perform an action if a provision of the Rules requires a party to obtain that permission; (m) for a fee that is required by law to be paid—order that the fee must be paid by a specified date |
Note 1: The powers mentioned in this rule are in addition to any powers given to the court under a legislative provision or that it may otherwise have.
Note 2: Rule 1.10 provides that a court may make an order on its own initiative and sets out what other things the court may do when making an order or giving a party permission to do something.
11.02 Failure to comply with a legislative provision or order
(1) If a step is taken after the time specified for taking the step by these Rules, the Regulations or a procedural order, the step is of no effect.
Note: A defaulter may apply to the court for relief from this rule (see rule 11.03).
(2) If a party does not comply with these Rules, the Regulations or a procedural order, the court may:
(a) dismiss all or part of the case;
(b) set aside a step taken or an order made;
(c) determine the case as if it were undefended;
(d) make any of the orders mentioned in rule 11.01;
(e) order costs;
(f) prohibit the party from taking a further step in the case until the occurrence of a specified event; or
(g) make any other order the court considers necessary, having regard to the main purpose of these Rules (see rule 1.04).
Note: This list does not limit the powers of the court. It is an expectation that a non‑defaulting party will minimise any loss.
11.03 Relief from orders
(1) A party may apply for relief from:
(a) the effect of subrule 11.02 (1); or
(b) an order under subrule 11.02 (2).
(2) In determining an application under subrule (1), the court may consider:
(a) whether there is a good reason for the non‑compliance;
(b) the extent to which the party has complied with orders, legislative provisions and the pre‑action procedures;
(c) whether the non‑compliance was caused by the party or the party’s lawyer;
(d) the impact of the non‑compliance on the management of the case;
(e) the effect of non‑compliance on each other party;
(f) costs;
(g) whether the applicant should be stayed from taking any further steps in the case until the costs are paid; and
(h) if the application is for relief from the effect of subrule 11.02 (1)—whether all parties consent to the step being taken after the specified time.
Note 1: This list does not limit the powers of the court. See also subrule 1.12 (3).
Note 2: A party may make an application under this rule by filing an Application in a Case or, with the court’s permission, orally at a court event.
11.05 Application for leave to institute proceedings after vexatious proceedings order made
(1) This rule applies if the court has made an order under:
(a) subsection 102QB (2) of the Act; or
(b) any of the following, as in force immediately before the commencement of Schedule 3 to the Access to Justice (Federal Jurisdiction) Amendment Act 2012:
(i) paragraph 118 (1) (c) or subsection 118 (2) of the Act;
(ii) paragraph 11.04 (1) (b) of these Rules;
and the person against whom the order was made applies for leave to institute or continue proceedings.
(2) An application under subsection 102QE (2) of the Act must be:
(a) in the form of an Application in a Case; and
(b) made without notice to any other party.
Note 1: For the contents of the affidavit that must be filed with the application, see subsection 102QE (3) of the Act.
Note 2: For rules 11.04 and 11.05 as in force immediately before the commencement of Schedule 3 to the Access to Justice (Federal Jurisdiction) Amendment Act 2012, see Schedule 7 of these Rules.
(3) On the first court date for the application, the court may:
(a) dismiss the application; or
(b) order the person to:
(i) serve the application and affidavit; and
(ii) file and serve any further affidavits in support of the application; and
(iii) list the application for hearing.
11.06 Dismissal for want of prosecution
(1) If a party has not taken a step in a case for one year, the court may:
(a) dismiss all or part of the case; or
(b) order an act to be done within a fixed time, in default of which the party’s application will be dismissed.
(2) The court must not make an order under subrule (1) unless, at least 14 days before making the order, the court has given the parties written notice of the date and time when it will consider whether to make the order.
(3) If:
(a) an application is dismissed under subrule (1);
(b) a party is ordered to pay the costs of another party; and
(c) before the costs are paid, the party ordered to pay them starts another application on the same or substantially the same grounds;
the other party may apply for the case to be stayed until the costs are paid.
Note: This rule applies unless the court orders otherwise (see rule 1.12).
Part 11.2—Limiting issues
Division 11.2.1—Admissions
Note: To reduce cost and delay, parties are encouraged to make admissions in relation to facts and documents. The admission is for the purposes of the case only, in order to narrow the issues in dispute. A party should give the other party written notice of any admissions as early as practicable in the case. For example, if admissions are made before the disclosure process, disclosure may be able to be limited and the costs of the case reduced.
11.07 Request to admit
(1) A party may, by serving a Notice to Admit on another party, ask the other party to admit, for the purposes of the case only, that a fact is true or that a document is genuine.
(2) A Notice to Admit must include a note to the effect that, under subrule 11.08 (2), failure to serve a Notice Disputing a Fact or Document will result in the party being taken to have admitted that the fact is true or the document is genuine.
(3) If a Notice to Admit mentions a document, the party serving the Notice must attach a copy of the document to the notice, unless:
(a) the other party has a copy of the document; or
(b) it is not practicable to attach the copy to the Notice.
(4) If paragraph (3) (b) applies, the party must:
(a) in the Notice:
(i) identify the document; and
(ii) specify a convenient place and time at which the document may be inspected; and
(b) produce the document for inspection at the specified place and time.
11.08 Notice disputing fact or document
(1) If a party who is served with a Notice to Admit seeks to dispute a fact or document specified in the Notice, the party must serve on the party who served the Notice, within 14 days after it was served, a Notice Disputing the Fact or Document.
(2) If a party does not serve a notice in accordance with subrule (1), the party is taken to admit, for the purposes of the case only, that the fact is true or the document is genuine.
(3) If:
(a) a party serves a Notice Disputing a Fact or Document; and
(b) the fact or the genuineness of the document is later proved in the case;
the party who served the Notice may be ordered to pay the costs of proof.
11.09 Withdrawing admission
(1) A party may withdraw an admission that a fact is true or a document is genuine only with the court’s permission or the consent of all parties.
(2) When allowing a party to withdraw an admission, the court may order the party to pay any other party’s costs thrown away.
(3) In subrule (1):
admission includes an admission in a document in the case or taken to be made under subrule 11.08 (2).
Note: The court may, on application, order that a party not pay costs (see rule 1.12).
Division 11.2.2—Amendment
11.10 Amendment by a party or court order
(1) A party who has filed an application or response may amend the application or response:
(a) for a case started by an Initiating Application (Family Law):
(i) at any time before the procedural hearing at which the case is allocated the first day before the Judge; or
(ii) if the court gives permission—at a later time;
(b) for an Application in a Case:
(i) at or before the first court date; or
(ii) at any later time, with the consent of the other parties or by order; and
(c) for all other applications—at any time, with the consent of the other parties or by order.
Note: An amendment of an application may be necessary to ensure that the court determines the real issues between the parties or to avoid multiple cases.
(2) A party who:
(a) has filed an Initiating Application (Family Law) or Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law); and
(b) seeks to add or substitute another cause of action or another person as a party to the case;
must amend the Form in accordance with this Division.
(3) If an amendment mentioned in subrule (2) is made after the first court date, the Registry Manager must set a date for a further procedural hearing.
(4) If a date is set for a further procedural hearing, the party amending the Initiating Application (Family Law) or Response to an Initiating Application (Family Law) under subrule (2) must give each other party written notice of the hearing.
11.11 Time limit for amendment
A party who has been given permission by the court to amend an application must do so within 7 days after the order is made.
Note: The court may shorten or extend the time for compliance with a rule (see rule 1.14).
11.12 Amending a document
(1) A party must amend a document by filing a copy of the document:
(a) with the amendment clearly marked; and
(b) if the document is amended by order—endorsed with the date when the order and amendment are made.
