Family Law Act 1975 - Shire of Augusta–Margaret River · This is a compilation of the Family Law Act 1975 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 May 2016 (the

Prepared by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, Canberra

Family Law Act 1975

No. 53, 1975

Compilation No. 78

Compilation date: 1 May 2016

Includes amendments up to: Act No. 31, 2016

Registered: 9 May 2016

Authorised Version C2016C00415 registered 09/05/2016

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Family Law Act 1975 that shows the text of the law

as amended and in force on 1 May 2016 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information

about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled

law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the

compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible

on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of

amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are

underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced

amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled

law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and

amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by

an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this

compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see

the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as

modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly,

this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For

more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation

Register for the compiled law.

Self-repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a

provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.


Family Law Act 1975 i

Compilation No. 78 Compilation date: 1/5/16 Registered: 9/5/16

Contents

Part I—Preliminary 1 1 Short title ........................................................................... 1 2 Commencement ................................................................. 1 3 Repeal and saving .............................................................. 1 4 Interpretation ..................................................................... 2 4AA De facto relationships ...................................................... 31 4AB Definition of family violence etc. .................................... 33 4A Third party proceedings to set aside financial

agreement ........................................................................ 34 4B Third party proceedings to set aside Part VIIIAB

financial agreement ......................................................... 35 4C Meaning of proceeds of crime authority ......................... 37 5 Debtor subject to a personal insolvency agreement ......... 39 6 Polygamous marriages .................................................... 39 7 Extension of Act to certain Territories ............................ 39 7A Application of the Criminal Code ................................... 39 8 Supersession of existing laws .......................................... 40 9 Transitional ..................................................................... 40

Part IA—Protection of names 44 9A Use of protected names and symbols............................... 44

Part II—Non-court based family services 46

Division 1—Accreditation of family counsellors, family dispute

resolution practitioners and other family service

providers 46 10A Accreditation Rules ......................................................... 46

Division 2—Family counselling 48 10B Definition of family counselling ...................................... 48 10C Definition of family counsellor........................................ 48 10D Confidentiality of communications in family

counselling ...................................................................... 49 10E Admissibility of communications in family

counselling and in referrals from family

counselling ...................................................................... 50

Division 3—Family dispute resolution 52 10F Definition of family dispute resolution ............................ 52


ii Family Law Act 1975


10G Definition of family dispute resolution practitioner ........ 52 10H Confidentiality of communications in family

dispute resolution ............................................................ 53 10J Admissibility of communications in family dispute

resolution and in referrals from family dispute

resolution ......................................................................... 54 10K Family dispute resolution practitioners must

comply with regulations .................................................. 55

Division 4—Arbitration 56 10L Definition of arbitration .................................................. 56 10M Definition of arbitrator ................................................... 56 10N Arbitrators may charge fees for their services ................. 56 10P Immunity of arbitrators ................................................... 57

Part III—Family consultants 58

Division 1—About family consultants 58 11A Functions of family consultants ....................................... 58 11B Definition of family consultant ........................................ 58 11C Admissibility of communications with family

consultants and referrals from family consultants ........... 59 11D Immunity of family consultants ....................................... 60

Division 2—Courts’ use of family consultants 61 11E Courts to consider seeking advice from family

consultants ....................................................................... 61 11F Court may order parties to attend, or arrange for

child to attend, appointments with a family

consultant ........................................................................ 62 11G Consequences of failure to comply with order

under section 11F ............................................................ 62

Part IIIA—Obligations to inform people about non-court based

family services and about court’s processes and

services 64

Division 1—Introduction 64 12A Objects of this Part .......................................................... 64

Division 2—Kind of information to be provided 65 12B Prescribed information about non-court based

family services and court’s processes and services ......... 65 12C Prescribed information about reconciliation .................... 65 12D Prescribed information about Part VII proceedings ......... 65


Family Law Act 1975 iii


Division 3—Who must provide information, and when 67 12E Obligations on legal practitioners .................................... 67 12F Obligations on principal executive officers of

courts ............................................................................... 68 12G Obligations on family counsellors, family dispute

resolution practitioners and arbitrators ............................ 68

Part IIIB—Court’s powers in relation to court and non-court

based family services 70

Division 1—Introduction 70 13A Objects of this Part .......................................................... 70

