Family Law Rules 2004

Statutory Rules 2003 No. 375 as amended

made under the

Family Law Act 1975

This compilation was prepared on 1 January 2009
taking into account amendments up to SLI 2008 No. 245

This document has been split into two volumes
Volume 1 contains Chapters 1–26 (Rr. 1.01–26.31), and
Volume 2 contains Schedules 1–6, Dictionary and the Notes
Each volume has its own Table of Contents

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney‑General’s Department, Canberra

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction 

Part 1.1 Preliminary 

 1.01 Name of Rules [see Note 1]

 1.02 Commencement 

 1.03 Rules in Chapter 1 prevail 

Part 1.2 Main purpose of Rules 

 1.04 Main purpose of Rules 

 1.05 Pre‑action procedure 

 1.06 Promoting the main purpose 

 1.07 Achieving the main purpose 

 1.08 Responsibility of parties and lawyers in achieving the main purpose             

Part 1.3 Court’s powers in all cases 

 1.09 Procedural orders in cases of doubt or difficulty 

 1.10 Court may make orders 

 1.11 Court may set aside or vary order 

 1.12 Court may dispense with Rules 

 1.13 Judicial officer hearing application 

 1.14 Shortening or extension of time 

 1.15 Time for compliance 

Part 1.4 Other preliminary matters 

 1.16 Definitions — the dictionary 

 1.17 Notes, examples etc 

 1.18 Sittings 

 1.19 Permission to record court event 

 1.20 Publishing lists of cases 

 1.21 Calculating time 

Chapter 2 Starting a case 

Part 2.1 Applications 

 2.01 Which application to file 

 2.02 Documents to be filed with applications 

 2.02A Documents filed by electronic communication 

Part 2.2 Brochures 

 2.03 Service of brochures 

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 

 2.04A Application of Division 2.3.1 

 2.04B Filing and service 

 2.04C Listing case 

 2.04D Prescribed document and prescribed form 

 2.05 Family violence order 

Division 2.3.2 Property settlement or spousal maintenance cases 

 2.06 Notification of proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application (Act ss 79B and 90M)             

 2.07 Proceeds of crime 

Chapter 3 Divorce 

Part 3.1 Application for Divorce 

 3.01 Fixing of hearing date 

 3.02 Amendment of an Application for Divorce 

 3.03 Discontinuance of an Application for Divorce 

Part 3.2 Response 

 3.04 Response 

 3.05 Objection to jurisdiction 

 3.06 Response out of time 

 3.07 Affidavit to reply to information in an Application for Divorce 

Part 3.3 Attendance at hearing 

 3.08 Attendance at hearing 

Part 3.4 Hearing in absence of parties 

 3.09 Seeking a hearing in absence of parties 

 3.10 Hearing in absence of parties — joint application 

 3.11 Request not to hear case in parties’ absence 

Part 3.5 Events affecting divorce order 

 3.12 Application for rescission of divorce order 

 3.13 Death of party 

Chapter 4 Application for Final Orders 

Part 4.1 Introduction 

 4.01 Contents of Application for Final Orders 

 4.02 Filing affidavits 

 4.03 First court date 

Part 4.2 Specific applications 

Division 4.2.1 General 

 4.04 General provisions still apply 

 4.05 Application by Attorney‑General for transfer of case             

Division 4.2.2 Cross‑vesting 

 4.06 Cross‑vesting matters 

 4.07 Transfer of case 

Division 4.2.3 Medical procedure 

 4.08 Application for medical procedure 

 4.09 Evidence supporting application 

 4.10 Service of application 

 4.11 Fixing of hearing date 

 4.12 Procedure on first court date 

Division 4.2.4 Spousal maintenance 

 4.14 Procedure on first court date 

 4.15 Evidence to be provided 

Division 4.2.5 Child support and child maintenance 

 4.16 Application of Division 4.2.5 

 4.17 Commencing proceedings

 4.18 Documents to be filed with applications 

 4.19 Child support agreements 

 4.20 Time limits for applications under Assessment Act 

 4.21 Appeals on questions of law 

 4.22 Time limit for appeals on questions of law 

 4.23 Service of application or notice of appeal 

 4.24 Service by Child Support Registrar 

 4.25 Procedure on first court date 

 4.26 Evidence to be provided 

Division 4.2.6 Nullity and validity of marriage and divorce 

 4.27 Application of Division 4.2.6 

 4.28 Fixing hearing date 

 4.29 Affidavit to be filed with application 

Division 4.2.7 Applications relating to passports 

 4.30 Application relating to passport 

 4.31 Fixing hearing date 

Chapter 5 Applications in a case 

Part 5.1 General 

 5.01 Applications in a case 

 5.01A Filing of applications seeking parenting orders during the Christmas school holiday period             