(2) If the court gives permission for a party to amend a document, the permission is taken to be given by court order.
Example: An amendment may be made by:
(a) placing a line through the text to be changed; and
(b) underlining the new text or using a different type‑face to indicate the new text.
Note: Rule 13.06 sets out the requirements for amending a Financial Statement.
11.13 Response to amended document
If an amended document that has been served on a party affects a document (the affected document) previously filed by the party, the party may amend the affected document:
(a) in accordance with rule 11.12; and
(b) not more than 14 days after the amended document was served on the party.
11.14 Disallowance of amendment
The court may disallow an amendment of a document.
Example: The court may disallow an amendment if it is frivolous, vexatious or not in accordance with these Rules or an order.
Part 11.3—Venue
Division 11.3.1—Open court and chambers
11.16 Cases in chambers
(1) Subject to subrule (2), a court may exercise its jurisdiction in chambers.
(2) A trial must be heard in open court.
(3) A judicial officer who determines a case in chambers must:
(a) record:
(i) the file number;
(ii) the names of the parties;
(iii) the date of the determination; and
(iv) the orders made; and
(b) sign the record.
Note 1: An order made in chambers has the same effect as an order made in open court.
Note 2: The court may make orders about who may be present in court during a case (see subsection 97 (2) of the Act and section 126E of the Evidence Act 1995).
Division 11.3.2—Transferring a case
11.17 Transfer to another court or registry
A party may apply to have a case:
(a) heard at another place; or
(b) transferred to another registry or court exercising jurisdiction under the Act.
11.18 Factors to be considered for transfer
(1) In making a decision under rule 11.17 or in deciding whether to remove a case from another court under subsection 46 (3A) of the Act, the court may consider:
(a) the public interest;
(b) whether the case, if transferred or removed, is likely to be dealt with:
(i) at less cost to the parties;
(ii) at more convenience to the parties; or
(iii) earlier;
(c) the availability of a judicial officer specialising in the type of case to which the application relates;
(d) the availability of particular procedures appropriate to the case;
(e) the financial value of the claim;
(f) the complexity of the facts, legal issues, remedies and procedures involved;
(g) the adequacy of the available facilities, having regard to any disability of a party or witness; and
(h) the wishes of the parties.
Note: Subsection 33B (6) of the Act provides that, in deciding whether a case should be transferred to the Federal Magistrates Court, the court must have regard to:
(a) any rules of the court applying to the transfer of cases;
(b) whether cases in respect of an associated matter are pending in the Federal Magistrates Court;
(c) whether the resources of the Federal Magistrates Court are sufficient to hear and determine the case; and
(d) the interests of the administration of justice.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to:
(a) a case raising, or relying on, a cross‑vesting law in which a party objecting to the case being heard in the Family Court applies to have the case transferred to another court;
(b) the transfer of a case under the Corporations Act 2001; or
(c) a case that must be transferred in accordance with a legislative provision.
Note: Division 4.2.2 deals with cross‑vesting laws and Chapter 25 deals with cases under the Corporations Act 2001.
Division 11.3.3—Transfer of court file
11.20 Transfer between courts
If an order is made to transfer a case from a court to another court, the Registry Manager, after receiving the file, must:
(a) fix a date for a procedural hearing; and
(b) give each party notice of the date fixed.
Chapter 12—Court events—Registrar managed
Summary of Chapter 12
Chapter 12 sets out rules about the events that parties to an Application for Final Orders may be required to attend before the first day before the Judge is allocated. Depending on whether it is a parenting case or a financial case, these include:
(a) a case assessment conference;
(b) an initial procedural hearing;
(c) the Child Responsive Program;
(d) a conciliation conference; and
(e) a procedural hearing where the case is set down for the first day before the Judge
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Part 12.1—Application of Chapter 12
12.01 Application of Chapter 12
This Chapter applies to all Initiating Applications (Family Law), except:
(a) a Medical Procedure Application;
(b) a Maintenance Application;
(c) a child support application or appeal;
(d) an application for an order that a marriage is a nullity or a declaration as to the validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment;
(e) an application in which the only order sought relates to a passport (see Division 4.2.7).
Part 12.2—Specific court events
12.02 Property case—exchange of documents before first court date
At least 2 days before the first court date in a property case, each party must, as far as practicable, exchange with each other party a copy of all of the following documents:
(a) a copy of the party’s 3 most recent taxation returns and assessments;
(b) if relevant, documents about any superannuation interest of the party, including:
(i) if not already filed, the completed superannuation information form for the superannuation interest; and
(ii) if the party is a member of a self‑managed superannuation fund—a copy of the trust deed and the 3 most recent financial statements for the fund;
(c) for a corporation in relation to which a party has a duty of disclosure under rule 13.04:
(i) a copy of the financial statements for the 3 most recent financial years, including balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, depreciation schedules and taxation returns;
(ii) a copy of the corporation’s most recent annual return that lists the directors and shareholders; and
(iii) if relevant, a copy of the corporation’s constitution;
(d) for a trust in relation to which a party has a duty of disclosure under rule 13.04:
(i) a copy of the financial statements for the 3 most recent financial years, including balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, depreciation schedules and taxation returns; and
(ii) a copy of the trust deed;
(e) for a partnership in relation to which a party has a duty of disclosure under rule 13.04:
(i) a copy of the financial statements for the 3 most recent financial years, including balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, depreciation schedules and taxation returns; and
(ii) a copy of the partnership agreement;
(f) for a person or entity mentioned in paragraph (a), (c), (d) or (e)—any business activity statements for the 12 months ending immediately before the first court date;
(g) unless the value is agreed—a market appraisal or an opinion as to value in relation to any item of property in which a party has an interest.
Note: All parties have a general duty of disclosure (see Chapter 13). For examples of the type of property about which disclosure must be made, see rule 13.04.
12.03 Case assessment conference
(1) A case assessment conference must be held in the presence of a Registrar.
(2) The purpose of a case assessment conference is:
(a) to enable the person conducting the conference to assess and make any recommendations about the appropriate future conduct of the case; and
(b) to enable the parties to attempt to resolve the case, or any part of the case, by agreement; and
(c) to determine whether the case:
(i) is suitable to remain in the Family Court; or
(ii) should be transferred to another court exercising jurisdiction under the Act.
(3) At a case assessment conference, each party must, as far as practicable, identify each of the following:
(a) any procedural orders sought;
(b) the agreed issues;
(c) the items to be included on the balance sheet;
(d) any areas of controversy about the assets, liabilities, superannuation and financial resources of the parties;
(e) any person who may be entitled to become a party to the case;
(f) any other relevant matter related to the main purpose of these Rules (see rule 1.04).
(4) If the case is not settled by the end of the conference, the court will make procedural orders for the future conduct of the matter, including:
(a) if appropriate—an order that the parties attend a conciliation conference; or
(b) if the case is suitable to be allocated the first day before the Judge—procedural orders under rule 12.08.
(5) If the proceedings also involve parenting issues and the case is not settled by the end of the conference, the parties may be ordered to attend the Child Responsive Program.
Note 1: A party and a party’s lawyer must attend a case assessment conference (see subrule 1.08 (3) and rule 12.11).
Note 2: A party to a parenting case must disclose a copy of an expert’s report no later than 2 days before a case assessment conference (see paragraph 15.55 (1) (a)).
Note 3: Evidence of a communication made at a case assessment conference may be excluded (see section 131 of the Evidence Act 1995).
12.04 Initial procedural hearing in a parenting case
(1) The purpose of an initial procedural hearing in a parenting case is:
(a) to enable the person conducting the hearing:
(i) to assess the case;
(ii) to make recommendations about the future conduct of the case; and
(iii) to determine whether the case is suitable to remain in the Family Court or should be transferred to another court exercising jurisdiction under the Act; and
(b) to enable the parties to attempt to resolve the case, or any part of the case, by agreement.