Division 2—Help with reconciliation 71 13B Court to accommodate possible reconciliations .............. 71

Division 3—Referrals to family counselling, family dispute

resolution and other family services 72 13C Court may refer parties to family counselling,

family dispute resolution and other family services ........ 72 13D Consequences of failure to comply with order

under section 13C ............................................................ 73

Division 4—Court’s role in relation to arbitration of disputes 74 13E Court may refer Part VIII proceedings or

Part VIIIAB proceedings to arbitration ........................... 74 13F Court may make orders to facilitate arbitration of

certain disputes ................................................................ 74 13G Family Court and Federal Circuit Court may

determine questions of law referred by arbitrator ............ 74 13H Awards made in arbitration may be registered in

court ................................................................................ 75 13J Family Court or Federal Circuit Court can review

registered awards ............................................................. 75 13K Family Court and Federal Circuit Court may set

aside registered awards .................................................... 76

Part IV—The Family Court of Australia 77

Division 1—Interpretation 77 20 Interpretation ................................................................... 77

Division 2—The Family Court of Australia 78 21 Creation of Court ............................................................. 78 21A Divisions of Court ........................................................... 78


iv Family Law Act 1975


21B Arrangement of business of Court ................................... 78

Division 3—Judges 82 22 Appointment, removal and resignation of Judges ............ 82 23 Seniority .......................................................................... 84 24 Absence or illness of Chief Judge ................................... 86 25 Salary and allowances ..................................................... 87 26 Oath or affirmation of allegiance and office .................... 87

Division 4—Judicial Registrars 88 26A Judicial Registrars ........................................................... 88 26B Powers of Judicial Registrars .......................................... 88 26C Review of decisions of Judicial Registrars ...................... 89 26D Exercise of delegated powers by Court ........................... 90 26E Application of the Legislation Act 2003 to rules of

court ................................................................................ 90 26F Independence of Judicial Registrars ................................ 91 26G Judicial Registrars hold office on full time or part

time basis ......................................................................... 91 26H Qualifications for appointment etc. ................................. 91 26I Term of office.................................................................. 91 26J Remuneration and allowances ......................................... 92 26JA Leave of absence ............................................................. 92 26K Resignation ...................................................................... 92 26L Termination of appointment ............................................ 93 26M Oath or affirmation of office ........................................... 93 26N Terms and conditions of appointment not provided

for by Act ........................................................................ 93

Division 5—Jurisdiction and exercise of jurisdiction 94 27 Place of sitting ................................................................. 94 27A Change of venue .............................................................. 94 28 Exercise of jurisdiction .................................................... 94 30 Court divided in opinion .................................................. 95 31 Original jurisdiction of Family Court .............................. 96 33 Jurisdiction in associated matters .................................... 97 33A Proceedings not to be instituted in the Family

Court if an associated matter is before the Federal

Circuit Court .................................................................... 97 33B Discretionary transfer of proceedings to the

Federal Circuit Court ....................................................... 98


Family Law Act 1975 v


33C Mandatory transfer of proceedings to the Federal

Circuit Court .................................................................... 99 34 Issue of certain writs etc. ............................................... 100 35 Contempt of court .......................................................... 101

Division 6—Registries and officers 102 36 Registries ....................................................................... 102 37 Officers of Court ........................................................... 102 37A Delegation of powers to Registrars................................ 102 37AA Delegation to Registrars of powers exercisable by

court as constituted in a particular way ......................... 107 37B Independence of Registrars ........................................... 107 37C Oath or affirmation of office ......................................... 109

Division 7—Practice and procedure 110 38 Practice and procedure .................................................. 110

Part IVA—Management of the Court 111

Division 1—Management responsibilities of the Chief Judge and

the Chief Executive Officer 111 38A Management of administrative affairs of Court ............. 111 38B Chief Executive Officer ................................................. 111

Division 1AA—Application of the finance law 112 38BAA Application of the finance law....................................... 112

Division 1A—Administration of Court’s family services 113 38BA Chief Executive Officer has functions of family

consultants ..................................................................... 113 38BB Chief Executive Officer may delegate powers and

functions that relate to family consultants ..................... 113 38BC Chief Executive Officer may give directions that

relate to family services functions ................................. 113 38BD Chief Executive Officer may authorise officer or

staff member to act as family counsellor or family

dispute resolution practitioner ....................................... 114

Division 2—Chief Executive Officer 115 38C Establishment and appointment of Chief Executive