 5.02 Evidence in applications in a case 

 5.03 Procedure before filing 

 5.04 Restrictions in relation to applications 

 5.05 Fixing a date for hearing or case assessment conference 

 5.06 Attendance by electronic communication 

 5.07 Attendance of party or witness in prison 

Part 5.2 Hearing — interim and procedural applications             

 5.08 Interim orders — matters to be considered 

 5.09 Affidavits 

 5.10 Hearing time of interim or procedural application 

 5.11 Party’s failure to attend 

Part 5.3 Application without notice 

 5.12 Application without notice 

 5.13 Necessary procedural orders 

Part 5.4 Hearing on papers in absence of parties 

 5.14 Request for hearing in absence of parties 

 5.15 Objection to hearing in absence of parties 

 5.16 Court decision to not proceed in absence of parties 

 5.17 Procedure in hearing in absence of parties 

Part 5.5 Postponement of interim hearing 

 5.18 Administrative postponement of interim hearing 

Chapter 6 Parties 

Part 6.1 General 

 6.01 Parties 

 6.02 Necessary parties 

Part 6.2 Adding and removing a party 

 6.03 Adding a party 

 6.04 Removing a party 

 6.05 Intervention by a person seeking to become a party 

 6.06 Intervention by a person entitled to intervene 

 6.07 Notice of constitutional matter 

Part 6.3 Case guardian 

 6.08A Interpretation 

 6.08 Conducting a case by case guardian 

 6.09 Who may be a case guardian 

 6.10 Appointment, replacement or removal of case guardian 

 6.11 Attorney‑General may nominate case guardian 

 6.12 Notice of becoming case guardian 

 6.13 Conduct of case by case guardian 

 6.14 Costs of case guardian 

Part 6.4 Progress of case after death 

 6.15 Death of party 

Part 6.5 Progress of a case after bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement             

 6.16 Interpretation 

 6.17 Notice of bankruptcy or personal insolvency agreement 

 6.18 Notice under paragraph 6.17 (1) (b) 

 6.19 Notice under paragraph 6.17 (1) (c) 

 6.20 Notice of bankruptcy proceedings 

 6.21 Notice of application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act             

 6.22 Official name of trustee 

Chapter 7 Service 

Part 7.1 General 

 7.01A Application 

 7.01 Service 

 7.02 Court’s discretion regarding service 

 7.03 Service of documents 

 7.04 Service of filed documents 

Part 7.2 Special service 

 7.05 Special service 

 7.06 Special service by hand 

 7.07 Special service by post or electronic communication 

 7.08 Special service through a lawyer 

 7.09 Special service on person with a disability 

 7.10 Special service on a prisoner 

 7.11 Special service on a corporation 

Part 7.3 Ordinary service 

 7.12 Ordinary service 

Part 7.4 Proof of service 

 7.13 Proof of service 

 7.14 Proof of special service 

 7.15 Evidence of identity 

Part 7.5 Other matters about service 

 7.16 Service by electronic communication 

 7.17 When service is taken to have been carried out 

 7.18 Service with conditions or dispensing with service 

Part 7.6 Service in non‑convention country 

 7.19 Service in non‑convention country 

 7.20 Proof of service in non‑convention country 

Chapter 8 Right to be heard and address for service 

Part 8.1 Right to be heard and representation 

 8.01 Right to be heard and representation 

 8.02 Independent children’s lawyer 

 8.03 Lawyer — conflicting interests 

 8.04 Lawyer — ceasing to act 

Part 8.2 Address for service 

 8.05 Address for service 

 8.06 Change of address for service 

Chapter 9 Response and reply 

Part 9.1 Response to an Application for Final Orders 

 9.01 Response to an Application for Final Orders 

 9.02 Filing an affidavit with Response to an Application for Final Orders             

 9.03 Response objecting to jurisdiction 

Part 9.2 Reply to Response to an Application for Final Orders             

 9.04 Applicant reply to Response to an Application for Final Orders (Reply)             

 9.04A Additional party reply to Response to an Application for Final Orders, (Reply)             