(2) If the case is not settled at the end of the hearing, the person conducting the hearing:
(a) must make procedural orders for the future conduct of the case; and
(b) may order the parties to attend the Child Responsive Program.
Note: A party to a parenting case must disclose a copy of an expert’s report no later than 2 days before the first court event (see paragraph 15.55 (1) (a)).
12.05 Property case—exchange of documents before conciliation conference
(1) This rule applies to a party to a property case in which the parties are required to attend a conciliation conference.
(2) Within 28 days after the case assessment conference, each party must, as far as practicable, exchange with each other party:
(a) if not already exchanged, a copy of all the documents mentioned in rule 12.02; and
(b) any other documents ordered at the case assessment conference to be exchanged.
12.06 Financial questionnaire and balance sheet
(1) Within 21 days after the case assessment conference, each party must file a financial questionnaire in the form approved by the Principal Registrar.
(2) Within 28 days after the case assessment conference, the applicant must:
(a) prepare a balance sheet in the form approved by the Principal Registrar by completing all items and values asserted by the applicant; and
(b) send the balance sheet to the respondent.
(3) Within 21 days after receiving the balance sheet, the respondent must:
(a) add the respondent’s estimated values for all items on the balance sheet prepared by the applicant;
(b) add any items to the balance sheet the respondent asserts have been omitted from the balance sheet and assert values for those items;
(c) complete the notes relating to all disputed items and all disputed values for items; and
(d) return the amended balance sheet to the applicant.
(4) Within 14 days after receiving the amended balance sheet, the applicant must:
(a) add the applicant’s estimated values for all items added to the balance sheet by the respondent;
(b) complete the notes relating to all disputed items and all disputed values for items; and
(c) file the balance sheet with the court.
Note 1: For the service requirements for a document filed with the court, see rule 7.04.
Note 2: Subsection 131 (1) of the Evidence Act 1995 does not apply to the financial questionnaire or balance sheet.
12.07 Conduct of a conciliation conference
(1) A conciliation conference must be conducted by a judicial officer.
(2) Each party at a conciliation conference must make a genuine effort to reach agreement on the matters in issue between them.
Note 1: A party and a party’s lawyer must attend a conciliation conference (see subrule 12.11 (1)).
Note 2: Evidence of a communication made at a conciliation conference may be excluded (see section 131 of the Evidence Act 1995).
12.08 Procedural hearing in a financial case
(1) For a financial case:
(a) if a conciliation conference has been held—a procedural hearing must take place immediately after the conciliation conference ends; and
(b) if a conciliation conference is not scheduled to be held before the first day before the Judge, the procedural hearing must be held at the conclusion of the case assessment conference.
(2) The purpose of the procedural hearing in a financial case is to enable the person conducting the hearing to make procedural orders for the conduct of the case, including orders for any of the following matters:
(a) if a conciliation conference has been held:
(i) the clarification of any disputed items in the balance sheet; and
(ii) the clarification of any issue arising out of a statement made by a party in a financial questionnaire;
(b) payment of the hearing fee;
(c) filing of undertakings as to disclosure;
(d) allocating a date for a compliance check as close as practicable to 21 days before the first day before the Judge;
(e) allocating the first day before the Judge.
12.09 Procedural hearing after the Child Responsive Program
(1) A procedural hearing must take place as soon as practicable after the parties complete the Child Responsive Program.
(2) The purpose of the procedural hearing after the Child Responsive Program is to enable the person conducting the hearing to make procedural orders for the conduct of the case, including orders for any of the following matters:
(a) referring parties to family counselling, family dispute resolution and other family services;
(b) appointment of an independent children’s lawyer;
(c) payment of the hearing fee;
(d) completion by each party of a parenting questionnaire;
(e) filing of undertakings as to disclosure;
(f) allocating a date for a compliance check as close as practicable to 21 days before the first day before the Judge;
(g) allocating the first day before the Judge.
Note: The court would usually order that the parties attend this event by electronic communication.
12.10 Procedural hearing where the application includes both a financial case and a parenting case
(1) This rule applies if:
(a) an application includes a financial case and a parenting case;
(b) the financial case remains unresolved after the conciliation conference; and
(c) the parenting case remains unresolved after the parties complete the Child Responsive Program.
(2) A procedural hearing must be held as soon as practicable after the later of:
(a) completion of the conciliation conference; or
(b) completion of the Child Responsive Program.
(3) The purpose of the procedural hearing is to enable the person conducting the hearing to take the actions mentioned in subrules 12.08 (2) and 12.09 (2).
Note: The court would usually order that the parties attend this event by electronic communication.
12.10A Expedition
(1) A party may apply to expedite the first day before the Judge.
Note: For the procedure for making an application in a case, see Chapter 5.
(2) The court may take into account:
(a) whether the applicant has acted reasonably and without delay in the conduct of the case;
(b) whether the application has been made without delay;
(c) any prejudice to the respondent; and
(d) whether there is a relevant circumstance in which the case should be given priority to the possible detriment of other cases.
(3) If the court is satisfied of the matters in subrule (2), the court may:
(a) set an early first day before the Judge; and
(b) make procedural orders for the further conduct of the case.
(4) For paragraph (2) (d), a relevant circumstance includes:
(a) whether the age, physical or mental health of, or other circumstance (such as an imminent move interstate or overseas) affecting, a party or witness would affect the availability or competence of the party or witness;
(b) whether a party has been violent, harassing or intimidating to another party, a witness or any child the subject of, or affected by, the case;
(c) whether the applicant is suffering financial hardship that:
(i) is not caused by the applicant; and
(ii) cannot be rectified by an interim order;
(d) whether the continuation of interim orders is causing the applicant or a child hardship;
(e) whether the purpose of the case will be lost if it is not heard quickly (for example, a job opportunity will be lost if not taken; property will be destroyed; an occasion will have passed);
(f) whether the case involves allegations of child sexual, or other, abuse; and
(g) whether an expedited trial would avoid serious emotional or psychological trauma to a party or child who is the subject of, or affected by, the case.
Part 12.4—Attendance at court events
12.11 Party’s attendance
(1) A party and the party’s lawyer (if any) must attend each procedural hearing, case assessment conference or conciliation conference.
(2) Subrule (1) does not apply if the parties are seeking a consent order that will finally dispose of the case.
Note 1: A request under rule 5.14 for an application to be determined in the absence of the parties does not apply to a court event mentioned in Chapter 12 because rule 5.14 applies only to interim, procedural or enforcement orders.
Note 2: If, at a court event mentioned in subrule (1), the parties intend to seek a consent order that will finally dispose of the case, a party or the party’s lawyer may be excused from attending the event.
Note 3: A lawyer attending a court event for a party must be familiar with the case and authorised to deal with any issue in the case (see subrule 1.08 (3)).
Note 4: Rule 16.02 deals with compliance checks.
12.12 Attendance by electronic communication
Rules 5.06 and 5.07 apply in relation to the use of electronic communication to attend a court event (other than a trial) as if the court event were a hearing.
Note: Rule 16.05 sets out the requirements in relation to attending a trial by electronic communication.
12.13 Failure to attend court events
(1) If an applicant does not attend a case assessment conference or procedural hearing, the court may:
(a) dismiss the application; or
(b) make an order for the future conduct of the case.
(2) If a respondent does not attend a case assessment conference or procedural hearing, the court may:
(a) if respondent has not filed a Response to an Application for Final Orders—make the order sought in the application;
(b) list the case for dismissal or hearing on an undefended basis; or
(c) make an order for the future conduct of the case.
