Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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-General‟s Department, Canberra
Family Law Act 1975 iii
Contents
Part I—Preliminary 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 IA—Protection of names 36 9A Use of protected names and symbols ............................................... 36
Part II—Non-court based family services 38
Division 1—Accreditation of family counsellors, family dispute
resolution practitioners and other family service
providers 38 10A Accreditation Rules ......................................................................... 38
Division 2—Family 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 3—Family 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 4—Arbitration 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 III—Family consultants 50
Division 1—About 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 2—Courts’ 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 IIIA—Obligations to inform people about non-court based
family services and about court’s processes and
services 55
Division 1—Introduction 55 12A Objects of this Part .......................................................................... 55
Division 2—Kind of information to be provided 56 12B Prescribed information about non-court based family
services and court‟s processes and services ..................................... 56 12C Prescribed information about reconciliation .................................... 56 12D Prescribed information about Part VII proceedings ......................... 56
Division 3—Who 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 IIIB—Court’s powers in relation to court and non-court
based family services 59
Division 1—Introduction 59 13A Objects of this Part .......................................................................... 59
Division 2—Help with reconciliation 60 13B Court to accommodate possible reconciliations............................... 60
Family Law Act 1975 v
Division 3—Referrals 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 4—Court’s 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 IV—The Family Court of Australia 66
Division 1—Interpretation 66 20 Interpretation ................................................................................... 66
Division 2—The Family Court of Australia 67 21 Creation of Court ............................................................................. 67 21A Divisions of Court ........................................................................... 67 21B Arrangement of business of Court ................................................... 67
Division 3—Judges 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 4—Judicial 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 5—Jurisdiction 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 6—Registries 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 7—Practice and procedure 95 38 Practice and procedure..................................................................... 95
Part IVA—Management of the Court 96
Division 1—Management 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 1A—Administration of Court’s 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 2—Appointment, 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 3—Other 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 4—Miscellaneous 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 V—Jurisdiction of courts 107
Division 1—Jurisdiction in matrimonial causes 107 39 Jurisdiction in matrimonial causes ................................................. 107
Division 2—Jurisdiction 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 3—Other 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 VI—Divorce 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 VII—Children 134
Division 1—Introductory 134
Subdivision A—What this Division does 134 60A What this Division does ................................................................. 134
Subdivision B—Object, principles and outline 134 60B Objects of Part and principles underlying it .................................. 134 60C Outline of Part ............................................................................... 135
Subdivision BA—Best interests of the child 139 60CA Child‟s 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 child‟s best interests ............. 139 60CD How the views of a child are expressed ......................................... 142
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 C—Interpretation and application of Part 144 60E Application of Part to void marriages ............................................ 144
Subdivision D—Interpretation—how 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 E—Family 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 2—Parental 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 3—Reports relating to children under 18 158 62A What this Division does ................................................................. 158 62B Court‟s 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 4—Parenting 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
plans—where not enforceable as maintenance agreements ........... 167 63H Court‟s powers to set aside, discharge, vary, suspend or
revive registered parenting plans ................................................... 169
Division 5—Parenting orders—what 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 6—Parenting orders other than child maintenance
orders 173
Subdivision A—Introductory 173 65A What this Division does ................................................................. 173 65AA Child‟s best interests paramount consideration in making a
parenting order .............................................................................. 173 65B Division does not apply to child maintenance orders .................... 174
Subdivision B—Applying for and making parenting orders 174 65C Who may apply for a parenting order ............................................ 174 65D Court‟s 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
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 C—General 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 D—Dealing 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 court—where application before it to deal with
contravention ................................................................................. 188 65U Obligation of court—where no application before it, but
application before another court, to deal with contravention ......... 188 65V Obligation of court—where 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 E—Obligations 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
xii Family Law Act 1975
Division 7—Child maintenance orders 195
Subdivision A—What this Division does 195 66A What this Division does ................................................................. 195