Part 9.3 Response to Application in a Case 

 9.05 Response to Application in a Case 

 9.06 Affidavit to be filed with Response to an Application in a Case             

 9.07 Affidavit in reply to Response to an Application in a Case 

Part 9.4 Filing and service 

 9.08 Time for filing and service of response or reply 

Chapter 10 Ending a case without a trial 

Part 10.1 Offers to settle 

Division 10.1.1 General 

 10.01 How to make an offer 

 10.02 Open and ‘without prejudice’ offer 

 10.03 How to withdraw an offer 

 10.04 How to accept an offer 

 10.05 Counter‑offer 

Division 10.1.2 Offer to settle — property cases 

 10.06 Compulsory offer to settle 

 10.07 Withdrawal of offer 

Part 10.2 Discontinuing a case 

 10.10 Definition 

 10.11 Discontinuing a case 

Part 10.3 Summary orders and separate decisions 

 10.12 Application for summary orders 

 10.13 Application for separate decision 

 10.14 What the court may order under this Part 

Part 10.4 Consent orders 

 10.15 How to apply for a consent order 

 10.15A Consent parenting orders and allegations of abuse 

 10.16 Notice to superannuation trustee 

 10.16A Order or injunction binding a third party 

 10.17 Dealing with a consent order 

 10.18 Lapsing of respondent’s consent 

Chapter 11 Case management 

Part 11.1 Court’s powers of case management 

 11.01 General powers 

 11.02 Failure to comply with a legislative provision or order 

 11.03 Relief from orders 

 11.04 Frivolous or vexatious case 

 11.05 Application for permission to start a case 

 11.06 Dismissal for want of prosecution 

Part 11.2 Limiting issues 

Division 11.2.1 Admissions 

 11.07 Request to admit 

 11.08 Notice disputing fact or document 

 11.09 Withdrawing admission 

Division 11.2.2 Amendment 

 11.10 Amendment by a party or court order 

 11.11 Time limit for amendment 

 11.12 Amending a document 

 11.13 Response to amended document 

 11.14 Disallowance of amendment 

Division 11.2.3 Small claims 

 11.15 Small claims 

Part 11.3 Venue 

Division 11.3.1 Open court and chambers 

 11.16 Cases in chambers 

Division 11.3.2 Transferring a case 

 11.17 Transfer to another court or registry 

 11.18 Factors to be considered for transfer 

Division 11.3.3 Transfer of court file 

 11.20 Transfer between courts 

Chapter 12 Court events 

Part 12.1 Application of Chapter 12 

 12.01 Application of Chapter 12 

Part 12.2 Court events — resolution phase 

 12.02 Property case — exchange of documents before first court date             

 12.03 Case assessment conference 

 12.04 Procedural hearing 

 12.05 Property case — exchange of documents before conciliation conference             

 12.06 Conduct of a conciliation conference 

Part 12.3 Court events — determination phase 

 12.07A Application 

 12.07 Trial notice 

 12.08 Compliance certificate 

 12.09 Non‑compliance 

 12.10 Conduct of pre‑trial conference 

Part 12.4 Attendance at court events 

 12.11 Party’s attendance 

 12.12 Attendance by electronic communication 

 12.13 Failure to attend court events 

Part 12.5 Adjournment and postponement of court events             

 12.14 Administrative postponement of conferences or procedural hearings             

 12.15 Adjournment of case conference 

 12.16 Adjournment or postponement of pre‑trial conference             

Chapter 13 Disclosure 

Part 13.1 Disclosure between parties 

Division 13.1.1 General duty of disclosure 

 13.01 General duty of disclosure 

Division 13.1.2 Duty of disclosure — financial cases 

 13.02 Purpose of Division 13.1.2 

 13.03 Definition 

 13.04 Full and frank disclosure 

 13.05 Financial statement 

 13.06 Amendment of Financial Statement 

Part 13.2 Duty of disclosure — documents 

Division 13.2.1 Disclosure of documents — all cases 

 13.07 Duty of disclosure — documents 

 13.08 Inspection of documents 

 13.09 Production of original documents 

 13.10 Disclosure by inspection of documents 

 13.11 Costs for inspection 

 13.12 Documents that need not be produced 

 13.13 Objection to production 

 13.14 Consequence of non‑disclosure 

 13.15 Undertaking by party 

 13.16 Time for filing undertaking 

Division 13.2.2 Disclosure of documents — certain applications 

 13.17 Application of Division 13.2.2 

 13.18 Party may seek order about disclosure 

Division 13.2.3 Disclosure of documents — Applications for Final Orders             

 13.19 Application of Division 13.2.3 

 13.20 Disclosure by service of a list of documents 

 13.21 Disclosure by inspection of documents 

 13.22 Application for order for disclosure 

 13.23 Costs of compliance 

 13.24 Electronic disclosure 

Part 13.3 Answers to specific questions 

 13.25 Application of Part 13.3 

 13.26 Service of specific questions 

 13.27 Answering specific questions 

 13.28 Orders in relation to specific questions 

Part 13.4 Information from non‑parties 

Division 13.4.1 Employment information 

 13.29 Purpose of Division 13.4.1 

 13.30 Employment information 

Division 13.4.2 Non‑party documents 

 13.31 Purpose of Division 13.4.2 

 13.32 Definitions 

 13.33 Notice of Non‑party Production of Documents 

 13.34 Service on others affected by Notice 

 13.35 Compliance with Notice of Non‑party Production of Documents             

 13.36 Production of documents 

