Family Court of Australia
FCoA
5 January 1976 – 1 September 2021
Superior federal court specialising in family law, dealing with divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements and other matters under the Family Law Act 1975, with an emphasis on conciliation and counselling.
How it came into existence
Created by the Family Law Act 1975, which commenced on 5 January 1976 and introduced no-fault divorce, with Elizabeth Evatt as the first Chief Judge. Matrimonial causes had previously been heard by state supreme courts under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1959.
Legislation: Family Law Act 1975
Changes during its life
- 1 July 2016Its administration and corporate services were merged into the single administrative entity of the Federal Court of Australia under the Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act 2016.
- Less complex family law and child support matters
- Court administration and corporate services
How it ended
Merged with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia on 1 September 2021 to form the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Family Court continuing as its Division 1.
- Superior family law jurisdiction
- Family law appeals
Continued as Division 1.
Main functions
- Divorce and dissolution of marriage
- Parenting and child welfare orders
- Property settlement and maintenance
- Family law appeals
- Family counselling and conciliation (early years)
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
- Australian Government Organisations Register (Department of Finance, data.gov.au) (listed from 30 September 2017 to 30 September 2021)