Officer ........................................................................... 115 38D Powers of Chief Executive Officer ................................ 115 38E Remuneration of Chief Executive Officer ..................... 115 38F Terms and conditions of appointment of Chief

Executive Officer .......................................................... 116


vi Family Law Act 1975


38G Leave of absence ........................................................... 116 38H Resignation .................................................................... 116 38J Outside employment of Chief Executive Officer .......... 116 38K Termination of appointment .......................................... 117 38L Disclosure of interests by Chief Executive Officer ....... 118 38M Acting Chief Executive Officer ..................................... 119

Division 3—Other officers and staff of Registries 120 38N Personnel other than the Chief Executive Officer ......... 120 38P Marshal .......................................................................... 121 38Q Statutory Agency etc. for purposes of Public

Service Act .................................................................... 121 38R Engagement of consultants etc. ..................................... 122

Division 4—Miscellaneous administrative matters 123 38S Annual report ................................................................ 123 38W Delegation of administrative powers of Chief

Judge ............................................................................. 123 38X Proceedings arising out of administration of Court ....... 123 38Y Protection of persons involved in handling etc.

complaints ..................................................................... 123

Part V—Jurisdiction of courts 125

Division 1—Jurisdiction in matrimonial causes 125 39 Jurisdiction in matrimonial causes ................................ 125

Division 2—Jurisdiction in de facto financial causes 130 39A Instituting proceedings .................................................. 130 39B Jurisdiction in de facto financial causes ........................ 131 39C Ceasing jurisdiction of Supreme Court of the

Northern Territory of Australia ..................................... 131 39D Ceasing jurisdiction of State or Territory courts of

summary jurisdiction ..................................................... 132 39E Revoking Proclamations ceasing jurisdiction of

State or Territory courts ................................................ 133 39F Territory court does not have jurisdiction unless a

party is ordinarily resident in the Territory .................... 133 39G Jurisdiction in relation to transferred matters under

other Commonwealth laws ............................................ 133

Division 3—Other provisions 134 40 Limitations on jurisdiction of Family Court and of

State and Territory Supreme Courts .............................. 134


Family Law Act 1975 vii


40A Exercise of jurisdiction of Federal Circuit Court in

certain States and Territories ......................................... 135 41 Establishment of State Family Courts ........................... 135 42 Law to be applied .......................................................... 137 43 Principles to be applied by courts .................................. 138 44 Institution of proceedings .............................................. 138 44A Proceedings for divorce order........................................ 143 45 Stay and transfer of proceedings ................................... 143 46 Transfer of proceedings from court of summary

jurisdiction in certain cases ........................................... 145 47 Courts to act in aid of each other ................................... 147

Part VI—Divorce and nullity of marriage 148 48 Divorce .......................................................................... 148 49 Meaning of separation ................................................... 148 50 Effect of resumption of cohabitation ............................. 148 51 Nullity of marriage ........................................................ 149 52 Court not to make divorce order where application

for decree of nullity before it ......................................... 149 53 Circumstances occurring before commencement of

Act or outside Australia ................................................. 149 55 When divorce order takes effect .................................... 149 55A Divorce order where children ........................................ 152 56 Certificate as to divorce order ....................................... 153 57 Rescission of divorce order where parties

reconciled ...................................................................... 153 58 Rescission of divorce order on ground of

miscarriage of justice..................................................... 153 59 Re-marriage ................................................................... 154

Part VII—Children 155

Division 1—Introductory 155

Subdivision A—What this Division does 155 60A What this Division does ................................................ 155

Subdivision B—Object, principles and outline 155 60B Objects of Part and principles underlying it .................. 155 60C Outline of Part ............................................................... 157

Subdivision BA—Best interests of the child: court proceedings 161 60CA Child’s best interests paramount consideration in

making a parenting order ............................................... 161


viii Family Law Act 1975


60CB Proceedings to which Subdivision applies..................... 161 60CC How a court determines what is in a child’s best

interests ......................................................................... 161 60CD How the views of a child are expressed ......................... 164 60CE Children not required to express views ......................... 165 60CF Informing court of relevant family violence orders ....... 165 60CG Court to consider risk of family violence ...................... 165 60CH Informing court of care arrangements under child

welfare laws .................................................................. 166 60CI Informing court of notifications to, and

investigations by, prescribed State or Territory

agencies ......................................................................... 166