 13.37 Copying produced documents 

 13.37A Protection in relation to production 

 13.38 Costs of production 

 13.39 Objection to production 

 13.39A Service of objection on other parties 

 13.40 Stay of Notice of Non‑party Production of Documents             

 13.41 Court’s decision about Notice of Non‑party Production of Documents             

 13.42 Orders about non‑party disclosure 

Chapter 14 Property orders 

 14.01 Orders about property 

 14.02 Service of application 

 14.03 Inspection 

 14.04 Application for Anton Piller order 

 14.05 Application for Mareva order 

 14.06 Notice to superannuation trustee 

 14.07 Notice about intervention under Part VIII of Act 

Chapter 15 Evidence 

Part 15.1 Children 

 15.01 Restriction on child’s evidence 

 15.02 Interviewing a child 

 15.03 Family reports 

Part 15.2 Affidavits 

 15.05 Evidence in chief by affidavit 

 15.06 Reliance on affidavits 

 15.07 Filing an affidavit 

 15.08 Form of affidavit 

 15.09 Making an affidavit 

 15.10 Affidavit of illiterate or blind person etc 

 15.11 Affidavit outside Australia 

 15.12 Documents attached 

 15.13 Striking out objectionable material 

 15.14 Notice to attend for cross‑examination 

 15.15 Deponent’s attendance and expenses 

Part 15.3 Subpoenas 

Division 15.3.1 General 

 15.16 Interpretation 

 15.17 Issuing a subpoena 

 15.18 Subpoena not to issue in certain circumstances 

 15.19 Time for issuing a subpoena 

 15.20 Amendment of subpoena 

 15.21 Limit on number of subpoenas 

 15.22 Service 

 15.23 Conduct money and witness fees 

 15.24 When compliance is not required 

 15.25 Discharge of subpoena obligation 

 15.26 Objection to subpoena 

Division 15.3.2 Production of documents and access by parties 

 15.27 Application of Division 15.3.2 

 15.28 Service of subpoena for production 

 15.29 Compliance with subpoena 

 15.30 Right to inspect and copy 

 15.31 Objection to inspection or copying of document 

 15.32 Court permission to inspect documents 

 15.33 Claim for privilege 

 15.34 Production of document from another court 

 15.35 Return of documents produced 

Division 15.3.3 Non‑compliance with subpoena 

 15.36 Non‑compliance with subpoena 

Part 15.4 Assessors 

 15.37 Application of Part 15.4 

 15.38 Appointing an assessor 

 15.39 Assessor’s report 

 15.40 Remuneration of assessor 

Part 15.5 Expert evidence 

Division 15.5.1 General 

 15.41 Application of Part 15.5 

 15.42 Purpose of Part 15.5 

 15.43 Definitions 

Division 15.5.2 Single expert witness 

 15.44 Appointment of single expert witness by parties 

 15.45 Order for single expert witness 

 15.46 Orders the court may make 

 15.47 Single expert witness’s fees and expenses 

 15.48 Single expert witness’s report 

 15.49 Appointing another expert witness

 15.50 Cross‑examination of single expert witness

Division 15.5.3 Permission for expert’s evidence 

 15.51 Permission for expert’s reports and evidence 

 15.52 Application for permission for expert witness 

Division 15.5.4 Instructions and disclosure of expert’s report 

 15.53 Application of Division 15.5.4 

 15.54 Instructions to expert witness 

 15.55 Mandatory disclosure of expert’s report 

 15.56 Provision of information about fees

 15.57 Application for provision of information 

 15.58 Failure to disclose report 

Division 15.5.5 Expert witness’s duties and rights 

 15.59 Expert witness’s duty to the court 

 15.60 Expert witness’s right to seek orders 

 15.61 Expert witness’s evidence in chief 

 15.62 Form of expert’s report 

 15.63 Contents of expert’s report 

 15.64 Consequences of non‑compliance 

Division 15.5.6 Clarification of single expert witness reports 

 15.64A Purpose 

 15.64B Conference 

 15.65 Questions to single expert witness 

 15.66 Single expert witness’s answers 

 15.67 Single expert witness’s costs 

 15.67A Application for directions 

Division 15.5.7 Evidence from 2 or more expert witnesses 

 15.68 Application of Division 15.5.7

 15.69 Conference of expert witnesses 

 15.70 Conduct of trial with expert witnesses 

Part 15.6 Other matters about evidence 

 15.71 Court may call evidence 

 15.72 Order for examination of witness 

 15.73 Letters of request 

 15.74 Hearsay evidence — notice under section 67 of the Evidence Act 1995

 15.75 Transcript receivable in evidence 

 15.76 Notice to produce 

Chapter 16 Trial 

Part 16.1 Expedited trials 

 16.01 Expedited trial 

Part 16.2 Preparation for trial 

 16.02 Trial information 

 16.03 Notice in relation to evidence 

Part 16.3 Conduct of trial 

 16.04 Conduct of trial — general 

 16.05 Trial management 

 16.06 Sequence of evidence 

 16.07 Opening and closing address 

 16.08 Attendance, submissions and evidence by electronic communication             

 16.09 Foreign evidence by electronic communication 

 16.10 Exhibits 

 16.11 Party’s failure to attend 

 16.12 Vacating trial date 

Chapter 16A Division 12A of Part VII of the Act 

Part 16A.1 Consent for Division 12A of Part VII of the Act to apply to a case             

 16A.01 Definition 

 16A.02 Application of Part 16A.1 

 16A.03 Consent for Division 12A of Part VII of the Act to apply 

 16A.04 Application for Division 12A of Part VII of the Act to apply for case commenced by application before 1 July 2006             