Subdivision B—Objects and principles 195 66B Objects ........................................................................................... 195 66C Principles—parents have primary duty to maintain ....................... 195 66D Principles—when step-parents have a duty to maintain ................ 196
Subdivision C—Relationship 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 D—Applying for and making child maintenance
orders 197 66F Who may apply for a child maintenance order .............................. 197 66G Court‟s 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 E—Other 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 EA—Varying the maintenance of certain children 207 66SA Varying the maintenance of certain children ................................. 207
Subdivision F—When 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
Family Law Act 1975 xiii
Subdivision G—Recovery of amounts paid under maintenance
orders 210 66X Recovery of amounts paid, and property transferred or
settled, under maintenance orders .................................................. 210
Division 8—Other matters relating to children 213
Subdivision A—What this Division does 213 67A What this Division does ................................................................. 213
Subdivision B—Father’s 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 C—Location 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 Child‟s 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 Court‟s power to make recovery order .......................................... 223 67V Child‟s 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 child‟s return ................................ 224
Subdivision D—Allegations 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 E—Other orders about children 227 67ZC Orders relating to welfare of children ............................................ 227 67ZD Orders for delivery of passports .................................................... 228
Division 9—Injunctions 229 68A What this Division does ................................................................. 229 68B Injunctions ..................................................................................... 229 68C Powers of arrest ............................................................................. 230
Division 10—Independent representation of child’s interests 231 68L Court order for independent representation of child‟s
interests.......................................................................................... 231 68LA Role of independent children‟s lawyer .......................................... 232 68M Order that child be made available for examination ...................... 233
Division 11—Family 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 12—Proceedings and jurisdiction 241
Subdivision A—What this Division does 241 69A What this Division does ................................................................. 241
Subdivision B—Institution 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 C—Jurisdiction of courts 243 69G Interpretation ................................................................................. 243
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 D—Presumptions 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 E—Parentage 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 F—Extension, application and additional operation of
Part 255 69ZE Extension of Part to the States ....................................................... 255 69ZF Unless declaration in force, Part‟s 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
xvi Family Law Act 1975
Division 12A—Principles for conducting child-related
proceedings 259
Subdivision A—Proceedings to which this Division applies 259 69ZM Proceedings to which this Division applies ................................... 259
Subdivision B—Principles 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 court‟s own
initiative ......................................................................................... 261
Subdivision C—Duties 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 D—Matters 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 Court‟s general duties and powers relating to evidence ................. 266
Division 13—State, Territory and overseas orders 268
Subdivision A—What this Division does 268 70A What this Division does ................................................................. 268
Subdivision B—Registration 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 C—Registration of overseas orders 269 70G Registration of orders .................................................................... 269 70H Effect of registration—general ...................................................... 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 D—Transmission 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 13A—Consequences of failure to comply with orders,
and other obligations, that affect children 274
Subdivision A—Preliminary 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 B—Court’s power to vary parenting order 278 70NBA Variation of parenting order .......................................................... 278 70NBB Effect of parenting plan ................................................................. 279
Subdivision C—Contravention alleged but not established 280 70NCA Application of Subdivision ............................................................ 280 70NCB Costs .............................................................................................. 280
Subdivision D—Contravention established but reasonable excuse
for contravention 281 70NDA Application of Subdivision ............................................................ 281 70NDB Order compensating person for time lost ....................................... 281 70NDC Costs .............................................................................................. 282
Subdivision E—Contravention 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 F—Contravention 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 14—Miscellaneous 298 70P What this Division does ................................................................. 298 70Q Certain instruments not liable to duty ............................................ 298
Part VIII—Property, 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 VIIIAA—Orders and injunctions binding third parties 335
Division 1—Preliminary 335
Subdivision A—Scope 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 2—Orders under section 79 337 90AE Court may make an order under section 79 binding a third
party ............................................................................................... 337
Division 3—Orders or injunctions under section 114 339 90AF Court may make an order or injunction under section 114