Subdivision BB—Best interests of the child: adviser’s obligations 167 60D Adviser’s obligations in relation to best interests of

the child ......................................................................... 167

Subdivision C—Interpretation and application of Part 168 60E Application of Part to void marriages ............................ 168

Subdivision D—Interpretation—how this Act applies to certain

children 168 60EA Definition of de facto partner ........................................ 168 60F Certain children are children of marriage etc. ............... 169 60G Family Court may grant leave for adoption

proceedings by prescribed adopting parent ................... 170 60H Children born as a result of artificial conception

procedures ..................................................................... 170 60HA Children of de facto partners ......................................... 171 60HB Children born under surrogacy arrangements ................ 172

Subdivision E—Family dispute resolution 173 60I Attending family dispute resolution before

applying for Part VII order ............................................ 173 60J Family dispute resolution not attended because of

child abuse or family violence ....................................... 177

Division 2—Parental responsibility 179 61A What this Division does ................................................ 179 61B Meaning of parental responsibility ............................... 179 61C Each parent has parental responsibility (subject to

court orders) .................................................................. 179 61D Parenting orders and parental responsibility .................. 180 61DA Presumption of equal shared parental

responsibility when making parenting orders ................ 180


Family Law Act 1975 ix


61DB Application of presumption of equal shared

parental responsibility after interim parenting

order made ..................................................................... 181 61E Effect of adoption on parental responsibility ................. 181 61F Application to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

children .......................................................................... 181

Division 3—Reports relating to children under 18 183 62A What this Division does ................................................ 183 62B Court’s obligation to inform people to whom

Part VII orders apply about family counselling,

family dispute resolution and other family services ...... 183 62G Reports by family consultants ....................................... 183

Division 4—Parenting plans 185 63A What this Division does ................................................ 185 63B Parents encouraged to reach agreement ......................... 185 63C Meaning of parenting plan and related terms ................ 185 63CAA Parenting plans may include child support

provisions ...................................................................... 187 63D Parenting plan may be varied or revoked by

further written agreement .............................................. 188 63DA Obligations of advisers .................................................. 188 63DB Registered parenting plans ............................................ 190 63E Registration of a revocation of a registered

parenting plan ................................................................ 191 63F Child welfare provisions of registered parenting

plans .............................................................................. 192 63G Child maintenance provisions of registered

parenting plans—where not enforceable as

maintenance agreements ................................................ 193 63H Court’s powers to set aside, discharge, vary,

suspend or revive registered parenting plans ................. 194

Division 5—Parenting orders—what they are 196 64A What this Division does ................................................ 196 64B Meaning of parenting order and related terms .............. 196 64C Parenting orders may be made in favour of parents

or other persons ............................................................. 198 64D Parenting orders subject to later parenting plans ........... 198

Division 6—Parenting orders other than child maintenance

orders 200

Subdivision A—Introductory 200


x Family Law Act 1975


65A What this Division does ................................................ 200 65AA Child’s best interests paramount consideration in

making a parenting order ............................................... 200 65B Division does not apply to child maintenance

orders ............................................................................. 201

Subdivision B—Applying for and making parenting orders 201 65C Who may apply for a parenting order ............................ 201 65D Court’s power to make parenting order ......................... 201 65DAA Court to consider child spending equal time or

substantial and significant time with each parent in

certain circumstances .................................................... 202 65DAB Court to have regard to parenting plans ......................... 205 65DAC Effect of parenting order that provides for shared

parental responsibility ................................................... 205 65DAE No need to consult on issues that are not major

long-term issues............................................................. 206 65DA Parenting orders............................................................. 206 65F General requirements for counselling before

parenting order made ..................................................... 207 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 ..................................................................... 208 65H Children who are 18 or over or who have married

or entered de facto relationships .................................... 208 65J Effect of adoption on parenting order ............................ 209 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 ...................................................................... 209 65L Family consultants may be required to supervise or

assist compliance with parenting orders ........................ 210 65LA Court may order attendance at a post-separation

parenting program ......................................................... 210 65LB Conditions for providers of post-separation

parenting programs ........................................................ 211

Subdivision C—General obligations created by certain parenting

orders 212 65M General obligations created by parenting order that

deals with whom a child lives with ............................... 212 65N General obligations created by parenting order that

deals with whom a child spends time with .................... 213


Family Law Act 1975 xi


65NA General obligations created by parenting order that

deals with whom a child communicates with ................ 213 65P General obligations created by parenting order that

allocates parental responsibility..................................... 213 65Q Court may issue warrant for arrest of alleged

offender ......................................................................... 214