(3) If a party does not attend a conciliation conference, the court may:
(a) list the case for dismissal or hearing on an undefended basis; and
(b) make an order for the future conduct of the case.
Note: See rules 11.01 and 11.02 for the court’s power to make orders for the conduct of a case.
Part 12.5—Adjournment and postponement of court events
12.14 Administrative postponement of conferences or procedural hearings
(1) If the applicant and any party served agree that a case assessment conference or a procedural hearing should not proceed on the date fixed for it, the applicant and any party served may request the Registry Manager to postpone the conference or hearing.
(2) A request must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) specify why it is appropriate to postpone the event;
(c) specify the date to which the event is sought to be postponed;
(d) be signed by each party making the request or the party’s lawyer; and
(e) be received by the Registry Manager no later than 12 noon on the day before the date fixed for the conference or hearing.
(3) If a request is made, the Registry Manager must tell the parties:
(a) that the event has been postponed; and
(b) the date to which it has been postponed.
(4) The Registry Manager must not postpone a conference more than once or any procedural hearing more than twice.
(5) A court event mentioned in subrule (1) must not be postponed to a date that is more than 8 weeks after the date fixed for the event.
Chapter 13—Disclosure
Summary of Chapter 13
Chapter 13 sets out the rules about:
· a party’s duty to make early, full and continuing disclosure of all information relevant to the case to each other party and the court; and
· the timing, extent and method of discharging the duty of disclosure and how the duty can be enforced.
The aim of disclosure is to help parties to focus on genuine issues, reduce cost and encourage settlement, of the case.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
Disclosure between parties
(Parts 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3)
General duty of disclosure (Division 13.1.1)
Disclosure of documents (Division 13.2.1)
| By delivery | | Exceptions | | By inspection |
| (r 13.20) | | (r 13.12) | | (rr 13.10, 13.21) |
Orders relating to disclosure (Division 13.2.2)
Duty of disclosure—financial cases (Division 13.1.2)
Answers to specific questions (Part 13.3)
Information from non‑parties (Part 13.4)
Part 13.1—Disclosure between parties
Division 13.1.1—General duty of disclosure
13.01 General duty of disclosure
(1) Subject to subrule (3), each party to a case has a duty to the court and to each other party to give full and frank disclosure of all information relevant to the case, in a timely manner.
Note: Failure to comply with the duty may result in the court excluding evidence that is not disclosed or imposing a consequence, including punishment for contempt of court. This Chapter sets out a number of ways that a party is either required, or can be called upon, to discharge the party’s duty of disclosure, including:
(a) disclosure of financial circumstances (see Division 13.1.2);
(b) disclosure and production of documents (see Division 13.2.1); and
(c) disclosure by answering specific questions in certain circumstances (see Part 13.3).
(2) The duty of disclosure starts with the pre‑action procedure for a case and continues until the case is finalised.
Note: The duty of disclosure applies to a case guardian for a child and a person with a disability (see subrule 6.13 (2)).
(3) This rule does not apply to a respondent in an application alleging contravention or contempt.
Division 13.1.2—Duty of disclosure—financial cases
13.02 Purpose of Division 13.1.2
(1) This Division sets out the duty of disclosure required by parties to a financial case.
(2) This Division does not apply to a party to a property case who is not a party to the marriage or de facto relationship to which the application relates, except to the extent that the party’s financial circumstances are relevant to the issues in dispute.
13.03 Definition
In this Division:
party to a financial case includes a payee or other respondent to an enforcement application.
13.04 Full and frank disclosure
(1) A party to a financial case must make full and frank disclosure of the party’s financial circumstances, including:
(a) the party’s earnings, including income that is paid or assigned to another party, person or legal entity;
(b) any vested or contingent interest in property;
(c) any vested or contingent interest in property owned by a legal entity that is fully or partially owned or controlled by a party;
(d) any income earned by a legal entity fully or partially owned or controlled by a party, including income that is paid or assigned to any other party, person or legal entity;
(e) the party’s other financial resources;
(f) any trust:
(i) of which the party is the appointor or trustee;
(ii) of which the party, the party’s child, spouse or de facto spouse is an eligible beneficiary as to capital or income;
(iii) of which a corporation is an eligible beneficiary as to capital or income if the party, or the party’s child, spouse or de facto spouse is a shareholder or director of the corporation;
(iv) over which the party has any direct or indirect power or control;
(v) of which the party has the direct or indirect power to remove or appoint a trustee;
(vi) of which the party has the power (whether subject to the concurrence of another person or not) to amend the terms;
(vii) of which the party has the power to disapprove a proposed amendment of the terms or the appointment or removal of a trustee; or
(viii) over which a corporation has a power mentioned in any of subparagraphs (iv) to (vii), if the party, the party’s child, spouse or de facto spouse is a director or shareholder of the corporation;
(g) any disposal of property (whether by sale, transfer, assignment or gift) made by the party, a legal entity mentioned in paragraph (c), a corporation or a trust mentioned in paragraph (f) that may affect, defeat or deplete a claim:
(i) in the 12 months immediately before the separation of the parties; or
(ii) since the final separation of the parties; and
(h) liabilities and contingent liabilities.
(2) Paragraph (1) (g) does not apply to a disposal of property made with the consent or knowledge of the other party or in the ordinary course of business.
(3) In this rule:
legal entity means a corporation (other than a public company), trust, partnership, joint venture business or other commercial activity.
Note: The requirements in this rule are in addition to the requirements in rules 12.02 and 12.05 to exchange certain documents before a conference in a property case.
13.05 Financial statement
(1) A party starting, or filing a response or reply to, a financial case (other than by an Application for Consent Orders) must file a Financial Statement at the same time.
(2) If a party is aware that the completion of a Financial Statement will not fully discharge the duty to make full and frank disclosure, the party must also file an affidavit giving further particulars.
Note: The court may order a party to file an affidavit giving further particulars in relation to the party’s financial affairs.
13.06 Amendment of Financial Statement
If a party’s financial circumstances have changed significantly from the information set out in the Financial Statement or the affidavit filed under rule 13.05, the party must, within 21 days after the change of circumstances, file:
(a) a new Financial Statement; or
(b) if the amendments can be set out clearly in 300 words or less—an affidavit containing details about the party’s changed financial circumstances.
Part 13.2—Duty of disclosure—documents
Division 13.2.1—Disclosure of documents—all cases
13.07 Duty of disclosure—documents
The duty of disclosure applies to each document that:
(a) is or has been in the possession, or under the control, of the party disclosing the document; and
(b) is relevant to an issue in the case.
Note 1: For documents that parties must produce to the court:
(a) on the first court date for a Maintenance Application, see rule 4.15;
(b) on the first court date for a child support application or appeal, see rule 4.26 (2);
(c) at a conference in a property case, see Part 12.2; and
(d) at a trial, see Chapters 15 and 16.
Note 2: Rule 13.15 provides that a party must file a written notice about the party’s duty of disclosure.
Note 3: Rule 15.76 provides that a party may give another party a notice to produce a specified document at a hearing or trial.
Note 4: A document disclosed to a party must be used for the purposes of the case only and must not be used for any other purpose without the consent of the other party or an order.
13.08 Inspection of documents
(1) A party may, by written notice, require another party to provide a copy of, or produce for inspection, a document referred to:
(a) in a document filed or served by a party on another party or independent children’s lawyer; or
(b) in correspondence prepared and sent by or to another party or independent children’s lawyer.
(2) A party required to provide a copy of a document must provide the copy within 21 days after receiving the written notice.
13.09 Production of original documents
A party may, by written notice, require another party to produce for inspection an original document if the document is a document that must be produced under the duty of disclosure.
