-
Family Law Act 1975
Act No. 53 of 1975 as amended
This compilation was prepared on 17 January 2012
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 189 of 2011
The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section
The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may
be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes
section
Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and
Publishing,
Attorney-Generals Department, Canberra
-
Family Law Act 1975 iii
Contents
Part IPreliminary 1 1 Short title [see Note 1]
.......................................................................
1 2 Commencement [see Note
1]............................................................. 1 3
Repeal and saving
..............................................................................
1 4 Interpretation
.....................................................................................
2 4AA De facto relationships
......................................................................
27 4A Third party proceedings to set aside financial agreement
................ 28 4B Third party proceedings to set aside Part
VIIIAB financial
agreement
........................................................................................
30 5 Debtor subject to a personal insolvency agreement
......................... 32 6 Polygamous marriages
.....................................................................
32 7 Extension of Act to certain Territories
............................................ 32 7A Application of
the Criminal Code
................................................... 32 8
Supersession of existing laws
.......................................................... 32 9
Transitional
......................................................................................
33
Part IAProtection of names 36 9A Use of protected names and
symbols ............................................... 36
Part IINon-court based family services 38
Division 1Accreditation of family counsellors, family
dispute
resolution practitioners and other family service
providers 38 10A Accreditation Rules
.........................................................................
38
Division 2Family counselling 40 10B Definition of family
counselling ......................................................
40 10C Definition of family counsellor
........................................................ 40 10D
Confidentiality of communications in family counselling
............... 41 10E Admissibility of communications in family
counselling and
in referrals from family counselling
................................................ 42
Division 3Family dispute resolution 44 10F Definition of family
dispute resolution ............................................ 44
10G Definition of family dispute resolution practitioner
........................ 44 10H Confidentiality of communications
in family dispute
resolution
.........................................................................................
44 10J Admissibility of communications in family dispute
resolution and in referrals from family dispute resolution
............... 46 10K Family dispute resolution practitioners must
comply with
regulations
.......................................................................................
47
Division 4Arbitration 48 10L Definition of arbitration
..................................................................
48
-
iv Family Law Act 1975
10M Definition of arbitrator
...................................................................
48 10N Arbitrators may charge fees for their services
................................. 48 10P Immunity of arbitrators
....................................................................
49
Part IIIFamily consultants 50
Division 1About family consultants 50 11A Functions of family
consultants .......................................................
50 11B Definition of family consultant
........................................................ 50 11C
Admissibility of communications with family consultants
and referrals from family consultants
.............................................. 51 11D Immunity of
family consultants
....................................................... 51
Division 2Courts use of family consultants 52 11E Courts to
consider seeking advice from family consultants ............. 52
11F Court may order parties to attend, or arrange for child to
attend, appointments with a family
consultant................................. 52 11G Consequences of
failure to comply with order under
section 11F
......................................................................................
53
Part IIIAObligations to inform people about non-court based
family services and about courts processes and
services 55
Division 1Introduction 55 12A Objects of this Part
..........................................................................
55
Division 2Kind of information to be provided 56 12B Prescribed
information about non-court based family
services and courts processes and services
..................................... 56 12C Prescribed information
about reconciliation .................................... 56 12D
Prescribed information about Part VII proceedings
......................... 56
Division 3Who must provide information, and when 57 12E
Obligations on legal practitioners
.................................................... 57 12F
Obligations on principal executive officers of courts
...................... 57 12G Obligations on family counsellors,
family dispute resolution
practitioners and arbitrators
.............................................................
58
Part IIIBCourts powers in relation to court and non-court
based family services 59
Division 1Introduction 59 13A Objects of this Part
..........................................................................
59
Division 2Help with reconciliation 60 13B Court to accommodate
possible reconciliations............................... 60
-
Family Law Act 1975 v
Division 3Referrals to family counselling, family dispute
resolution and other family services 61 13C Court may refer
parties to family counselling, family dispute
resolution and other family services
................................................ 61 13D
Consequences of failure to comply with order under
section 13C
......................................................................................
62
Division 4Courts role in relation to arbitration of disputes 63
13E Court may refer Part VIII proceedings or Part VIIIAB
proceedings to arbitration
................................................................ 63
13F Court may make orders to facilitate arbitration of certain
disputes
............................................................................................
63 13G Family Court and Federal Magistrates Court may determine
questions of law referred by arbitrator
............................................. 63 13H Awards made in
arbitration may be registered in court ................... 64 13J
Family Court or Federal Magistrates Court can review
registered awards
.............................................................................
64 13K Family Court and Federal Magistrates Court may set aside
registered awards
.............................................................................
65
Part IVThe Family Court of Australia 66
Division 1Interpretation 66 20 Interpretation
...................................................................................
66
Division 2The Family Court of Australia 67 21 Creation of Court
.............................................................................
67 21A Divisions of Court
...........................................................................
67 21B Arrangement of business of Court
................................................... 67
Division 3Judges 69 22 Appointment, removal and resignation of
Judges ............................ 69 23 Seniority
..........................................................................................
71 24 Absence or illness of Chief
Judge.................................................... 73 25
Salary and Allowances
....................................................................
73 26 Oath or affirmation of allegiance and office
.................................... 73
Division 4Judicial Registrars 75 26A Judicial Registrars
...........................................................................
75 26B Powers of Judicial
Registrars...........................................................
75 26C Review of decisions of Judicial Registrars
...................................... 76 26D Exercise of delegated
powers by Court ........................................... 77 26E
Application of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 to rules
of court
............................................................................................
77 26F Independence of Judicial Registrars
................................................ 78 26G Judicial
Registrars hold office on full time or part time basis.......... 78
26H Qualifications for appointment etc.
................................................. 78 26I Term of
office
..................................................................................
78
-
vi Family Law Act 1975
26J Remuneration and allowances
......................................................... 78 26JA
Leave of absence
.............................................................................
79 26K Resignation
......................................................................................
79 26L Termination of appointment
............................................................ 79 26M
Oath or affirmation of
office............................................................
79 26N Terms and conditions of appointment not provided for by
Act
...................................................................................................
80
Division 5Jurisdiction and exercise of jurisdiction 81 27 Place
of sitting
.................................................................................
81 27A Change of venue
..............................................................................
81 28 Exercise of jurisdiction
....................................................................
81 30 Court divided in opinion
..................................................................
82 31 Original jurisdiction of Family Court
.............................................. 83 33 Jurisdiction
in associated matters
.................................................... 83 33A
Proceedings not to be instituted in the Family Court if an
associated matter is before the Federal Magistrates Court
............... 84 33B Discretionary transfer of proceedings to the
Federal
Magistrates Court
............................................................................
84 33C Mandatory transfer of proceedings to the Federal
Magistrates
Court
................................................................................................