Part 16A.2 Trials of certain cases to which Division 12A of Part VII of the Act applies             

 16A.05 Definitions 

 16A.06 Application 

 16A.07 Questionnaire 

 16A.08 Subpoenas etc 

 16A.09 Commencement of trial 

 16A.10 Parties to be sworn etc 

Chapter 17 Orders 

 17.01 When an order is made 

 17.02 Errors in orders 

 17.03 Rate of interest 

 17.04 Order for payment of money 

 17.05 Order for payment of fine 

Chapter 18 Powers of Judicial Registrars, Registrars and Deputy Registrars             

Part 18.1 Delegation of powers to Judicial Registrars and Registrars             

Division 18.1.1 General 

 18.01A Definitions 

 18.01 Exercise of powers and functions 

Division 18.1.2 Delegation to Judicial Registrars 

 18.02 Delegation of powers to Judicial Registrars 

 18.03 Property value exceeding limit — power to determine case 

Division 18.1.3 Delegation of powers to Registrars and Deputy Registrars             

 18.04 Application of Division 18.1.3 

 18.05 Registrars 

 18.06 Deputy Registrars 

Part 18.2 Review of decisions 

 18.07 Application of Part 18.2 

 18.08 Review of order 

 18.09 Stay 

 18.10 Power of court on review 

Chapter 19 Party/party costs 

Part 19.1 General 

 19.01 Application of Chapter 19 

 19.02 Interest on outstanding costs 

Part 19.2 Obligations of a lawyer about costs 

 19.03 Duty to inform about costs 

 19.04 Notification of costs 

Part 19.3 Security for costs 

 19.05 Application for security for costs 

 19.06 Order for security for costs 

 19.07 Finalising security 

Part 19.4 Costs orders 

 19.08 Order for costs 

 19.09 Costs order for cases in other courts 

 19.10 Costs orders against lawyers 

 19.11 Notice of costs order 

Part 19.5 Calculation of costs 

 19.18 Method of calculation of costs 

 19.19 Maximum amount of party/party costs recoverable 

Part 19.6 Claiming and disputing costs 

Division 19.6.1 Itemised costs account 

 19.20 Request for itemised costs account 

 19.21 Service of lawyer’s itemised costs account 

 19.22 Lawyer’s itemised costs account 

 19.23 Disputing itemised costs account 

 19.24 Assessment of disputed costs 

 19.25 Amendment of itemised costs account and  Notice Disputing Itemised Costs Account             

Division 19.6.2 Assessment process 

 19.26 Fixing date for first court event 

 19.27 Notification of hearing 

 19.28 Settlement conference 

 19.29 Preliminary assessment 

 19.30 Objection to preliminary assessment amount 

 19.31 If no objection to preliminary assessment 

 19.32 Assessment hearing 

 19.33 Powers of Registrars 

 19.34 Assessment principles 

 19.35 Allowance for matters not specified 

 19.36 Neglect or delay before Registrar 

 19.37 Costs assessment order — costs account not disputed 

 19.38 Setting aside a costs assessment order 

Part 19.7 Specific costs matters 

 19.40 Costs in court of summary jurisdiction 

 19.41 Charge for each page 

 19.42 Proportion of costs 

 19.43 Costs for reading 

 19.44 Postage within Australia 

 19.45 Waiting and travelling time 

 19.46 Agent’s fees 

 19.49 Costs of cases not started together 

 19.50 Certificate as to counsel 

 19.51 Lawyer as counsel — party and party costs 

 19.52 Lawyer as counsel — assessment of fees 

Part 19.8 Review of assessment 

 19.54 Application for review 

 19.55 Time for filing an application for review 

 19.56 Hearing of application 

Chapter 20 Enforcement of financial orders and obligations             

Part 20.1 General 

 20.01 Enforceable obligations

 20.02 When an agreement may be enforced 

 20.03 When a child support liability may be enforced 

 20.04 Who may enforce an obligation 

 20.05 Enforcing an obligation to pay money 

 20.06 Affidavit to be filed for enforcement order 

 20.07 General enforcement powers of court

 20.08 Enforcement order

 20.09 Discharging, suspending or varying enforcement order

Part 20.2 Information for aiding enforcement 

Division 20.2.1 Processes for aiding enforcement 

 20.10 Processes for obtaining financial information 

Division 20.2.2 Enforcement hearings 

 20.11 Enforcement hearing 

 20.12 Obligations of payer

 20.13 Subpoena of witness

 20.14 Failure concerning Financial Statement or enforcement hearing

Part 20.3 Enforcement warrants 

Division 20.3.1 General 