13.10 Disclosure by inspection of documents
(1) If a party is required to produce a document for inspection under rule 13.08 or 13.09, the party must:
(a) notify, in writing, the party requesting the document of a convenient place and time to inspect the document;
(b) produce the document for inspection at that place and time; and
(c) allow copies of the document to be made, at the expense of the party requesting it.
(2) The time fixed under paragraph (1) (a) must be within 21 days after the party receives a written notice under rule 13.08 or 13.09 or as otherwise agreed.
Note: The court may shorten or extend the time for compliance with a rule (see rule 1.14).
13.11 Costs for inspection
A party who fails to inspect a document under a notice given under rule 13.08 or 13.09 or paragraph 13.20 (3) (a) may not later do so unless the party tenders an amount for the reasonable costs of providing another opportunity for inspection.
Note: The court may, on application, order that a party not pay costs (see rule 1.12).
13.12 Documents that need not be produced
Subject to rule 15.55, a party must disclose, but need not produce to the party requesting it:
(a) a document for which there is a claim for privilege from disclosure; or
(b) a document a copy of which is already disclosed, if the copy contains no change, obliteration or other mark or feature that is likely to affect the outcome of the case.
Note: Rule 13.13 sets out the requirements for challenging a claim of privilege from disclosure.
13.13 Objection to production
(1) This rule applies if:
(a) a party claims:
(i) privilege from production of a document; or
(ii) that the party is unable to produce a document; and
(b) another party, by written notice, challenges the claim.
(2) The party making the claim must, within 7 days after the other party challenges the claim, file an affidavit setting out details of the claim.
Note: If there is a dispute about disclosure, an application may be made to the court (see rules 13.18 and 13.22).
13.14 Consequence of non‑disclosure
If a party does not disclose a document as required under these Rules:
(a) the party:
(i) must not offer the document, or present evidence of its contents, at a hearing or trial without the other party’s consent or the court’s permission;
(ii) may be guilty of contempt for not disclosing the document; and
(iii) may be ordered to pay costs; and
(b) the court may stay or dismiss all or part of the party’s case.
Note 1: Under rule 15.76, a party who discloses a document under this Part must produce the document at the trial if a notice to produce has been given.
Note 2: Section 112AP of the Act sets out the court’s powers in relation to contempt of court.
13.15 Undertaking by party
(1) A party (except an independent children’s lawyer) must file a written notice:
(a) stating that the party:
(i) has read Parts 13.1 and 13.2 of these Rules; and
(ii) is aware of the party’s duty to the court and each other party (including any independent children’s lawyer) to give full and frank disclosure of all information relevant to the issues in the case, in a timely manner;
(b) undertaking to the court that, to the best of the party’s knowledge and ability, the party has complied with, and will continue to comply with, the duty of disclosure; and
(c) acknowledging that a breach of the undertaking may be contempt of court.
(2) A party commits an offence if the party makes a statement or signs an undertaking the party knows, or should reasonably have known, is false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
Note: Subrule (2) is in addition to the court’s powers under section 112AP of the Act relating to contempt and the court’s power to make an order for costs.
(3) If the court makes an order against a party under section 112AP of the Act in respect of a false or misleading statement mentioned in subrule (2), the party must not be charged with an offence against subrule (2) in respect of that statement.
(4) A notice under subrule (1) must comply with subrule 24.01 (1) and be as follows:
‘This Notice is filed in accordance with rule 13.15 of the Family Law Rules 2004.
I [insert name]:
(a) have read Parts 13.1 and 13.2 of the Family Law Rules 2004;
(b) am aware of my duty to the court and to each other party (including any independent children’s lawyer) to give full and frank disclosure of all information relevant to the issues in the case, in a timely manner; and
(c) undertake to the court that, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I have complied with, and will continue to comply with, my duty of disclosure.
I understand the nature and terms of this undertaking and that if I breach the undertaking, I may be guilty of contempt of court.
| …………………………………… | …………………………………… |
| (signature of person making statement) | (full name of person making statement) |
| …………………………………… | |
| (date of signature) | |
| …………………………………… | …………………………………… |
| (signature of witness) | (full name of witness) |
| …………………………………… | |
| (date of signature) | |
Note 1: For the consequences of failing to comply with this rule, see rule 11.02.
Note 2: A party who breaches an undertaking may be found guilty of contempt of court and may be punished by imprisonment (see section 112AP of the Act).
13.16 Time for filing undertaking
A notice under rule 13.15 must be filed at least 28 days before the first day before the Judge.
Note: The court may shorten or extend the time for compliance with a rule (see rule 1.14).
Division 13.2.2—Disclosure of documents—certain applications
13.17 Application of Division 13.2.2
This Division applies to the following applications:
(a) an application for divorce;
(b) an Application in a Case;
(c) an application for an order that a marriage is a nullity or a declaration as to the validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment;
(d) a Maintenance Application;
(e) a child support application or appeal;
(f) a Contravention Application;
(g) a Contempt Application.
13.18 Party may seek order about disclosure
A party to an application to which this Division applies may seek only the following orders about disclosure:
(a) that another party deliver a copy of a document;
(b) that another party produce a document for inspection by another party.
Division 13.2.3—Disclosure of documents—Initiating Applications (Family Law)
13.19 Application of Division 13.2.3
(1) This Division applies to all Initiating Applications (Family Law), except:
(a) an application for an order that a marriage is a nullity or a declaration as to the validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment;
(b) a Maintenance Application;
(c) a child support application or appeal; or
(d) an Initiating Application (Family Law) seeking an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order.
(2) This Division does not affect:
(a) the right of a party to inspect a document, if the party has a common interest in the document with the party who has possession or control of the document;
(b) another right of access to a document other than under this Division; or
(c) an agreement between the parties for disclosure by a procedure that is not described in this Division.
13.20 Disclosure by service of a list of documents
(1) After a case has been allocated to a first day before the Judge, a party (the requesting party) may, by written notice, ask another party (the disclosing party) to give the requesting party a list of documents to which the duty of disclosure applies.
(2) The disclosing party must, within 21 days after receiving the notice, serve on the requesting party a list of documents identifying:
(a) the documents to which the duty of disclosure applies;
(b) the documents no longer in the disclosing party’s possession or control to which the duty would otherwise apply (with a brief statement about the circumstances in which the documents left the party’s possession or control); and
(c) the documents for which privilege from production is claimed.
Note: Rule 13.07 sets out the documents to which the duty of disclosure applies.
(3) The requesting party may, by written notice, ask the disclosing party to:
(a) produce a document for inspection; or
(b) provide a copy of a document.
(4) The disclosing party must, within 14 days after receiving a notice under paragraph (3) (b), give the requesting party, at the requesting party’s expense, the copies requested, other than copies of documents:
(a) in relation to which privilege from production is claimed; or
(b) that are no longer in the disclosing party’s possession or control.
(5) If a document that must be disclosed is located by, or comes into the possession or control of, a disclosing party after disclosure under subrule (2), the party must disclose the document within 7 days after it is located or comes into the party’s possession or control.
Note: Rule 13.07 sets out the documents to which the duty of disclosure applies.
13.21 Disclosure by inspection of documents
(1) This rule applies if:
(a) a party has requested the production of a document for inspection under paragraph 13.20 (3) (a); or
(b) it is not convenient for a disclosing party to provide copies of documents under paragraph 13.20 (3) (b) because of the number and size of the documents.
(2) The disclosing party must, within 14 days after receiving the notice under subrule 13.20 (3):
(a) notify the requesting party, in writing, of a convenient place and time at which the documents may be inspected;
(b) produce the documents for inspection at that place and time; and
(c) allow copies of the documents to be made at the requesting party’s expense.
