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

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

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

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

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

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

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