86 34 Issue of certain writs etc.
.................................................................
87 35 Contempt of court
............................................................................
87
Division 6Registries and officers 88 36 Registries
.........................................................................................
88 37 Officers of Court
.............................................................................
88 37A Delegation of powers to Registrars
.................................................. 88 37AA
Delegation to Registrars of powers exercisable by court as
constituted in a particular way
......................................................... 92 37B
Independence of Registrars
............................................................. 93
37C Oath or affirmation of
office............................................................
94
Division 7Practice and procedure 95 38 Practice and
procedure.....................................................................
95
Part IVAManagement of the Court 96
Division 1Management responsibilities of the Chief Judge and
the Chief Executive Officer 96 38A Management of administrative
affairs of Court ............................... 96 38B Chief
Executive Officer
...................................................................
96
Division 1AAdministration of Courts family services 97 38BA
Chief Executive Officer has functions of family
consultants........... 97 38BB Chief Executive Officer may delegate
powers and functions
that relate to family consultants
....................................................... 97
-
Family Law Act 1975 vii
38BC Chief Executive Officer may give directions that relate
to
family services functions
.................................................................
97 38BD Chief Executive Officer may authorise officer or staff
member to act as family counsellor or family dispute
resolution practitioner
......................................................................
98
Division 2Appointment, powers etc. of Chief Executive Officer 99
38C Appointment of Chief Executive Officer
......................................... 99 38D Powers of Chief
Executive Officer
.................................................. 99 38E
Remuneration of Chief Executive Officer
....................................... 99 38F Terms and conditions
of appointment of Chief Executive
Officer
.............................................................................................
99 38G Leave of absence
...........................................................................
100 38H Resignation
....................................................................................
100 38J Outside employment of Chief Executive Officer
.......................... 100 38K Termination of appointment
.......................................................... 100 38L
Disclosure of interests by Chief Executive Officer
........................ 102 38M Acting Chief Executive Officer
..................................................... 102
Division 3Other officers and staff of Registries 103 38N
Personnel other than the Chief Executive
Officer.......................... 103 38P Marshal
..........................................................................................
104 38Q Statutory Agency etc. for purposes of Public Service Act
............. 104 38R Engagement of consultants etc.
..................................................... 104
Division 4Miscellaneous administrative matters 106 38S Annual
report
.................................................................................
106 38W Delegation of administrative powers of Chief Judge
..................... 106 38X Proceedings arising out of
administration of Court ....................... 106
Part VJurisdiction of courts 107
Division 1Jurisdiction in matrimonial causes 107 39 Jurisdiction
in matrimonial causes
................................................. 107
Division 2Jurisdiction in de facto financial causes 111 39A
Instituting proceedings
..................................................................
111 39B Jurisdiction in de facto financial causes
......................................... 112 39C Ceasing
jurisdiction of Supreme Court of the Northern
Territory of Australia
.....................................................................
112 39D Ceasing jurisdiction of State or Territory courts of
summary
jurisdiction
.....................................................................................
113 39E Revoking Proclamations ceasing jurisdiction of State or
Territory courts
..............................................................................
113 39F Territory court does not have jurisdiction unless a party
is
ordinarily resident in the
Territory................................................. 114 39G
Jurisdiction in relation to transferred matters under other
Commonwealth laws
.....................................................................
114
-
viii Family Law Act 1975
Division 3Other provisions 115 40 Jurisdiction of Family Court
.......................................................... 115 40A
Exercise of jurisdiction of Federal Magistrates Court in
certain States and Territories
......................................................... 116 41
Establishment of State Family Courts
........................................... 116 42 Law to be
applied
..........................................................................
118 43 Principles to be applied by courts
.................................................. 118 44
Institution of proceedings
.............................................................. 119
44A Proceedings for divorce order
........................................................ 123 45
Stay and transfer of proceedings
.................................................... 123 46
Transfer of proceedings from court of summary jurisdiction
in certain cases
...............................................................................
124 47 Courts to act in aid of each other
................................................... 127
Part VIDivorce and nullity of marriage 128 48 Divorce
..........................................................................................
128 49 Meaning of separation
...................................................................
128 50 Effect of resumption of cohabitation
............................................. 128 51 Nullity of
marriage
........................................................................
129 52 Court not to make divorce order where application for
decree
of nullity before it
..........................................................................
129 53 Circumstances occurring before commencement of Act or
outside Australia
............................................................................
129 55 When divorce order takes effect
.................................................... 129 55A
Divorce order where children
........................................................ 131 56
Certificate as to divorce order
........................................................ 132 57
Rescission of divorce order where parties reconciled
.................... 133 58 Rescission of divorce order on ground
of miscarriage of
justice
............................................................................................
133 59 Re-marriage
...................................................................................
133
Part VIIChildren 134
Division 1Introductory 134
Subdivision AWhat this Division does 134 60A What this Division
does
.................................................................
134
Subdivision BObject, principles and outline 134 60B Objects of
Part and principles underlying it
.................................. 134 60C Outline of Part
...............................................................................
135
Subdivision BABest interests of the child 139 60CA Childs best
interests paramount consideration in making a
parenting order
..............................................................................
139 60CB Proceedings to which Subdivision applies
..................................... 139 60CC How a court
determines what is in a childs best interests ............. 139
60CD How the views of a child are expressed
......................................... 142
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Family Law Act 1975 ix
60CE Children not required to express views
.......................................... 143 60CF Informing court
of relevant family violence orders ....................... 143 60CG
Court to consider risk of family violence
...................................... 143
Subdivision CInterpretation and application of Part 144 60E
Application of Part to void marriages
............................................ 144
Subdivision DInterpretationhow this Act applies to certain
children 144 60EA Definition of de facto partner
........................................................ 144 60F
Certain children are children of marriage etc.
................................ 144 60G Family Court may grant
leave for adoption proceedings by
prescribed adopting parent
............................................................. 145
60H Children born as a result of artificial conception procedures
......... 145 60HA Children of de facto partners
......................................................... 147 60HB
Children born under surrogacy arrangements
................................ 147
Subdivision EFamily dispute resolution 148 60I Attending family
dispute resolution before applying for
Part VII
order.................................................................................
148 60J Family dispute resolution not attended because of child
abuse or family violence
................................................................
152 60K Court to take prompt action in relation to allegations of
child
abuse or family violence
................................................................
153
Division 2Parental responsibility 155 61A What this Division
does
.................................................................
155 61B Meaning of parental
responsibility................................................ 155
61C Each parent has parental responsibility (subject to court
orders)............................................................................................
155 61D Parenting orders and parental responsibility
.................................. 156 61DA Presumption of equal
shared parental responsibility when
making parenting orders
................................................................