13.22 Application for order for disclosure
(1) A party may seek an order that:
(a) another party comply with a request for a list of documents in accordance with rule 13.20;
(b) another party disclose a specified document, or class of documents, by providing to the other party a copy of the document, or each document in the class, for inspection by the other party;
(c) another party produce a document for inspection;
(d) a party file an affidavit stating:
(i) that a specified document, or class of documents, does not exist or has never existed; or
(ii) the circumstances in which a specified document or class of documents ceased to exist or passed out of the possession or control of that party; or
(e) the party be partly or fully relieved of the duty of disclosure.
(2) A party making an application under subrule (1) must satisfy the court that the order is necessary for disposing of the case or an issue or reducing costs.
Note 1: Before making an application under this Chapter, a party must make a reasonable and genuine attempt to settle the issue to which the application relates (see rule 5.03).
Note 2: An application under this Chapter is made by filing an Application in a Case and an affidavit (see rules 5.01 and 5.02). The court may allow an oral application at the conciliation conference or another court event.
(3) In making an order under subrule (1), the court may consider:
(a) whether the disclosure sought is relevant to an issue in dispute;
(b) the relative importance of the issue to which the document or class of documents relates;
(c) the likely time, cost and inconvenience involved in disclosing a document or class of documents taking into account the amount of the property, or complexity of the corporate, trust or partnership interests (if any), involved in the case; and
(d) the likely effect on the outcome of the case of disclosing, or not disclosing, the document or class of documents.
(4) If the disclosure of a document is necessary for the purpose of resolving a case at the conciliation conference, a party (the requesting party) may, at the first court event, seek an order that another party:
(a) provide a copy of the document to the requesting party; or
(b) produce the document to the requesting party for inspection and copying.
(5) The court may only make an order under subrule (4) in exceptional circumstances.
(6) If a party objects to the production of a document for inspection or copying, the court may inspect the document to decide the objection.
13.23 Costs of compliance
If the cost of complying with the duty of disclosure would be oppressive to a party, the court may order another party to:
(a) pay the costs;
(b) contribute to the costs; or
(c) give security for costs.
13.24 Electronic disclosure
The court may make an order directing disclosure of documents by electronic communication.
Part 13.3—Answers to specific questions
13.25 Application of Part 13.3
This Part applies to all applications seeking final orders, except:
(a) an application for an order that a marriage is a nullity or a declaration as to the validity of a marriage, divorce or annulment;
(b) a Maintenance Application;
(c) a child support application or appeal; or
(d) an Initiating Application (Family Law) seeking an interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental order.
13.26 Service of specific questions
(1) After a case has been allocated to a first day before a Judge, a party (the requesting party) may serve on another party (the answering party) a request to answer specific questions.
(2) A party may only serve one set of specific questions on another party.
(3) The specific questions must:
(a) be in writing;
(b) be limited to 20 questions (with each question taken to be one specific question); and
(c) not be vexatious or oppressive.
(4) If an answering party is required, by a written notice served under rule 13.20 or an order, to give the requesting party a list of documents, the answering party is not required to answer the questions until the time for disclosure under Part 13.2 or an order has expired.
(5) The requesting party must serve a copy of any request to answer specific questions on all other parties.
13.27 Answering specific questions
(1) A party on whom a request to answer specific questions is served must answer the questions in an affidavit that is filed and served on each person to be served within 21 days after the request was served.
(2) The party must, in the affidavit:
(a) answer, fully and frankly, each specific question; or
(b) object to answering a specific question.
(3) An objection under paragraph (2) (b) must:
(a) specify the grounds of the objection; and
(b) briefly state the facts in support of the objection.
13.28 Orders in relation to specific questions
(1) A party may apply for an order:
(a) that a party comply with rule 13.27 and answer, or further answer, a specific question served on the party under rule 13.26;
(b) determining the extent to which a question must be answered;
(c) requiring a party to state specific grounds of objection;
(d) determining the validity of an objection; or
(e) that a party who has not answered, or who has given an insufficient answer, to a specific question be required to attend court to be examined.
(2) In considering whether to make an order under subrule (1), the court may take into account whether:
(a) the requesting party is unlikely, at the trial, to have another reasonably simple and inexpensive way of proving the matter sought to be obtained by the specific questions;
(b) answering the questions will cause unacceptable delay or undue expense; and
(c) the specific questions are relevant to an issue in the case.
Part 13.4—Information from non‑parties
Division 13.4.1—Employment information
13.29 Purpose of Division 13.4.1
This Division sets out the information a party may require from an employer of a party to a financial case.
13.30 Employment information
(1) The court may order a party to advise the court, in writing, within a specified time, of:
(a) the name and address of the party’s employer or, if the party has more than one employer, each of those employers; and
(b) other information the court considers necessary to enable an employer to identify the party.
(2) Subrule (3) applies if:
(a) a party (the requesting party) requests the employer of another party (the employee) to give particulars about:
(i) the employer’s indebtedness to the employee;
(ii) the employee’s present rate of earnings, or of all the earnings of the employee that became payable during a specified period; or
(iii) the employee’s conditions of employment; and
(b) the employer refuses, or fails to respond to, the requesting party’s request.
(3) The requesting party may apply for an order that the employer advise the court, in writing, within a specified time, of the particulars mentioned in paragraph (2) (a).
Note: A document purporting to be a statement within the meaning of subrule (1) or (2) may be admitted as evidence of its contents (see section 48 of the Evidence Act 1995). However, subject to sections 4 and 5 of the Evidence Act 1995, that Act does not apply to the Family Court of Western Australia or any other court of a State.
Chapter 14—Property orders
Summary of Chapter 14
Chapter 14 sets out the procedure to be taken in property cases to obtain orders for inspection, detention, possession, valuation, insurance, preservation of property and with respect to a superannuation interest.
An application made under this Chapter must be in an Initiating Application (Family Law) seeking interim, procedural, ancillary or incidental orders, or an Application in a Case (see Chapter 5 for the procedure).
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
14.01 Orders about property
(1) The court may make an order for the inspection, detention, possession, valuation, insurance or preservation of property if:
(a) the order relates to the property of a party, or a question may arise about the property in a case; and
(b) the order is necessary to allow the proper determination of a case.
(2) The court may order a party:
(a) to sell or otherwise dispose of property that will deteriorate, decay or spoil; and
(b) to deal with the proceeds of the sale or disposal in a certain way.
(3) A party may ask the court to make an order in relation to property authorising a person to:
(a) enter, or to do another thing to gain entry or access to, the property;
(b) make observations, and take photographs, of the property;
(c) observe or read images or information contained in the property including, for example, playing a tape, film or disk, or accessing computer files; or
(d) copy the property or information contained in the property.
(4) If the court makes an order under this rule, it may also order a party to pay the costs of a person who is not a party to the case and who must comply with the order.
(5) The court may make an order under subrule (1) binding on, or otherwise affecting, a person who is not a party to a case.
Note: For the procedure for making an application for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders, see Chapter 5.
14.02 Service of application
(1) A party who has applied for an order under rule 14.01 must:
(a) make a reasonable attempt to find out who has, or claims to have, an interest in the property to which the application relates; and
(b) serve the application and any supporting affidavits on that person.
(2) The court may allow an application for an order under this Part to be made without notice.
14.03 Inspection
A party may apply for an order that the court inspect a place, process or thing, or witness a demonstration, about which a question arises in a case.
Note: For the procedure for making an application in a case, see Chapter 5.
14.04 Application for Anton Piller order
(1) A party may apply for an Anton Piller order:
(a) requiring a respondent to permit the applicant, alone or with another person, to enter the respondent’s premises and inspect or seize documents or other property;
(b) requiring the respondent to disclose specific information relevant to the case; and
(c) restraining the respondent, for a specified period of no more than 7 days, from informing anyone else (other than the respondent’s lawyer) that the order has been made.
