Family Law
Whether you are separating, disputing parenting arrangements, negotiating a property settlement, or facing a family violence order — the Family Law Act 1975 and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia govern these matters. Submit your request and get connected with a family lawyer who can advise on your rights and the fastest path to resolution.
⚠ If you have received court documents, have an upcoming hearing, or face a child safety concern — mention it clearly in the form so your request can be prioritised.
What You Can Submit
From first conversations to consent orders, court preparation, and urgent safety matters — you can submit any of these issues using the form.
Separation advice, divorce applications, and de facto relationship matters.
Parenting arrangements, child custody disputes, relocation, and time-with-child orders.
Consent orders, parenting plans, family dispute resolution, and court preparation.
Child support, spousal maintenance, and unpaid support concerns.
Homes, businesses, debts, trusts, inheritances, superannuation, and other assets after separation.
Intervention orders, safety concerns, urgent parenting issues, and protective options.
Prenuptial, postnuptial, and separation agreements.
Grandparent contact, blended-family issues, and disputes involving extended family members.
Why It Matters
Delay in family law often means lost rights — particularly around property settlements, parenting orders, and intervention orders. Early advice protects your position before agreements are reached informally or deadlines pass.
Informal parenting arrangements cannot be enforced. Consent orders made by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia — or a registered parenting plan — give both parents clear, enforceable obligations. Without formalisation, either parent can unilaterally change arrangements, and courts apply the Section 60CC best interests test to resolve disputes.
After a divorce order takes effect, you have 12 months to apply for a property settlement under the Family Law Act 1975. After a de facto relationship ends, the limit is 2 years. Missing these deadlines requires leave of court — which is not always granted. Early legal advice ensures the 4-step property settlement process (asset identification, contributions, future needs, just and equitable) is applied correctly to your situation.
Under Section 60I of the Family Law Act, you are generally required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and obtain a Section 60I certificate before filing a parenting order application in the FCFCOA. Exceptions apply for family violence, urgency, and child safety — but understanding which pathway applies to your situation requires early legal advice.
An Initiating Application in family law proceedings requires a Response — typically within 28 days of service. Failing to respond means the court may make orders in your absence. If an Interim Orders hearing has been listed, legal representation at that hearing can prevent orders being made that are difficult to vary later.
Urgent applications for Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs), Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), or Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) can be made without notice to the other party in appropriate cases. These orders can immediately prohibit contact, require the person to leave the family home, and protect children. Acting quickly preserves safety and evidence.
Once separated, either party can deal with assets — selling, transferring, or encumbering property — before a settlement is reached. Injunctive relief under the Family Law Act can freeze assets, prevent disposal of the family home, and protect superannuation interests. Acting before assets are dissipated is far more effective than trying to recover them after the fact.
How It Works
You do not need to know exact legal wording. Plain language is enough — describe what is happening and include the urgency, and your request will be reviewed from there.
Submit Your RequestComplete the form with your contact details, location, matter type, urgency, and a brief summary. Include any deadlines or court dates.
Your request is reviewed with the relevant issue, urgency, and location in mind so the right type of follow-up can be identified.
An appropriate follow-up is arranged based on your matter. Urgent requests including court dates and child safety concerns are prioritised.
Information That Helps
The more clearly you describe the situation, the easier it is to identify the next step. If you have them, it may help to mention or prepare the following.
Dates of marriage, separation, divorce application, or important relationship events.
Children's ages, current care arrangements, school details, and any immediate parenting concerns.
Existing parenting plans, consent orders, court orders, intervention orders, or pending applications.
Major assets and debts — family home, mortgage, business interests, bank accounts, loans, and superannuation.
Any deadlines, dispute-resolution appointments, court dates, legal letters, or documents you need to respond to.
Safety concerns, family violence history, police involvement, or urgent issues involving children.
If any of the following apply, include it clearly in the message field so your request can be flagged as urgent.
Submitting the form does not create a lawyer-client relationship and does not replace legal advice.
Coverage
Family law requests accepted from all Australian states and territories.
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Read more →Request Family Law Help Today
Describe what is happening once and the request can be reviewed with urgency and location in mind. Submitting does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
Submit your request and a legal representative will be in touch to discuss your matter.
Submit Your Legal Request