156 61DB Application of presumption of equal shared parental
responsibility after interim parenting order made
.......................... 157 61E Effect of adoption on parental
responsibility ................................. 157 61F
Application to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
......... 157
Division 3Reports relating to children under 18 158 62A What
this Division does
.................................................................
158 62B Courts obligation to inform people to whom Part VII
orders
apply about family counselling, family dispute resolution
and other family services
............................................................... 158
62G Reports by family consultants
....................................................... 158
Division 4Parenting plans 160 63A What this Division does
.................................................................
160 63B Parents encouraged to reach agreement
......................................... 160 63C Meaning of
parenting plan and related terms ................................
160
-
x Family Law Act 1975
63CAA Parenting plans may include child support provisions
................... 162 63D Parenting plan may be varied or revoked
by further written
agreement
......................................................................................
162 63DA Obligations of advisers
..................................................................
163 63DB Registered parenting plans
............................................................. 165
63E Registration of a revocation of a registered parenting plan
........... 166 63F Child welfare provisions of registered
parenting plans .................. 166 63G Child maintenance
provisions of registered parenting
planswhere not enforceable as maintenance agreements ...........
167 63H Courts powers to set aside, discharge, vary, suspend or
revive registered parenting plans
................................................... 169
Division 5Parenting orderswhat they are 170 64A What this
Division does
.................................................................
170 64B Meaning of parenting order and related terms
.............................. 170 64C Parenting orders may be made
in favour of parents or other
persons
...........................................................................................
172 64D Parenting orders subject to later parenting plans
........................... 172
Division 6Parenting orders other than child maintenance
orders 173
Subdivision AIntroductory 173 65A What this Division does
.................................................................
173 65AA Childs best interests paramount consideration in making
a
parenting order
..............................................................................
173 65B Division does not apply to child maintenance orders
.................... 174
Subdivision BApplying for and making parenting orders 174 65C
Who may apply for a parenting order
............................................ 174 65D Courts power
to make parenting order .........................................
174 65DAA Court to consider child spending equal time or
substantial
and significant time with each parent in certain
circumstances
................................................................................
175 65DAB Court to have regard to parenting plans
......................................... 177 65DAC Effect of
parenting order that provides for shared parental
responsibility
.................................................................................
178 65DAE No need to consult on issues that are not major
long-term
issues
.............................................................................................
178 65DA Parenting orders
.............................................................................
179 65F General requirements for counselling before parenting
order
made
..............................................................................................
180 65G Special conditions for making parenting order about whom
a
child lives with or the allocation of parental responsibility
by
consent in favour of non-parent
..................................................... 180 65H
Children who are 18 or over or who have married or entered
de facto relationships
.....................................................................
181 65J Effect of adoption on parenting order
............................................ 182
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Family Law Act 1975 xi
65K What happens when parenting order that deals with whom a
child lives with does not make provision in relation to
death
of parent with whom child lives
.................................................... 182 65L Family
consultants may be required to supervise or assist
compliance with parenting orders
.................................................. 183 65LA Court
may order attendance at a post-separation parenting
program
.........................................................................................
183 65LB Conditions for providers of post-separation parenting
programs
........................................................................................
184
Subdivision CGeneral obligations created by certain
parenting
orders 185 65M General obligations created by parenting order
that deals
with whom a child lives with
......................................................... 185 65N
General obligations created by parenting order that deals
with whom a child spends time with
............................................. 185 65NA General
obligations created by parenting order that deals
with whom a child communicates with
......................................... 185 65P General
obligations created by parenting order that allocates
parental responsibility
...................................................................
186 65Q Court may issue warrant for arrest of alleged offender
.................. 186
Subdivision DDealing with people who have been arrested 187 65R
Situation to which Subdivision applies
.......................................... 187 65S Arrested person
to be brought before a court ................................. 187
65T Obligation of courtwhere application before it to deal with
contravention
.................................................................................
188 65U Obligation of courtwhere no application before it, but
application before another court, to deal with contravention
......... 188 65V Obligation of courtwhere no application before
any court
to deal with contravention
............................................................. 189
65W Applications heard as required by subsection 65T(2) or
paragraph 65U(3)(b)
......................................................................
189
Subdivision EObligations under parenting orders relating to
taking or sending children from Australia 190 65X Interpretation
.................................................................................
190 65Y Obligations if certain parenting orders have been made
................ 190 65Z Obligations if proceedings for the making
of certain
parenting orders are pending
......................................................... 191 65ZA
Obligations of owners etc. of aircraft and vessels if certain
parenting orders made
...................................................................
191 65ZB Obligations of owners etc. of aircraft and vessels if
proceedings for the making of certain parenting orders are
pending
..........................................................................................
193 65ZC General provisions applicable to sections 65ZA and 65ZB
........... 194 65ZD State or Territory laws stopping children
leaving Australia
not affected
....................................................................................
194
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xii Family Law Act 1975
Division 7Child maintenance orders 195
Subdivision AWhat this Division does 195 66A What this Division
does
.................................................................
195
Subdivision BObjects and principles 195 66B Objects
...........................................................................................
195 66C Principlesparents have primary duty to maintain
....................... 195 66D Principleswhen step-parents have a
duty to maintain ................ 196
Subdivision CRelationship with Child Support (Assessment)
Act 196 66E Child maintenance order not to be made etc. if
application
for administrative assessment of child support could be made
...... 196
Subdivision DApplying for and making child maintenance
orders 197 66F Who may apply for a child maintenance order
.............................. 197 66G Courts power to make child
maintenance order ........................... 197 66H Approach to
be taken in proceedings for child maintenance
order
..............................................................................................
197 66J Matters to be taken into account in considering
financial
support necessary for maintenance of child
................................... 198 66K Matters to be taken
into account in determining contribution
that should be made by party etc.
.................................................. 199 66L Children
who are 18 or over
.......................................................... 200 66M
When step-parents have a duty to maintain
................................... 201 66N Determining financial
contribution of step-parent ......................... 201
Subdivision EOther aspects of courts powers 202 66P General
powers of court
................................................................
202 66Q Urgent child maintenance orders
................................................... 203 66R
Specification in orders of payments etc. for child
maintenance purposes
....................................................................
203 66S Modification of child maintenance orders
..................................... 204
Subdivision EAVarying the maintenance of certain children 207
66SA Varying the maintenance of certain children
................................. 207
Subdivision FWhen child maintenance orders stop being in
force 208 66T Effect of child turning 18
............................................................... 208
66U Effect of death of child, person liable to pay or person
entitled to receive
..........................................................................
208 66V Effect of adoption, marriage or entering into a de
facto
relationship
....................................................................................
208 66VA Children who are 18 or over: change of circumstances
................. 209 66W Recovery of arrears
........................................................................