(2) The applicant may apply for an Anton Piller order without notice to the respondent.
(3) An application for an Anton Piller order must be supported by an affidavit that includes:
(a) a description of the document or property to be seized or inspected;
(b) the address of the premises where the order is to be carried out;
(c) the reason the applicant believes the respondent may remove, destroy or alter the document or property unless the order is made;
(d) a statement about the damage the applicant is likely to suffer if the order is not made;
(e) a statement about the value of the property to be seized; and
(f) if permission is granted, the name of the person (if any) who the applicant wishes to accompany the applicant to the respondent’s premises.
Note: For the procedure for making an application for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders, see Chapter 5.
(4) If an Anton Piller order is made, the applicant must serve a copy of it on the respondent when the order is acted on.
14.05 Application for Mareva order
(1) A party may apply for a Mareva order restraining another person from removing property from Australia, or dealing with property in or outside Australia, if:
(a) the order will be incidental to an existing or prospective order made in favour of the applicant; or
(b) the applicant has an existing or prospective claim that is able to be decided in Australia.
(2) The applicant must file with the application an affidavit that includes:
(a) a description of the nature and value of the respondent’s property, so far as it is known to the applicant, in and outside Australia;
(b) the reason why the applicant believes:
(i) property of the respondent may be removed from Australia; and
(ii) dealing with the property should be restrained by order;
(c) a statement about the damage the applicant is likely to suffer if the order is not made;
(d) a statement about the identity of anyone, other than the respondent, who may be affected by the order and how the person may be affected; and
(e) if the application is made under paragraph (1) (b), the following information about the claim:
(i) the basis of the claim;
(ii) the amount of the claim;
(iii) if the application is made without notice to the respondent, a possible response to the claim.
Note: For the procedure for making an application for interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders, see Chapter 5.
14.06 Notice to superannuation trustee
(1) This rule applies in a property case if:
(a) a party seeks an order to bind the trustee of an eligible superannuation plan; and
(b) the case has been listed for the first day before the Judge.
(2) The party must, not less than 28 days before the first day before the Judge, notify the trustee of the eligible superannuation plan in writing of the terms of the order that will be sought at the trial to bind the trustee, and the date of the trial.
(3) If the court makes an order binding the trustee of an eligible superannuation plan, the party that sought the order must serve a copy of the order on the trustee of the eligible superannuation plan in which the interest is held.
Note 1: Subrule 7.13 (2) sets out how to prove service of a copy of an order.
Note 2: Eligible superannuation plan is defined in section 90MD of the Act.
14.07 Notice about intervention under Part VIII or VIIIAB of Act
(1) A person who applies for an order under Part VIII of the Act must serve a written notice on each person mentioned in subsection 79 (10) of the Act.
(2) A person who applies for an order under Part VIIIAB of the Act must serve a written notice on each person mentioned in subsection 90SM (10) of the Act.
(3) The notice must:
(a) state that the person to whom the notice is addressed may be entitled to become a party to the case under the subsection of the Act for which the notice is served;
(b) include a copy of the application for the order sought; and
(c) state the date of the next relevant court event.
Chapter 15—Evidence
Summary of Chapter 15
Chapter 15 sets out rules about evidence generally and in relation to children, affidavits, subpoenas, assessors and expert witnesses. Evidence adduced at a hearing or trial must be admissible in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Evidence Act 1995 and these Rules. Note, though, that, subject to sections 4 and 5 of the Evidence Act 1995, that Act does not apply to the Family Court of Western Australia or any other court of a State.
A person may be prosecuted for knowingly making a false statement in evidence (see section 35 of the Crimes Act 1914).
Sections 69ZT to 69ZX of the Act apply to a case to which Division 12A of Part VII of the Act applies.
The rules in Chapter 1 relating to the court’s general powers apply in all cases and override all other provisions in these Rules.
A word or expression used in this Chapter may be defined in the dictionary at the end of these Rules.
15.01 Definition
In this Chapter:
relevant date, for an affidavit, report or document proposed to be entered into evidence, means the earlier of:
(a) the first day of the final stage of the trial in which the affidavit, report or document is to be relied on in evidence; or
(b) the first day when the affidavit, report or document is to be relied on in evidence.
Part 15.1—Children
15.02 Restriction on child’s evidence
(1) A party applying to adduce the evidence of a child under section 100B of the Act must file an affidavit that:
(a) sets out the facts relied on in support of the application;
(b) includes the name of a support person; and
(c) attaches a summary of the evidence to be adduced from the child.
Note: For the procedure for making an application in a case, see Chapter 5.
(2) If the court makes an order in relation to an application mentioned in subrule (1), it may order that:
(a) the child’s evidence be given by way of affidavit, video conference, closed circuit television or other electronic communication; and
(b) a person named in the order as a support person be present with the child when the child gives evidence.
Note: Subsections 100B (1) and (2) of the Act provide that a child (other than a child who is, or is seeking to become, a party to a case) must not swear an affidavit and must not be called as a witness or remain in court unless the court otherwise orders.
15.04 Family reports
If a family report is prepared in a case, the court may:
(a) release copies of the report to each party, or the party’s lawyer, and to an independent children’s lawyer;
(b) receive the report in evidence;
(c) permit oral examination of the person making the report; and
(d) order that the report not be released to a person or that access to the report be restricted.
Part 15.2—Affidavits
Note: The filing of an affidavit does not make it become evidence. It is only when the affidavit is relied upon by a party at a hearing or trial that it becomes, for that hearing or trial (subject to any rulings on admissibility), part of the evidence.
15.05 No general right to file affidavits
A party may file an affidavit without the leave of the court only if a provision of the Rules or an order of the court allows the affidavit to be filed in that way.
15.06 Reliance on affidavits
An affidavit filed with an application may be relied on in evidence only for the purpose of the application for which it was filed.
Note: The court may dispense with compliance with a rule (see rule 1.12).
15.08 Form of affidavit
An affidavit must:
(a) be divided into consecutively numbered paragraphs, with each paragraph being, as far as possible, confined to a distinct part of the subject matter;
(b) state, at the beginning of the first page:
(i) the file number of the case for which the affidavit is sworn;
(ii) the full name of the party on whose behalf the affidavit is filed; and
(iii) the full name of the deponent;
(c) have a statement at the end specifying:
(i) the name of the witness before whom the affidavit is sworn and signed; and
(ii) the date when, and the place where, the affidavit is sworn and signed; and
(d) bear the name of the person who prepared the affidavit.
Note: An affidavit must comply with subrule 24.01 (1), including being legibly printed by machine.
15.09 Making an affidavit
(1) An affidavit must be:
(a) confined to facts about the issues in dispute;
(b) confined to admissible evidence;
(c) sworn by the deponent, in the presence of a witness;
(d) signed at the bottom of each page by the deponent and the witness; and
(e) filed after it is sworn.
(2) Any insertion in, erasure or other alteration of, an affidavit must be initialled by the deponent and the witness.
(3) A reference to a date (except the name of a month), number or amount of money must be written in figures.
Example 1: The second of July, Nineteen Hundred and Sixty‑Four must be written as ‘2 July 1964’.
Example 2: Twenty dollars must be written as ‘$20.00’.
Note 1: Rule 24.07 sets out the requirements for filing an affidavit by electronic communication.
15.10 Affidavit of illiterate or blind person etc
(1) If a deponent is illiterate, blind, or physically incapable of signing an affidavit, the witness before whom the affidavit is made must certify, at the end of the affidavit, that:
(a) the affidavit was read to the deponent;
(b) the deponent seemed to understand the affidavit; and
(c) for a deponent physically incapable of signing—the deponent indicated that the contents were true.