binding a third party ...................................................................... 339
Division 4—Other 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 VIIIA—Financial 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 VIIIAB—Financial matters relating to de facto
relationships 357
Division 1—Preliminary 357
Subdivision A—Meaning of key terms 357 90RA Participating jurisdictions .............................................................. 357 90RB Meaning of child of a de facto relationship ................................... 358
Subdivision B—Relationship with State and Territory laws 358 90RC Relationship with State and Territory laws .................................... 358
Subdivision C—Declarations 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 2—Maintenance, declarations of property interests and
alterations of property interests 362
Subdivision A—Application of Division 362 90SA This Division does not apply to certain matters covered by
binding financial agreements ......................................................... 362 90SB When this Division applies—length 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 B—Maintenance 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 C—Declarations 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 D—Notification 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 E—Court powers 388 90SS General powers of court ................................................................ 388 90ST Duty of court to end financial relations ......................................... 391
Division 3—Orders and injunctions binding third parties 392 90TA Orders and injunctions binding third parties .................................. 392
Division 4—Financial 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 5—Proceeds 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 6—Instruments not liable to duty 412 90WA Certain instruments not liable to duty ............................................ 412
Part VIIIB—Superannuation interests 413
Division 1—Preliminary 413
Subdivision A—Scope 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 B—Interpretation 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 2—Payment splitting or flagging by agreement 419
Subdivision A—Superannuation 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 B—Payment splitting 420 90MI Operative time for payment split ................................................... 420 90MJ Payment split under superannuation agreement or flag lifting
agreement ...................................................................................... 421
Subdivision C—Payment 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 D—Miscellaneous 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 3—Payment 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 4—General 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 5—Miscellaneous 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 IX—Intervention 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 X—Appeals 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 XI—Procedure and evidence 455
Division 1—General 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 2—Use 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 3—Split court 470 102M Determination that there is to be a split court ................................ 470 102N Conditions for split court ............................................................... 470
Part XII—Recognition of decrees 472 103 Decrees under this Act ................................................................... 472 104 Overseas decrees ........................................................................... 472 104A Recognition in external Territories ................................................ 475
Part XIII—Enforcement of decrees 476 105 Enforcement generally ................................................................... 476 106 Maintenance orders—more 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 enforcement—Federal Magistrates
Court .............................................................................................. 482
Part XIIIAA—International conventions, international
agreements and international enforcement 484
Division 1—International 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 2—International child abduction 490 111B Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child
Abduction ...................................................................................... 490
Division 3—International agreements about adoption etc. 493 111C International agreements about adoption etc. ................................ 493
Division 4—International protection of children 495
Subdivision A—Preliminary 495 111CA Definitions ..................................................................................... 495 111CB Relationship between this Division and other provisions .............. 497
Subdivision B—Jurisdiction 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 C—Jurisdiction for decisions about a guardian of a
child’s property 504 111CJ Application of this Subdivision ..................................................... 504 111CK Jurisdiction to appoint, or determine the powers of, a
guardian for a child‟s 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 D—Applicable law 511 111CQ Meaning of law .............................................................................. 511 111CR Applicable law generally ............................................................... 511 111CS Applicable law concerning parental responsibility ........................ 511
Subdivision E—Recognition of foreign measures 513 111CT Effect of registered foreign measures ............................................ 513
Subdivision F—Co-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 G—Regulations 516 111CZ Regulations to implement the Convention ..................................... 516
Division 5—Other matters 517 111D Regulations may provide for rules of evidence ............................. 517
Part XIIIA—Sanctions for failure to comply with orders, and
other obligations, that do not affect children 518
Division 1—Interpretation 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 2—Sanctions 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 XIIIB—Contempt of court 529 112AP Contempt ....................................................................................... 529
Part XIV—Declarations 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 XIVA—The 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 Director‟s 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 XV—Miscellaneous 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 1—Child 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 I—Preliminary
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