209
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Family Law Act 1975 xiii
Subdivision GRecovery of amounts paid under maintenance
orders 210 66X Recovery of amounts paid, and property
transferred or
settled, under maintenance orders
.................................................. 210
Division 8Other matters relating to children 213
Subdivision AWhat this Division does 213 67A What this Division
does
.................................................................
213
Subdivision BFathers liability to contribute towards child
bearing expenses if not married to mother 213 67B Father liable
to contribute towards maintenance and
expenses of mother
........................................................................
213 67C Matters to be taken into account in proceedings under
Subdivision
....................................................................................
214 67D Powers of court in proceedings under Subdivision
........................ 214 67E Urgent orders
.................................................................................
215 67F Who may institute proceedings
..................................................... 216 67G Time
limit for institution of proceedings
....................................... 216
Subdivision CLocation and recovery of children 216 67J Meaning
of location order and Commonwealth information
order
..............................................................................................
216 67K Who may apply for a location order
.............................................. 216 67L Childs best
interests paramount consideration in making a
location order
.................................................................................
217 67M Provisions about location orders, other than
Commonwealth
information orders
.........................................................................
217 67N Provisions about Commonwealth information orders
.................... 218 67P Information provided under location
order not to be
disclosed except to limited persons
............................................... 220 67Q Meaning of
recovery order
............................................................ 221
67R How recovery orders authorise or direct people
............................ 222 67S How recovery orders to stop
and search etc. name or
describe vehicles, places etc.
......................................................... 222 67T
Who may apply for a recovery order
............................................. 223 67U Courts power
to make recovery order ..........................................
223 67V Childs best interests paramount consideration in making
a
recovery order
................................................................................
223 67W How long recovery order remains in force
.................................... 223 67X Persons not to prevent
or hinder taking of action under
recovery order
................................................................................
224 67Y Obligation to notify persons of childs return
................................ 224
Subdivision DAllegations of child abuse 225 67Z Where party to
proceedings makes allegation of child abuse ........ 225
-
xiv Family Law Act 1975
67ZA Where member of the Court personnel, family counsellor,
family dispute resolution practitioner or arbitrator
suspects
child abuse etc.
..............................................................................
225 67ZB No liability for notification under section 67Z or 67ZA
................ 227
Subdivision EOther orders about children 227 67ZC Orders
relating to welfare of children
............................................ 227 67ZD Orders for
delivery of passports
.................................................... 228
Division 9Injunctions 229 68A What this Division does
.................................................................
229 68B Injunctions
.....................................................................................
229 68C Powers of arrest
.............................................................................
230
Division 10Independent representation of childs interests 231
68L Court order for independent representation of childs
interests..........................................................................................
231 68LA Role of independent childrens lawyer
.......................................... 232 68M Order that child
be made available for examination ...................... 233
Division 11Family violence 235 68N Purposes of this Division
............................................................... 235
68P Obligations of court making an order or granting an
injunction under this Act that is inconsistent with an
existing
family violence order
.....................................................................
235 68Q Relationship of order or injunction made under this Act
with
existing inconsistent family violence order
................................... 237 68R Power of court making a
family violence order to revive,
vary, discharge or suspend an existing order, injunction or
arrangement under this Act
............................................................ 238
68S Application of Act and Rules when exercising section 68R
power
.............................................................................................
239 68T Special provisions relating to proceedings to make an
interim
(or interim variation of) family violence order
.............................. 240
Division 12Proceedings and jurisdiction 241
Subdivision AWhat this Division does 241 69A What this Division
does
.................................................................
241
Subdivision BInstitution of proceedings and procedure 241 69B
Certain proceedings to be instituted only under this
Part............... 241 69C Who may institute proceedings
..................................................... 241 69D
Institution of maintenance proceedings by authorised
authority or person
.........................................................................
242 69E Child or parent to be present in Australia
etc................................. 242 69F Applicant may be in
contempt .......................................................
243
Subdivision CJurisdiction of courts 243 69G Interpretation
.................................................................................
243
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Family Law Act 1975 xv
69H Jurisdiction of Family Court, State Family Courts,
Northern
Territory Supreme Court and Federal Magistrates
Court............... 243 69J Jurisdiction of courts of summary
jurisdiction .............................. 243 69K Territory court
does not have jurisdiction unless a party is
ordinarily resident in the
Territory................................................. 245 69L
Jurisdiction in relation to transferred matters under other
Commonwealth laws
.....................................................................
245 69M Jurisdiction is additional to other jurisdiction
................................ 245 69N Transfer of proceedings
from courts of summary jurisdiction
in certain cases
...............................................................................
245
Subdivision DPresumptions of parentage 247 69P Presumptions of
parentage arising from marriage ......................... 247 69Q
Presumption of paternity arising from cohabitation
....................... 247 69R Presumption of parentage arising
from registration of birth .......... 248 69S Presumptions of
parentage arising from findings of courts ........... 248 69T
Presumption of paternity arising from acknowledgments
.............. 249 69U Rebuttal of presumptions etc.
........................................................ 249
Subdivision EParentage evidence 249 69V Evidence of parentage
...................................................................
249 69VA Declarations of parentage
.............................................................. 250
69W Orders for carrying out of parentage testing procedures
................ 250 69X Orders associated with parentage testing
orders ............................ 250 69XA Matters related
particularly to parentage testing for purposes
of an international agreement or arrangement
............................... 251 69Y Orders directed to persons
18 or over ............................................ 252 69Z
Orders directed to children under 18
............................................. 252 69ZA No liability
if parent etc. consents
................................................. 252 69ZB
Regulations about carrying out, and reporting on, parentage
testing procedures
..........................................................................
253 69ZC Reports of information obtained may be received in
evidence ...... 253 69ZD Parentage testing for purposes of
international maintenance
agreements
.....................................................................................
254
Subdivision FExtension, application and additional operation
of
Part 255 69ZE Extension of Part to the States
....................................................... 255 69ZF
Unless declaration in force, Parts extension to a State has
effect subject to modifications
....................................................... 255 69ZG
Application of Part in, and in relation to, Territories
..................... 256 69ZH Additional application of Part
........................................................ 256 69ZJ
Additional jurisdiction of courts
.................................................... 257 69ZK Child
welfare laws not affected
..................................................... 258
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xvi Family Law Act 1975
Division 12APrinciples for conducting child-related
proceedings 259
Subdivision AProceedings to which this Division applies 259 69ZM
Proceedings to which this Division applies
................................... 259
Subdivision BPrinciples for conducting child-related
proceedings 260 69ZN Principles for conducting child-related
proceedings ...................... 260 69ZO This Division also
applies to proceedings in Chambers ................ 261 69ZP Powers
under this Division may be exercised on courts own
initiative
.........................................................................................
261
Subdivision CDuties and powers related to giving effect to
the
principles 261 69ZQ General duties
................................................................................