Subdivision D—Dealing with people who have been arrested 214 65R Situation to which Subdivision applies.......................... 214 65S Arrested person to be brought before a court ................ 215 65T Obligation of court—where application before it to

deal with contravention ................................................. 216 65U Obligation of court—where no application before

it, but application before another court, to deal

with contravention ......................................................... 216 65V Obligation of court—where no application before

any court to deal with contravention ............................. 217 65W Applications heard as required by

subsection 65T(2) or paragraph 65U(3)(b) .................... 217

Subdivision E—Obligations under parenting orders relating to

taking or sending children from Australia 218 65X Interpretation ................................................................. 218 65Y Obligations if certain parenting orders have been

made .............................................................................. 218 65Z Obligations if proceedings for the making of

certain parenting orders are pending.............................. 219 65ZA Obligations of owners etc. of aircraft and vessels if

certain parenting orders made........................................ 220 65ZB Obligations of owners etc. of aircraft and vessels if

proceedings for the making of certain parenting

orders are pending ......................................................... 221 65ZC General provisions applicable to sections 65ZA

and 65ZB ....................................................................... 222 65ZD State or Territory laws stopping children leaving

Australia not affected .................................................... 223

Division 7—Child maintenance orders 224


Subdivision B—Objects and principles 224 66B Objects .......................................................................... 224 66C Principles—parents have primary duty to maintain ....... 225


xii Family Law Act 1975


66D Principles—when step-parents have a duty to

maintain ......................................................................... 225

Subdivision C—Relationship with Child Support (Assessment)

Act 226 66E Child maintenance order not to be made etc. if

application for administrative assessment of child

support could be made ................................................... 226

Subdivision D—Applying for and making child maintenance

orders 226 66F Who may apply for a child maintenance order .............. 226 66G Court’s power to make child maintenance order ........... 227 66H Approach to be taken in proceedings for child

maintenance order ......................................................... 227 66J Matters to be taken into account in considering

financial support necessary for maintenance of

child ............................................................................... 227 66K Matters to be taken into account in determining

contribution that should be made by party etc. .............. 228 66L Children who are 18 or over .......................................... 230 66M When step-parents have a duty to maintain ................... 231 66N Determining financial contribution of step-parent ......... 231

Subdivision E—Other aspects of courts’ powers 232 66P General powers of court ................................................ 232 66Q Urgent child maintenance orders ................................... 233 66R Specification in orders of payments etc. for child

maintenance purposes .................................................... 233 66S Modification of child maintenance orders ..................... 234

Subdivision EA—Varying the maintenance of certain children 237 66SA Varying the maintenance of certain children ................. 237

Subdivision F—When child maintenance orders stop being in

force 238 66T Effect of child turning 18 .............................................. 238 66U Effect of death of child, person liable to pay or

person entitled to receive ............................................... 238 66V Effect of adoption, marriage or entering into

a de facto relationship .................................................... 239 66VA Children who are 18 or over: change of

circumstances ................................................................ 240 66W Recovery of arrears ....................................................... 240


Family Law Act 1975 xiii


Subdivision G—Recovery of amounts paid under maintenance

orders 241 66X Recovery of amounts paid, and property

transferred or settled, under maintenance orders ........... 241

Division 8—Other matters relating to children 244


Subdivision B—Father’s liability to contribute towards child

bearing expenses if not married to mother 244 67B Father liable to contribute towards maintenance

and expenses of mother ................................................. 244 67C Matters to be taken into account in proceedings

under Subdivision .......................................................... 245 67D Powers of court in proceedings under Subdivision ........ 245 67E Urgent orders ................................................................. 246 67F Who may institute proceedings ..................................... 247 67G Time limit for institution of proceedings ....................... 247

