Family Court

This section provides information about the "practical" aspects of running the Family Court. Much of it is aimed at the 'practitioners' involved (the lawyers, Family Court co-ordinators, court staff, counsellors, social workers, agency representatives, etc.). The practitioners must be familiar with the practice and procedures that are relevant to your case - whether that's making an application to the Family Court, appearing at a court hearing, following a court direction or order, or any other Family Court matter.

Practice Notes

Practice Notes are issued by the Principal Family Court Judge. Practice Notes set out the procedures that must be followed and timeframes that must be met once an application has been filed, e.g. when evidence must be filed or when certain types of hearings must be held.

Guidelines

Guidelines establish expected standards of practice in the Family Court. Guidelines may be issued in cases where it is not appropriate to issue a Practice Note.

Protocols

A protocol is an agreement between the Family Court or Ministry of Justice and another government organisation or agency. A protocol sets out what should be done in certain circumstances - perhaps in an unusual situation where there is no other precedent or existing process for particular agencies to work together. The protocol then provides a basis on which future similar issues must be managed.

Self Litigants

Although it is rarely advised, you can elect to represent yourself in Court, rather than engage a lawyer to act for you. You must still follow all the rules of the Court and the Court's practices and procedures. You can also ask the Court's permission to have someone who is not a lawyer assist you. But there are specific guidelines and processes that must be followed...