261 69ZR Power to make determinations, findings and orders at
any
stage of proceedings
......................................................................
262 69ZS Use of family consultants
..............................................................
262
Subdivision DMatters relating to evidence 263 69ZT Rules of
evidence not to apply unless court decides ......................
263 69ZV Evidence of children
......................................................................
264 69ZW Evidence relating to child abuse or family violence
...................... 265 69ZX Courts general duties and powers
relating to evidence ................. 266
Division 13State, Territory and overseas orders 268
Subdivision AWhat this Division does 268 70A What this Division
does
.................................................................
268
Subdivision BRegistration of State and Territory orders 268 70C
General registration of orders made under law of prescribed
State
...............................................................................................
268 70D Registration of orders in a particular State
.................................... 268 70E Effect of registration
......................................................................
268
Subdivision CRegistration of overseas orders 269 70G
Registration of orders
....................................................................
269 70H Effect of registrationgeneral
...................................................... 269 70J
Effect of registration on exercise of jurisdiction
............................ 269 70K Cancellation of registration
if Subdivision C parenting order
made
..............................................................................................
270 70L Relationship between Australian orders and registered
overseas child orders
.....................................................................
270
Subdivision DTransmission of Australian orders to overseas
jurisdictions 271 70M Registrar to send documents etc. to
overseas jurisdiction .............. 271 70N Regulations may deal
with sending Australian orders etc. to
overseas jurisdiction
......................................................................
272
-
Family Law Act 1975 xvii
Division 13AConsequences of failure to comply with orders,
and other obligations, that affect children 274
Subdivision APreliminary 274 70NAA Simplified outline of
Division .......................................................
274 70NAB Application of Division
.................................................................
274 70NAC Meaning of contravened an order
.................................................. 275 70NAD
Requirements taken to be included in certain orders
..................... 275 70NAE Meaning of reasonable excuse for
contravening an order ............. 276 70NAF Standard of proof
...........................................................................
278
Subdivision BCourts power to vary parenting order 278 70NBA
Variation of parenting order
.......................................................... 278
70NBB Effect of parenting plan
.................................................................
279
Subdivision CContravention alleged but not established 280 70NCA
Application of Subdivision
............................................................ 280
70NCB Costs
..............................................................................................
280
Subdivision DContravention established but reasonable excuse
for contravention 281 70NDA Application of Subdivision
............................................................ 281
70NDB Order compensating person for time lost
....................................... 281 70NDC Costs
..............................................................................................
282
Subdivision EContravention without reasonable excuse (less
serious contravention) 282 70NEA Application of Subdivision
............................................................ 282
70NEB Powers of court
..............................................................................
283 70NEC Bonds
.............................................................................................
286 70NECA Procedure for enforcing bonds
..................................................... 287 70NED
Duties of provider of post-separation parenting program
.............. 288 70NEF Evidence
........................................................................................
288 70NEG Court may make further orders in relation to attendance
at
program
.........................................................................................
288
Subdivision FContravention without reasonable excuse (more
serious contravention) 289 70NFA Application of Subdivision
............................................................ 289
70NFB Powers of court
..............................................................................
290 70NFC When court is empowered to make a community service
order
..............................................................................................
292 70NFD Variation and discharge of community service orders
................... 293 70NFE Bonds
.............................................................................................
294 70NFF Procedure for enforcing community service orders or bonds
........ 294 70NFG Sentences of imprisonment
............................................................ 295
70NFH Relationship between Subdivision and other laws
......................... 297
-
xviii Family Law Act 1975
70NFI Arrangements with States and Territories for carrying out
of
sentences and orders
......................................................................
297 70NFJ Subdivision does not limit operation of section 105
...................... 297
Division 14Miscellaneous 298 70P What this Division does
.................................................................
298 70Q Certain instruments not liable to duty
............................................ 298
Part VIIIProperty, spousal maintenance and maintenance
agreements 299 71 Interpretation
.................................................................................
299 71A This Part does not apply to certain matters covered by
binding financial agreements
......................................................... 299 72
Right of spouse to maintenance
..................................................... 299 74 Power
of court in spousal maintenance proceedings .....................
300 75 Matters to be taken into consideration in relation to
spousal
maintenance
...................................................................................
301 77 Urgent spousal maintenance cases
................................................. 304 77A
Specification in orders of payments etc. for spouse
maintenance purposes
....................................................................
304 78 Declaration of interests in property
............................................... 305 79 Alteration
of property interests
...................................................... 305 79A
Setting aside of orders altering property interests
.......................... 312 79B Notification of proceeds of
crime orders etc. ................................. 315 79C Court
to stay property or spousal maintenance proceedings
affected by proceeds of crime orders etc.
...................................... 316 79D Lifting a stay
..................................................................................
317 79E Intervention by DPP
......................................................................
317 79F Notifying third parties about application
....................................... 317 79G Notifying
bankruptcy trustee etc. about application under
section 74, 78, 79 or 79A
............................................................... 318
79H Notifying court about bankruptcy etc.
........................................... 318 79J Notifying
non-bankrupt spouse about application under
section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act 1966
..................................... 320 80 General powers of
court
................................................................
320 81 Duty of court to end financial relations
......................................... 321 82 Cessation of
spousal maintenance orders ......................................
321 83 Modification of spousal maintenance orders
................................. 322 85A Ante-nuptial and
post-nuptial settlements ..................................... 324
86A Certain maintenance agreements ineffective
................................. 325 86 Registered maintenance
agreements .............................................. 325 87
Operation of maintenance agreements entered into in
substitution for rights under Act
.................................................... 327 87A
Specification in maintenance agreements of payments etc.
for maintenance purposes
.............................................................. 331
88 Enforcement of maintenance agreements
...................................... 332
-
Family Law Act 1975 xix
89 Overseas maintenance agreements
................................................ 332 89A
Institution of spousal maintenance proceedings by authority
or person
........................................................................................
332 90 Certain instruments not liable to duty
............................................ 333
Part VIIIAAOrders and injunctions binding third parties 335
Division 1Preliminary 335
Subdivision AScope of this Part 335 90AA Object of this Part
..........................................................................
335 90AB Definitions
.....................................................................................
335 90AC This Part overrides other laws, trust deeds etc.
.............................. 335 90ACA This Part not to apply to
certain annuities ..................................... 336 90AD
Extended meaning of matrimonial cause and property
................. 336 90ADA Other provisions of this Act not
affected by this Part .................... 336
Division 2Orders under section 79 337 90AE Court may make an
order under section 79 binding a third
party
...............................................................................................
337
Division 3Orders or injunctions under section 114 339 90AF Court
may make an order or injunction under section 114
binding a third party
......................................................................