 20.15 Definitions 

 20.16 Request for Enforcement Warrant 

 20.17 Period during which Enforcement Warrant is in force 

 20.18 Enforcement officer’s responsibilities 

 20.19 Directions for enforcement 

 20.20 Effect of Enforcement Warrant

 20.21 Advertising before sale

 20.21A Sale of property at reasonable price

 20.21B Conditions of sale of property

 20.22 Result of sale of property under Enforcement Warrant

 20.23 Payee’s responsibilities

 20.24 Orders for real property 

Division 20.3.2 Claims by person affected by an Enforcement Warrant 

 20.25 Notice of claim 

 20.26 Payee to admit or dispute claim 

 20.27 Admitting claim 

 20.28 Denial or no response to claim 

 20.29 Hearing of application 

Part 20.4 Third Party Debt Notice 

 20.30 Application of Part 20.4 

 20.31 Money deposited in a financial institution 

 20.32 Request for Third Party Debt Notice 

 20.33 Service of Third Party Debt Notice 

 20.34 Effect of Third Party Debt Notice — general 

 20.35 Employer’s obligations 

 20.36 Duration of Third Party Debt Notice 

 20.37 Response to Third Party Debt Notice 

 20.38 Discharge of Third Party Debt Notice 

 20.39 Claim by affected person 

 20.40 Cessation of employment 

 20.41 Compliance with Third Party Debt Notice 

Part 20.5 Sequestration of property 

 20.42 Application for sequestration of property 

 20.43 Order for sequestration 

 20.44 Order relating to sequestration 

 20.45 Procedural orders for sequestration 

Part 20.6 Receivership 

 20.46 Application for appointment of receiver

 20.47 Appointment and powers of receiver

 20.48 Security

 20.49 Accounts

 20.50 Objection to accounts 

 20.51 Removal of receiver

 20.52 Compliance with orders and Rules

Part 20.7 Enforcement of obligations other than an obligation to pay money             

 20.53 Application for other enforcement orders

 20.54 Warrant for possession of real property

 20.55 Warrant for delivery

 20.56 Warrant for seizure and detention of property

Part 20.8 Other provisions about enforcement 

 20.57 Service of order 

 20.58 Certificate for payments under maintenance order 

 20.59 Enforcement by or against a non‑party

 20.60 Powers of enforcement officer 

Chapter 21 Enforcement of parenting orders, contravention of orders and contempt             

Part 21.1 Applications for enforcement of orders, contravention of orders and contempt of court             

 21.01 Application of Part 21.1 

 21.02 How to apply for an order 

 21.03 Application made or continued by Marshal 

 21.04 Contempt in the court room 

 21.05 Fixing of hearing date 

 21.06 Response to an application 

 21.07 Failure of respondent to attend 

 21.08 Procedure at hearing 

Part 21.2 Parenting orders — compliance 

 21.09 Duties of program provider 

 21.10 Relisting for hearing 

Part 21.3 Location and recovery orders 

 21.11 Application of Part 21.3 

 21.12 Application for order under Part 21.3 

 21.13 Fixing of hearing date 

 21.14 Service of recovery order 

 21.15 Application for directions for execution of recovery order 

Part 21.4 Warrants for arrest 

 21.16 Application for warrant 

 21.17 Execution of warrant 

 21.18 Duration of warrant 

 21.19 Procedure after arrest 

 21.20 Application for release or setting aside warrant 

Chapter 22 Appeals 

Part 22.1 Introduction 

 22.01 Application of Chapter 22 

Part 22.2 Starting an appeal 

 22.02 Starting an appeal 

 22.03 Time for appeal 

 22.04 Parties to an appeal 

 22.05 Service 

 22.06 Notice about appeal to other courts 

 22.07 Cross‑appeal 

 22.08 Time for cross‑appeal 

 22.09 Amendment of Notice of Appeal 

 22.10 Documents filed in a current appeal 

 22.11 Stay 

 22.12 Application for leave to appeal 

 22.13 Filing draft index to appeal books 

Part 22.3 Appeal to Full Court 

 22.14 Application of Part 22.3 

 22.15 Procedural hearing 

 22.16 Attendance at first procedural hearing 

 22.17 Orders to be made at procedural hearing 

 22.18 Preparation of appeal books 

 22.19 Contents of appeal books 

 22.20 Form of appeal books 

 22.21 Failure to file appeal books by due date 

 22.22 Summary of argument and list of authorities 

Part 22.4 Appeal from Federal Magistrates Court or a Family Law Magistrate of Western Australia heard by single Judge             

