Can you represent yourself in family court Australia?
You can seek legal advice and have a lawyer represent you, or you can represent yourself (known as being a ‘self-represented litigant’). The family law court websites have information, fact sheets and application kits to guide you through the court process.
How much does it cost to go to family court in Australia?
Family law court fees
| Filing Fees | |
|---|---|
| Application for decree as to nullity | $1,335 |
| Application for decree as to nullity – reduced fee^ | $445 |
| Initiating Application (Parenting OR Financial, Final only) | $365 |
| Initiating Application (Parenting OR Financial, Final AND Interim) | $490* |
What is a mention in family court Australia?
Direction Hearings / Mentions in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia. Direction Hearings or Mentions are brief Court appearances where the Judge, Senior Judicial Registrar or a Judicial Registrar makes orders for the next steps that need to be taken to progress and resolve the matter.
How long does family court process take?
There is no standard time frame and it can take between 6 to 12 months to achieve a final order. In most cases, it will take around six to eight weeks from when you first apply for the preliminary court hearing (step 4 above) to take place.
Do I need a solicitor for family court?
Do I need a lawyer (solicitor or barrister)? Legal advice and assistance from a qualified lawyer is usually helpful and recommended however you are not required to obtain legal advice. You can make the application and attend court yourself without legal representation.
Who pays court fees in family Court?
Generally speaking each party will be liable to pay their own legal costs incurred within court proceedings relating to arrangements for children, however there are circumstances where one party can be ordered to pay the costs of the other.
What does it mean when a case is listed for mention?
A case is listed for mention if there is an administrative matter to be ruled upon before the main trial can proceed (or proceed any further). For example, the judge may need to rule whether a certain piece of evidence can be used in court.
What happens in a mention?
The main role of a court mention is to allow the court to guide your case and instruct both you and the other party on what needs to be done next. For example, upon a court mention, the court may direct both parties to attend alternative dispute resolution.