339
Division 4Other matters 341 90AG Orders and injunctions binding
on trustees .................................... 341 90AH
Protection for a third party
............................................................. 341
90AI Service of documents on a third party
........................................... 341 90AJ Expenses of
third party
..................................................................
341 90AK Acquisition of property
..................................................................
342
Part VIIIAFinancial agreements 343 90A Definitions
.....................................................................................
343 90B Financial agreements before marriage
........................................... 343 90C Financial
agreements during marriage
........................................... 344 90D Financial
agreements after divorce order is made..........................
345 90DA Need for separation declaration for certain provisions
of
financial agreement to take effect
.................................................. 345 90DB Whether
or when certain other provisions of financial
agreements take effect
...................................................................
347 90E Requirements with respect to provisions in financial
agreements relating to the maintenance of a party or a child
or children
.....................................................................................
347 90F Certain provisions in agreements
................................................... 347 90G When
financial agreements are binding
......................................... 348 90H Effect of death
of party to financial agreement .............................. 349
90J Termination of financial agreement
............................................... 349
-
xx Family Law Act 1975
90K Circumstances in which court may set aside a financial
agreement or termination agreement
............................................. 351 90KA Validity,
enforceability and effect of financial agreements
and termination agreements
........................................................... 353 90L
Financial and other agreements etc. not liable to duty
................... 354 90M Notification of proceeds of crime
orders etc. ................................. 354 90N Court to stay
property or spousal maintenance proceedings
affected by proceeds of crime orders etc.
...................................... 355 90P Lifting a stay
..................................................................................
356 90Q Intervention by DPP
......................................................................
356
Part VIIIABFinancial matters relating to de facto
relationships 357
Division 1Preliminary 357
Subdivision AMeaning of key terms 357 90RA Participating
jurisdictions
.............................................................. 357
90RB Meaning of child of a de facto relationship
................................... 358
Subdivision BRelationship with State and Territory laws 358 90RC
Relationship with State and Territory laws
.................................... 358
Subdivision CDeclarations about existence of de facto
relationships 360 90RD Declarations about existence of de facto
relationships .................. 360 90RE Effect of declarations
.....................................................................
360 90RF Applying for declarations
.............................................................. 361
90RG Geographical requirement
............................................................. 361
90RH Setting aside declarations
..............................................................
361
Division 2Maintenance, declarations of property interests
and
alterations of property interests 362
Subdivision AApplication of Division 362 90SA This Division does
not apply to certain matters covered by
binding financial agreements
......................................................... 362 90SB
When this Division applieslength of relationship
etc................. 363 90SC This Division ceases to apply in
relation to a de facto
relationship if the parties marry each other
.................................... 363
Subdivision BMaintenance 364 90SD Geographical requirement
............................................................. 364
90SE Power of court in maintenance proceedings
.................................. 365 90SF Matters to be taken
into consideration in relation to
maintenance
...................................................................................
367 90SG Urgent maintenance cases
............................................................. 369
90SH Specification in orders of payments etc. for maintenance
purposes
.........................................................................................
370 90SI Modification of maintenance orders
.............................................. 371
-
Family Law Act 1975 xxi
90SJ Cessation of maintenance orders
................................................... 373
Subdivision CDeclarations and alterations of property interests
374 90SK Geographical requirement
............................................................. 374
90SL Declaration of interests in property
............................................... 375 90SM Alteration
of property interests
...................................................... 375 90SN
Varying and setting aside orders altering property interests
.......... 383
Subdivision DNotification of application 386 90SO Notifying
third parties about application
....................................... 386 90SP Notifying
bankruptcy trustee etc. about application under
section 90SE, 90SL, 90SM or
90SN.............................................. 386 90SQ
Notifying court about bankruptcy etc.
........................................... 386 90SR Notifying
non-bankrupt de facto party about application
under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act 1966
........................... 388
Subdivision ECourt powers 388 90SS General powers of court
................................................................
388 90ST Duty of court to end financial relations
......................................... 391
Division 3Orders and injunctions binding third parties 392 90TA
Orders and injunctions binding third parties
.................................. 392
Division 4Financial agreements 394 90UA Geographical requirement
for agreements made in
participating jurisdictions
.............................................................. 394
90UB Financial agreements before de facto relationship
......................... 394 90UC Financial agreements during de
facto relationship ........................ 395 90UD Financial
agreements after breakdown of a de facto
relationship
....................................................................................
396 90UE Agreements made in non-referring States that become
Part VIIIAB financial agreements
................................................. 396 90UF Need for
separation declaration for certain provisions of
financial agreement to take effect
.................................................. 398 90UG Whether
or when certain other provisions of financial
agreements take effect
...................................................................
399 90UH Requirements with respect to provisions in financial
agreements relating to the maintenance of a party or a child
or children
.....................................................................................
400 90UI Certain provisions in financial agreements
.................................... 400 90UJ When financial
agreements are binding .........................................
401 90UK Effect of death of party to financial agreement
.............................. 402 90UL Termination of financial
agreement ............................................... 402 90UM
Circumstances in which court may set aside a financial
agreement or termination agreement
............................................. 404 90UN Validity,
enforceability and effect of financial agreements
and termination agreements
........................................................... 407
-
xxii Family Law Act 1975
Division 5Proceeds of crime and forfeiture 409 90VA Notification
of proceeds of crime orders etc. .................................
409 90VB Court to stay property or maintenance proceedings
affected
by proceeds of crime orders etc.
.................................................... 410 90VC
Lifting a stay
..................................................................................
410 90VD Intervention by DPP
......................................................................
411
Division 6Instruments not liable to duty 412 90WA Certain
instruments not liable to duty
............................................ 412
Part VIIIBSuperannuation interests 413
Division 1Preliminary 413
Subdivision AScope of this Part 413 90MA Object of this Part
..........................................................................
413 90MB This Part overrides other laws, trust deeds etc.
.............................. 413 90MC Extended meanings of
matrimonial cause and de facto
financial cause
...............................................................................
413
Subdivision BInterpretation 414 90MD Definitions
.....................................................................................
414 90MDA Extended meaning of trustee
......................................................... 416 90ME
Splittable payments
.......................................................................
417 90MF Reversionary interest
.....................................................................
417 90MG Meaning of in force
.......................................................................
417
Division 2Payment splitting or flagging by agreement 419
Subdivision ASuperannuation agreements 419 90MH Superannuation
agreement to be included in financial
agreement if about a marriage
....................................................... 419 90MHA
Superannuation agreement to be included in Part VIIIAB
financial agreement if about a de facto relationship
...................... 419
Subdivision BPayment splitting 420 90MI Operative time for
payment split ...................................................
420 90MJ Payment split under superannuation agreement or flag
lifting
agreement
......................................................................................
421
Subdivision CPayment flagging 422 90MK Operative time for
payment flag ....................................................