 22.23 Application of Part 22.4 

 22.24 Procedural hearing 

 22.25 Attendance at procedural hearing 

 22.26 Procedural orders for conduct of appeal 

 22.27 Documents for appeal hearing if appeal book not required 

Part 22.5 Appeal from court of summary jurisdiction other than a Family Law Magistrate of Western Australia             

 22.28 Application of Part 22.5 

 22.29 Fixing of hearing date 

Part 22.6 Powers of appeal courts and conduct of appeal             

 22.30 Non‑attendance by party 

 22.31 Attendance by electronic communication 

 22.32 Attendance of party in prison 

 22.33 Short reasons for decision 

 22.34 Subpoenas 

Part 22.7 Applications in relation to appeals 

Division 22.7.1 How to make an application 

 22.35 Application of Part 22.7 

 22.36 Application in relation to appeal 

 22.37 Hearing date for application 

 22.38 Decision without an oral hearing 

Division 22.7.2 Specific applications relating to appeals 

 22.39 Further evidence on appeal 

 22.40 Review of Regional Appeal Registrar’s order 

Part 22.8 Concluding an appeal, an application for leave to appeal or an application in relation to an appeal             

 22.41 Consent orders on appeal 

 22.42 Discontinuance of appeal or application 

 22.43 Abandoning an appeal 

 22.44 Application for reinstatement of appeal 

 22.45 Dismissal of appeal and applications for non‑compliance or delay             

Part 22.9 Case stated 

 22.46 Application of Part 22.9 

 22.47 Case stated 

 22.48 Objection to draft case stated 

 22.49 Settlement and signing 

 22.50 Filing of copies of case stated 

 22.51 Fixing of hearing date 

 22.52 Summary of argument and list of authorities 

Chapter 23 Registration of documents 

Part 23.1 Registration of agreements, orders and child support debts             

 23.01 Registration of agreements 

 23.01A Registration of State child orders under section 70C or 70D of the Act             

 23.02 Registration of debt due to the Commonwealth under child support legislation             

Part 23.2 Parenting plans 

 23.03 Requirements for registration of an agreement revoking a registered parenting plan             

 23.04 Court may require service or additional information 

 23.05 Application may be dealt with in chambers 

Chapter 24 Documents, filing, registry 

Part 24.1 Requirements for documents 

 24.01 General requirements 

 24.02 Corporation as a party 

 24.03 Change of name of party 

 24.04 Forms 

Part 24.2 Filing documents 

 24.05 How a document is filed 

 24.06 Filing a document by facsimile 

 24.07 Filing by e‑mail and Internet 

 24.08 Additional copies for filing 

 24.09 Documents filed during a case 

 24.10 Refusal to accept document for filing 

 24.11 Filing a notice of payment into court 

Part 24.3 Registry records 

 24.12 Removal of document from registry 

 24.13 Searching court record and copying documents 

Chapter 25 Applications under the Corporations Act 2001 

 25.01 Application of Chapter 25 

 25.02 Application of Corporations Rules 

 25.03 Modification of Corporations Rules 

 25.04 Application under Corporations Act 2001

 25.05 Transfer of case under Corporations Act 2001

 25.06 Fixing a date for hearing 

Chapter 26 Cases to which the Bankruptcy Act 1966 applies             

Part 26.1 Introduction 

 26.01 Application of Chapter 26 

 26.02 Expressions used in the Bankruptcy Act 

Part 26.2 General 

 26.04 Bankruptcy Application and Bankruptcy Application in a Case             

 26.05 Leave to be heard 

 26.06 Appearance at application or examination 

 26.07 Opposition to Bankruptcy Application or a Bankruptcy Application in a Case             

Part 26.3 Examinations 

Division 26.3.1 Interpretation 

 26.08 Definition for Part 26.3 

Division 26.3.2 Examination of relevant person 

 26.09 Application for summons (Bankruptcy Act s 81) 

 26.10 Hearing of application 

 26.11 Requirements of summons 

 26.12 Service of summons 

 26.13 Failure to attend examination 

 26.14 Application for discharge of summons 

Division 26.3.3 Examination of examinable person 

 26.15 Application for summons (Bankruptcy Act s 81) 

 26.16 Hearing of application 

 26.17 Requirements of summons 

 26.18 Service of summons 

 26.19 Application for discharge of summons 

 26.20 Conduct money and witnesses expenses 

Part 26.4 Annulment of bankruptcy 

 26.21 Application of Part 26.4 

 26.22 Requirements of application 

 26.23 Notice to creditors 

 26.24 Procedural hearing — report by trustee 

 26.25 Service of annulment order 

Part 26.5 Trustees 

 26.26 Objection to appointment of trustee (Bankruptcy Act s 157 (6))             

 26.27 Resignation or release of trustee (Bankruptcy Act ss 180 and 183)             

Part 26.6 Warrants 

 26.28 Arrest of bankrupt (Bankruptcy Act s 78) 

 26.29 Apprehension of person failing to attend Court (Bankruptcy Act s 264B (1))             

Part 26.7 Costs 

 26.30 Order for costs 

 26.31 Application of Order 62 of Federal Court Rules 

Chapter 1 Introduction

Part 1.1 Preliminary

1.01 Name of Rules [see Note 1]

  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 Permission to record court event

  A person must not photograph, or record by electronic or mechanical means, any court event.