Subdivision C—Location and recovery of children 247 67J Meaning of location order and Commonwealth

information order .......................................................... 247 67K Who may apply for a location order .............................. 248 67L Child’s best interests paramount consideration in

making a location order ................................................. 248 67M Provisions about location orders, other than

Commonwealth information orders ............................... 249 67N Provisions about Commonwealth information

orders ............................................................................. 249 67P Information provided under location order not to

be disclosed except to limited persons ........................... 251 67Q Meaning of recovery order ............................................ 252 67R How recovery orders authorise or direct people ............ 253 67S How recovery orders to stop and search etc. name

or describe vehicles, places etc. ..................................... 254 67T Who may apply for a recovery order ............................. 254 67U Court’s power to make recovery order .......................... 255 67V Child’s best interests paramount consideration in

making a recovery order ................................................ 255 67W How long recovery order remains in force .................... 255 67X Persons not to prevent or hinder taking of action

under recovery order ..................................................... 255


xiv Family Law Act 1975


67Y Obligation to notify persons of child’s return ................ 256

Subdivision D—Allegations of child abuse and family violence 257 67Z Where interested person makes allegation of child

abuse.............................................................................. 257 67ZA Where member of the Court personnel, family

counsellor, family dispute resolution practitioner

or arbitrator suspects child abuse etc. ............................ 258 67ZB No liability for notification under section 67Z or

67ZA ............................................................................. 259 67ZBA Where interested person makes allegation of

family violence .............................................................. 260 67ZBB Court to take prompt action in relation to

allegations of child abuse or family violence ................ 261

Subdivision E—Other orders about children 262 67ZC Orders relating to welfare of children ............................ 262 67ZD Orders for delivery of travel documents ........................ 263

Division 9—Injunctions 264 68A What this Division does ................................................ 264 68B Injunctions ..................................................................... 264 68C Powers of arrest ............................................................. 265

Division 10—Independent representation of child’s interests 266 68L Court order for independent representation of

child’s interests .............................................................. 266 68LA Role of independent children’s lawyer .......................... 267 68M Order that child be made available for examination ...... 269

Division 11—Family violence 270 68N Purposes of this Division ............................................... 270 68P Obligations of court making an order or granting

an injunction under this Act that is inconsistent

with an existing family violence order .......................... 270 68Q Relationship of order or injunction made under

this Act with existing inconsistent family violence

order .............................................................................. 272 68R Power of court making a family violence order to

revive, vary, discharge or suspend an existing

order, injunction or arrangement under this Act ............ 273 68S Application of Act and Rules when exercising

section 68R power ......................................................... 275


Family Law Act 1975 xv


68T Special provisions relating to proceedings to make

an interim (or interim variation of) family violence

order .............................................................................. 276

Division 12—Proceedings and jurisdiction 277


Subdivision B—Institution of proceedings and procedure 277 69B Certain proceedings to be instituted only under this

Part ................................................................................ 277 69C Who may institute proceedings ..................................... 277 69D Institution of maintenance proceedings by

authorised authority or person ....................................... 278 69E Child or parent to be present in Australia etc. ............... 278 69F Applicant may be in contempt ....................................... 279

Subdivision C—Jurisdiction of courts 279 69G Interpretation ................................................................. 279 69H Jurisdiction of Family Court, State Family Courts,

Northern Territory Supreme Court and Federal

Circuit Court .................................................................. 279 69J Jurisdiction of courts of summary jurisdiction .............. 280 69K Territory court does not have jurisdiction unless a

party is ordinarily resident in the Territory .................... 281 69L Jurisdiction in relation to transferred matters under

other Commonwealth laws ............................................ 281 69M Jurisdiction is additional to other jurisdiction ................ 281 69N Transfer of proceedings from courts of summary

jurisdiction in certain cases ........................................... 282

Subdivision D—Presumptions of parentage 283 69P Presumptions of parentage arising from marriage ......... 283 69Q Presumption of paternity arising from cohabitation ...... 284 69R Presumption of parentage arising from registration

of birth ........................................................................... 284 69S Presumptions of parentage arising from findings of

courts ............................................................................. 285 69T Presumption of paternity arising from

acknowledgments .......................................................... 286 69U Rebuttal of presumptions etc. ........................................ 286