(2) If a deponent does not have an adequate command of English:
(a) a translation of the affidavit and oath must be read or given in writing to the deponent in a language that the deponent understands; and
(b) the translator must certify that the affidavit has been translated.
15.12 Documents attached
(1) A document to be used in conjunction with an affidavit must:
(a) subject to subrules (2), (5) and (7), be attached to the affidavit;
(b) have its pages consecutively numbered beginning on the first page of the document with:
(i) if the document is the first or only document used in conjunction with the affidavit—the numeral ‘1’; or
(ii) if the document is not the first document used in conjunction with the affidavit—the numeral following the numeral appearing on the last page of the preceding document; and
(c) bear a statement, signed by the witness before whom the affidavit is made, identifying it as the document used in conjunction with the affidavit.
(2) A document to be used in conjunction with an affidavit must not be attached to the affidavit if:
(a) the document is more than 2.5 cm in thickness; or
(b) if the document is not more than 2.5 cm in thickness—the document and the affidavit, including any other documents to be used in conjunction with the affidavit, when combined are more than 2.5 cm in thickness.
(3) If a document to be used in conjunction with an affidavit must not be attached to the affidavit because of subrule (2), the document must be filed:
(a) if the document is not more than 2.5 cm in thickness—in a separate volume; or
(b) if the document is more than 2.5 cm in thickness—in as many separately indexed volumes, each not more than 2.5cm in thickness, as are required to contain the document.
(4) An index of contents must be included at the beginning of:
(a) if more than 1 document is attached to an affidavit in accordance with paragraph (1) (a)—the documents attached to the affidavit; or
(b) if more than 1 volume is filed in accordance with paragraph (3) (b)—each volume.
(5) If a document to be used in conjunction with an affidavit is unable to be attached to the affidavit, the document must be identified in the affidavit and filed.
(6) Paragraph (1) (c) does not apply to an attachment to an Affidavit of Service .
(7) If an affidavit is filed electronically and the document or documents to be used in conjunction with the affidavit consist, in total, of more than 50 pages:
(a) each document must be filed as an exhibit to the affidavit;
(b) each document must be served at the same time as the hard copy of the affidavit; and
(c) a hard copy of each exhibit must be filed with the court at least 48 hours before the court event in which the affidavit is to be relied on.
15.13 Striking out objectionable material
(1) The court may order material to be struck out of an affidavit if the material:
(a) is inadmissible, unnecessary, irrelevant, unreasonably long, scandalous or argumentative; or
(b) sets out the opinion of a person who is not qualified to give it.
(2) If the court orders material to be struck out of an affidavit, the party who filed the affidavit may be ordered to pay the costs thrown away of any other party because of the material struck out.
15.14 Notice to attend for cross‑examination
(1) This rule applies only to a trial.
(2) A party seeking to cross‑examine a deponent must, at least 14 days before the relevant date, give to the party who filed the affidavit a written notice stating the name of the deponent who is required to attend court for cross‑examination.
(3) If a deponent fails to attend court in response to a notice under subrule (2), the court may:
(a) refuse to allow the deponent’s affidavit to be relied on;
(b) allow the affidavit to be relied on only on the terms ordered by the court; or
(c) order the deponent to attend for cross‑examination.
(4) If:
(a) a deponent attends court in response to a notice under subrule (2); and
(b) the deponent is not cross‑examined, or the cross‑examination is of little or no evidentiary value;
the party who required the deponent’s attendance may be ordered to pay the deponent’s costs for attending and any costs incurred by the other party because of the notice.
15.15 Deponent’s attendance and expenses
The court may make orders for the attendance, and the payment of expenses, of a deponent who attends court for cross‑examination under rule 15.14.
Part 15.3—Subpoenas
Division 15.3.1—General
15.16 Interpretation
(1) In this Part:
court date means the date specified in a subpoena for attending court to give the evidence or produce the document mentioned in the subpoena.
issuing party means the party for whom a subpoena is issued.
named person means a person required by a subpoena to produce a document or give evidence.
(2) In this Part, a reference to a document includes a reference to an object.
Note: See section 25 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 for the definition of document.
15.17 Issuing a subpoena
(1) Subject to rule 22.34, the court may issue:
(a) a subpoena for production;
(b) a subpoena to give evidence; or
(c) a subpoena for production and to give evidence.
(2) Subject to rule 15.21, the court will issue a subpoena mentioned in subrule (1) at the request of a party only if:
(a) the party has requested permission from the court; and
(b) the court has granted permission.
Note: A request for permission should generally be made at a court event.
(3) For subrule (2), a request for the court’s permission:
(a) may be made orally or in writing;
(b) may be made without giving notice to any other parties; and
(c) may be determined in chambers in the absence of the other parties.
(4) A subpoena must identify the person to whom it is directed by name or description of office.
(5) A subpoena may be directed to 2 or more persons if:
(a) the subpoena is to give evidence only; or
(b) the subpoena requires each named person to produce the same document (rather than the same class of documents).
(6) A subpoena for production:
(a) must identify the document to be produced and the time and place for production; and
(b) may require the named person to produce the document before the date of the trial.
15.18 Subpoena not to issue in certain circumstances
The court must not issue a subpoena:
(a) at the request of a self‑represented party, unless the party has first obtained the Registrar’s permission to make the request; or
(b) for production of a document in the custody of the court or another court.
Note 1: Rule 15.34 sets out the procedure to be followed when a party seeks to produce to the court a document from another court.
Note 2: A prisoner required to give evidence at a hearing must do so by electronic communication, if practicable. Otherwise the party requiring the prisoner’s attendance must seek an order for the prisoner’s personal attendance (see rule 5.07).
15.20 Amendment of subpoena
A subpoena that has been issued but not served may be amended by the issuing party filing the amended subpoena with the amendments clearly marked.
15.21 Subpoenas to produce documents
A party or an independent children’s lawyer may seek the issue of a subpoena to produce documents for the hearing of an application seeking interim, procedural, ancillary or other incidental orders without permission from the court.
15.22 Service
(1) A subpoena must be served on the named person by hand.
(2) A subpoena must not be served on a child without the court’s permission.
Note: For service generally, see Chapter 7. For particular requirements in relation to service of a subpoena to produce documents, see rule 15.28.
15.23 Conduct money and witness fees
(1) A named person is entitled to be paid conduct money by the issuing party at the time of service of the subpoena, of an amount that is:
(a) sufficient to meet the reasonable expenses of complying with the subpoena; and
(b) at least equal to the minimum amount mentioned in Part 1 of Schedule 4.
(2) A named person served with a subpoena to give evidence and a subpoena to give evidence and produce documents is entitled to be paid a witness fee by the issuing party in accordance with Part 2 of Schedule 4, immediately after attending court in compliance with the subpoena.
(3) A named person may apply to be reimbursed if the named person incurs a substantial loss or expense that is greater than the amount of the conduct money or witness fee payable under this rule.
15.24 When compliance is not required
(1) A named person does not have to comply with the subpoena if:
(a) the named person was not served in accordance with these Rules (see rule 15.22 and subrule 15.28 (1)); or
(b) conduct money was not tendered to the person at the time of service or within a reasonable time before the court date.
(2) If a named person is not to be called to give evidence or produce a document to the court in compliance with the subpoena, the issuing party may excuse the named person from complying with the subpoena.
15.25 Discharge of subpoena obligation
(1) A subpoena remains in force until the earliest of the following events:
(a) the subpoena is complied with;
(b) the issuing party or the court releases the named person from the obligation to comply with the subpoena;
(c) the hearing or trial is concluded.
(2) For paragraph (1) (