Note   Section 121 of the Act restricts publication of information relating to cases.

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

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

Note 1   If a party seeks interim orders as well as final orders, the party may file an Application in a Case at the same time as an Application for Final Orders.

Note 2   A respondent seeking orders in another cause of action may make an application in a Response to an Application for Final Orders (see paragraph 9.01 (3) (c)).

Note 3   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 4   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

 (2) If an applicant is required to file a document mentioned in item 1, 2 or 8 of Table 2.2, the applicant may file an image, photocopy or certified copy of the document.

 (3) If an applicant is unable to file a document mentioned in item 1, 2 or 8 of Table 2.2, the applicant must file:

 (a) an affidavit setting out the reasons why the document was not filed; or

 (b) a written notice containing an undertaking to file the document within the time specified in the notice.

 (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 Application for Final Orders unless 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 Application for Final Orders 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:

allegation of abuse or family violence means an allegation:

 (a) that a child has been abused or that there is a risk of a child being abused; or

 (b) that there has been family violence involving a child or a member of the child’s family or that there is a risk of family violence involving a child or a member of the child’s family.

Part VII order has the same meaning as in subsection 60I (1) 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.

2.04B Filing and service

 (1) In a case to which this Division applies, if any of the following persons makes an allegation of abuse or family violence the person must file a Notice of Child Abuse or Family Violence (Form 4):

 (a) a party in the case;

 (b) an independent children’s lawyer in the case;

 (c) a person seeking to intervene in the case.

 (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   The requirements for service of filed documents are set out in rule 7.04. For service of a notice filed in a case to which section 67Z of the Act applies, subsection 67Z (2) specifically requires that a person alleged in the notice to have abused a child in the case, or to be a person from whom a child in the case is at risk of being abused, must be served with a copy of the notice.

2.04C Listing case

  If a Form 4 has been filed in a case, a Registrar may list the case for hearing or procedural hearing.

2.04D Prescribed document and prescribed form

  A Notice of Child Abuse or Family Violence (Form 4) is:

 (a) the document prescribed for the purposes of paragraph 60K (1) (d) of the Act; and

 (b) the prescribed form for the purposes of a notice mentioned in subsection 67Z (2) of the Act.

2.05 Family violence order

 (1) A party must file a copy of any family violence order affecting the parties or a child of the parties:

 (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 maintenance cases

2.06 Notification of proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application (Act ss 79B and 90M)

  If a party to a property settlement or spousal maintenance case is required to give the Registry Manager written notice under subsection 79B (3) or 90M (3) of the Act of a proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application, the party must:

 (a) attach to the notice a sealed copy of the proceeds of crime order or forfeiture application, if not already filed; and

 (b) file the notice as soon as possible after the party is notified by the Director of Public Prosecutions under paragraph 79B (3) (b) or 90M (3) (b) of the Act.

2.07 Proceeds of crime

 (1) If the Director of Public Prosecutions applies under section 79C or 90N of the Act to stay a property settlement or spousal maintenance case, the Director 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 or 90P of the Act to lift a stay of a property settlement or spousal maintenance case 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 Director of Public Prosecutions under section 79D or 90P 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

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

Part 4.1 Introduction

4.01 Contents of Application for Final Orders

 (1) In an Application for Final Orders, 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 Application for Final Orders and must not be made in a  Response to an Application for Final Orders (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 Application for Final Orders unless permitted or required to do so by this Chapter or rule 2.02.

Example

A party seeking property settlement or parenting orders must not file an affidavit with an Application for Final Orders.

4.03 First court date

  On the filing of an Application for Final Orders, the Registry Manager must fix a date:

 (a) for a case assessment conference or procedural hearing that is as near as practicable to 28 days after the application was filed; or

 (b) if an earlier date is fixed for the hearing of an Application in a Case filed with the Application for Final Orders — for a procedural hearing on the same day.

Note   Under subrule 5.05 (4), a Registrar may, in exceptional circumstances, allow an Application in a Case 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 Application for Final Orders.

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 Application for Final Orders or a Response to Application for Final Orders 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 Application for Final Orders 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 Application for Final Orders, 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 Application 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 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 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 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 variation of a maintenance order, see section 83 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

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 Application for Final Orders 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 Application for Final Orders.

 (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

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 60 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 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;