422 90ML Payment flag
..................................................................................
423 90MLA Some splittable payments payable if payment flag
operating ........ 424 90MM Payment flag may be terminated by court
..................................... 425 90MN Flag lifting
agreement etc.
.............................................................
425
Subdivision DMiscellaneous 426 90MO Limitation on section 79 or
90SM order ........................................ 426 90MP
Separation declaration
...................................................................
427 90MQ Superannuation interests in excess of low rate cap amount
........... 429
-
Family Law Act 1975 xxiii
90MR Enforcement by court order
........................................................... 430
Division 3Payment splitting or flagging by court order 431 90MS
Order under section 79 or 90SM may include orders in
relation to superannuation interests
............................................... 431 90MT Splitting
order
................................................................................
431 90MU Flagging order
...............................................................................
433 90MUA Some splittable payments may be made without leave of
court
...............................................................................................
433
Division 4General provisions about payment splitting 434 90MV
Court may cancel payment split
.................................................... 434 90MW
Deductions from splittable payment before calculating
payment split
.................................................................................
434 90MX Multiple payment splits applying to the same
splittable
payment
.........................................................................................
434 90MY Fees payable to trustee
...................................................................
435 90MZ Superannuation preservation requirements
.................................... 435 90MZA Waiver of rights
under payment split ............................................
436 90MZB Trustee to provide information
...................................................... 437 90MZC
Death of non-member spouse
........................................................ 438
Division 5Miscellaneous 439 90MZD Orders binding on trustee
.............................................................. 439
90MZE Protection for trustee
.....................................................................
439 90MZF Service of documents on trustee
.................................................... 440 90MZG
False declarations
..........................................................................
440 90MZH Terminating employment because of payment flag etc.
................ 440
Part IXIntervention 441 91 Intervention by Attorney-General
.................................................. 441 91A
Delegation by Attorney-General
.................................................... 441 91B
Intervention by child welfare officer
............................................. 442 92 Intervention
by other persons
........................................................ 442 92A
Intervention in child abuse cases
................................................... 443
Part XAppeals 444 93 No appeal after divorce order takes effect
..................................... 444 93A Appellate
jurisdiction of Family Court
.......................................... 444 94 Appeals to Family
Court from courts other than the Federal
Magistrates Court and the Magistrates Court of Western
Australia
........................................................................................
444 94AAA Appeals to Family Court from the Federal Magistrates
Court
and the Magistrates Court of Western Australia
............................ 446 94AAB Appeals, and applications
for leave, without oral hearing ............. 449 94AA Leave to
appeal needed in some cases
........................................... 449 94A Case stated
.....................................................................................
451
-
xxiv Family Law Act 1975
95 Appeals to High Court
...................................................................
452 96 Appeals from courts of summary
jurisdiction................................ 452 96AA Appeal may be
dismissed if no reasonable prospect of
success
...........................................................................................
453 96A Part does not apply to section 111C jurisdiction
............................ 454
Part XIProcedure and evidence 455
Division 1General matters concerning procedure and evidence 455
97 Procedure
.......................................................................................
455 98 Evidence by affidavit
.....................................................................
456 98AA Oaths and
affirmations...................................................................
456 98AB Swearing of affidavits etc.
............................................................. 456
98A Proceedings in absence of parties
.................................................. 458 100 Evidence
of husbands and wives
................................................... 459 100B
Children swearing affidavits, being called as witnesses or
being present in court
....................................................................
459 101 Protection of witnesses
..................................................................
460 102 Proof of birth, parentage, death or marriage
.................................. 460 102A Restrictions on
examination of children ........................................
460 102B Assessors
.......................................................................................
461
Division 2Use of video link, audio link or other appropriate
means to give testimony, make appearances and
give submissions etc. 462 102C Testimony
......................................................................................
462 102D Appearance of
persons...................................................................
463 102E Making of submissions
..................................................................
463 102F Conditions for use of links
............................................................. 464
102G Putting documents to a person
....................................................... 466 102H
Putting documents to a split
court.................................................. 467 102J
Administration of oaths and affirmations
...................................... 468 102K Expenses
........................................................................................
468 102L New Zealand proceedings
.............................................................
469
Division 3Split court 470 102M Determination that there is to be
a split court ................................ 470 102N Conditions
for split court
...............................................................
470
Part XIIRecognition of decrees 472 103 Decrees under this Act
...................................................................
472 104 Overseas decrees
...........................................................................
472 104A Recognition in external Territories
................................................ 475
Part XIIIEnforcement of decrees 476 105 Enforcement generally
...................................................................
476 106 Maintenance ordersmore than 12 months in arrears
.................. 476
-
Family Law Act 1975 xxv
106A Execution of instruments by order of court
................................... 477 106B Transactions to defeat
claims......................................................... 478
107 People not to be imprisoned for failure to comply with
certain orders
.................................................................................
480 109 Inter-State enforcement of child bearing expenses order
............... 480 109A Rules of Court relating to enforcement
.......................................... 480 109B Rules of Court
relating to enforcementFederal Magistrates
Court
..............................................................................................
482
Part XIIIAAInternational conventions, international
agreements and international enforcement 484
Division 1International maintenance orders and agreements
etc. 484 110 Overseas enforcement of maintenance orders etc.
......................... 484 110A Registration and enforcement in
Australia of overseas
maintenance agreements etc.
......................................................... 487 110B
Transmission of agreements etc. to overseas jurisdictions
............ 487 111 Convention on Recovery Abroad of Maintenance
......................... 487 111A Convention on Recognition and
Enforcement of Decisions
Relating to Maintenance Obligations
............................................ 488 111AA Maintenance
obligations with New Zealand .................................. 488
111AB Agreement between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of Australia for the
enforcement of Maintenance (Support) Obligations
...................... 489
Division 2International child abduction 490 111B Convention on
the Civil Aspects of International Child
Abduction
......................................................................................
490
Division 3International agreements about adoption etc. 493 111C
International agreements about adoption etc.
................................ 493
Division 4International protection of children 495
Subdivision APreliminary 495 111CA Definitions
.....................................................................................
495 111CB Relationship between this Division and other provisions
.............. 497
Subdivision BJurisdiction for the person of a child 498 111CC
Application of this Subdivision
..................................................... 498 111CD
Jurisdiction relating to the person of a child
.................................. 498 111CE Limitation when a
child is wrongfully removed from or
retained outside a Convention country
.......................................... 500 111CF Limitations
when prior proceedings pending in a Convention
country
...........................................................................................
500 111CG If a court is asked to assume jurisdiction
....................................... 501 111CH Limitation if a
competent authority of a Convention country
is asked to assume jurisdiction
...................................................... 502
-
xxvi Family Law Act 1975
111CI When a certain Commonwealth personal protection
measure
lapses
.............................................................................................
503
Subdivision CJurisdiction for decisions about a guardian of
a
childs property 504 111CJ Application of this Subdivision
..................................................... 504 111CK
Jurisdiction to appoint, or determine the powers of, a
guardian for a childs property
...................................................... 505 111CL
Limitation when a child is wrongfully removed from or
retained outside a Convention country
.......................................... 506 111CM Limitations
when prior proceedings pending in a Convention
country
...........................................................................................
506 111CN If a court is asked to assume jurisdiction
....................................... 508 111CO Limitation if a
competent authority of a Convention country
is asked to assume jurisdiction
...................................................... 508 111CP
When a certain Commonwealth property protection measure
lapses
.............................................................................................
509
Subdivision DApplicable law 511 111CQ Meaning of law
..............................................................................
511 111CR Applicable law generally
............................................................... 511
111CS Applicable law concerning parental responsibility
........................ 511
Subdivision ERecognition of foreign measures 513 111CT Effect of
registered foreign measures
............................................ 513
Subdivision FCo-operation 513 111CU Obligation to obtain consent
to place child .................................... 513 111CV
Obligation to inform competent authority about serious
danger to a child
............................................................................
513 111CW Court proceedings dealing with whom a child spends
time
with
................................................................................................
514 111CX Jurisdiction for a location order or a Commonwealth
information order
...........................................................................
515 111CY Giving information to central authorities and
competent
authorities in Convention countries
............................................... 515
Subdivision GRegulations 516 111CZ Regulations to implement the
Convention ..................................... 516
Division 5Other matters 517 111D Regulations may provide for
rules of evidence ............................. 517
Part XIIIASanctions for failure to comply with orders, and
other obligations, that do not affect children 518
Division 1Interpretation 518 112AA Interpretation
.................................................................................
518 112AB Meaning of contravene an order
................................................... 519 112AC
Meaning of reasonable excuse for contravening an order ............
519
-
Family Law Act 1975 xxvii
Division 2Sanctions for failure to comply with orders 521 112AD
Sanctions for failure to comply with orders
................................... 521 112AE Sentences of
imprisonment
............................................................ 522
112AF Bonds
.............................................................................................
523 112AG Additional sentencing alternatives
................................................. 523 112AH Failure
to comply with sentence passed, or order made,
pursuant to paragraph 112AD(2)(b)
.............................................. 525 112AK Variation
and discharge of orders
.................................................. 526 112AM
Relationship between Division and other laws
.............................. 527 112AN Arrangements with States
and Territories for carrying out of
sentences and orders
......................................................................
527 112AO Division does not limit operation of section 105
........................... 528
Part XIIIBContempt of court 529 112AP Contempt
.......................................................................................
529
Part XIVDeclarations and injunctions 531 112A Interpretation
.................................................................................
531 113 Proceedings for declarations
.......................................................... 531 114
Injunctions
.....................................................................................
531 114AA Powers of arrest
.............................................................................
533 114AB Operation of State and Territory laws
............................................ 534
Part XIVAThe Australian Institute of Family Studies 536 114A
Interpretation
.................................................................................
536 114B Establishment of Institute
.............................................................. 536
114C Minister may give directions to Director
....................................... 537 114D Appointment of
Director
............................................................... 537
114E Term of appointment
.....................................................................
537 114F Acting appointments
......................................................................
537 114G Directors remuneration
.................................................................
538 114H Outside employment
......................................................................
538 114J Leave of absence
...........................................................................
538 114K Disclosure of interests
...................................................................
538 114L Other terms and conditions
............................................................ 539
114LA Resignation
....................................................................................
539 114LB Termination of appointment
.......................................................... 539
114LC Annual reports
...............................................................................
540 114LD Delegation
.....................................................................................
540 114M Staff
...............................................................................................
540
Part XVMiscellaneous 541 115 Family Law Council
......................................................................
541 116C Payments to legal practitioners by legal aid bodies
....................... 542 117 Costs
..............................................................................................
543
-
xxviii Family Law Act 1975
117AA Costs in proceedings relating to overseas enforcement
and
international Conventions
.............................................................. 545
117AB Costs where false allegation or statement made
............................ 545 117AC Security for costs
...........................................................................
546 117A Reparation for certain losses and expenses relating to
children
..........................................................................................
546 117B Interest on moneys ordered to be paid
........................................... 547 117C Offers of
settlement
.......................................................................
548 118 Frivolous or vexatious proceedings
............................................... 548 119 Married
persons may sue each other
.............................................. 549 120 Criminal
conversation, adultery and enticement ............................
549 121 Restriction on publication of court proceedings
............................ 549 122 Rights of legal practitioners
........................................................... 552
122AA Use of reasonable force in arresting persons
................................. 552 122A Powers of entry and
search for purposes of arresting persons ....... 553 122B
Arrangements with States and Territories
...................................... 553 123 Rules of Court
...............................................................................
554 124 Rules Advisory Committee
........................................................... 558
124A Regulations in relation to overseas-related maintenance
obligations etc.
...............................................................................
559 125 Regulations
....................................................................................
560
Schedule 1Child Protection Convention 562
Notes 589
-
Family Law Act 1975 1
An Act relating to Marriage and to Divorce and
Matrimonial Causes and, in relation thereto and
otherwise, Parental Responsibility for Children,
and to financial matters arising out of the
breakdown of de facto relationships and to certain
other Matters
Part IPreliminary
1 Short title [see Note 1]
This Act may be cited as the Family Law Act 1975.
2 Commencement [see Note 1]
This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by
Proclamation.
3 Repeal and saving
(1) The Matrimonial Causes Act 1959, the Matrimonial Causes
Act
1965 and the Matrimonial Causes Act 1966 are repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal effected by subsection (1):
(a) the validity of a decree made before the commencement of
the Matrimonial Causes Act 1959 by virtue of the Imperial
Act entitled the Matrimonial Causes (War Marriages) Act,
1944 or Part I of the Matrimonial Causes (War Marriages)
Act 1947 of New Zealand and in force immediately before
the commencement of this Act shall continue to be
recognized in all courts in Australia;
(b) a decree of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory
made
before the commencement of the Matrimonial Causes Act
1959 in the exercise of jurisdiction invested or conferred
by
the Matrimonial Causes Act 1945, or that Act as amended by
the Matrimonial Causes Act 1955, and in force immediately
before the commencement of this Act shall continue to have
effect throughout Australia; and
-
Part I Preliminary
Section 4
2 Family Law Act 1975
(c) a decree of the Supreme Court, or of a court of summary
jurisdiction, of a State or Territory:
(i) made before the commencement of this Act in the
exercise of jurisdiction invested or conferred by the
repealed Act, or in a matrimonial cause or proceedings
for a separation order instituted under th