Subdivision E—Parentage evidence 286 69V Evidence of parentage ................................................... 286


xvi Family Law Act 1975


69VA Declarations of parentage .............................................. 287 69W Orders for carrying out of parentage testing

procedures ..................................................................... 287 69X Orders associated with parentage testing orders ............ 288 69XA Matters related particularly to parentage testing for

purposes of an international agreement or

arrangement ................................................................... 288 69Y Orders directed to persons 18 or over ............................ 289 69Z Orders directed to children under 18 ............................. 289 69ZA No liability if parent etc. consents ................................. 290 69ZB Regulations about carrying out, and reporting on,

parentage testing procedures ......................................... 290 69ZC Reports of information obtained may be received

in evidence .................................................................... 291 69ZD Parentage testing for purposes of international

maintenance agreements ................................................ 291

Subdivision F—Extension, application and additional operation of

Part 292 69ZE Extension of Part to the States ....................................... 292 69ZF Unless declaration in force, Part’s extension to a

State has effect subject to modifications........................ 293 69ZG Application of Part in, and in relation to,

Territories ...................................................................... 294 69ZH Additional application of Part ....................................... 294 69ZJ Additional jurisdiction of courts .................................... 295 69ZK Child welfare laws not affected ..................................... 296

Division 12A—Principles for conducting child-related

proceedings 297

Subdivision A—Proceedings to which this Division applies 297 69ZM Proceedings to which this Division applies ................... 297

Subdivision B—Principles for conducting child-related

proceedings 298 69ZN Principles for conducting child-related

proceedings ................................................................... 298 69ZO This Division also applies to proceedings in

Chambers....................................................................... 299 69ZP Powers under this Division may be exercised on

court’s own initiative ..................................................... 299

Subdivision C—Duties and powers related to giving effect to the

principles 299


Family Law Act 1975 xvii


69ZQ General duties ................................................................ 299 69ZR Power to make determinations, findings and orders

at any stage of proceedings ............................................ 300 69ZS Use of family consultants .............................................. 301

Subdivision D—Matters relating to evidence 301 69ZT Rules of evidence not to apply unless court

decides ........................................................................... 301 69ZV Evidence of children ...................................................... 303 69ZW Evidence relating to child abuse or family violence ...... 303 69ZX Court’s general duties and powers relating to

evidence ........................................................................ 305

Division 13—State, Territory and overseas orders 307


Subdivision B—Registration of State and Territory orders 307 70C General registration of orders made under law of

prescribed State ............................................................. 307 70D Registration of orders in a particular State .................... 307 70E Effect of registration ...................................................... 307

Subdivision C—Registration of overseas orders 308 70G Registration of orders .................................................... 308 70H Effect of registration—general ...................................... 308 70J Effect of registration on exercise of jurisdiction............ 308 70K Cancellation of registration if Subdivision C

parenting order made ..................................................... 309 70L Relationship between Australian orders and

registered overseas child orders ..................................... 309

Subdivision D—Transmission of Australian orders to overseas

jurisdictions 311 70M Registrar to send documents etc. to overseas

jurisdiction..................................................................... 311 70N Regulations may deal with sending Australian

orders etc. to overseas jurisdiction ................................ 312

Division 13A—Consequences of failure to comply with orders,

and other obligations, that affect children 313

Subdivision A—Preliminary 313 70NAA Simplified outline of Division ....................................... 313 70NAB Application of Division ................................................. 313


xviii Family Law Act 1975


70NAC Meaning of contravened an order .................................. 314 70NAD Requirements taken to be included in certain

orders ............................................................................. 314 70NAE Meaning of reasonable excuse for contravening an

order .............................................................................. 315 70NAF Standard of proof ........................................................... 317

Subdivision B—Court’s power to vary parenting order 317 70NBA Variation of parenting order .......................................... 317 70NBB Effect of parenting plan ................................................. 318

Subdivision C—Contravention alleged but not established 319 70NCA Application of Subdivision ............................................ 319 70NCB Costs .............................................................................. 319

Subdivision D—Contravention established but reasonable excuse

for contravention 320 70NDA Application of Subdivision ............................................ 320 70NDB Order compensating person for time lost ....................... 321 70NDC Costs .............................................................................. 321

Subdivision E—Contravention without reasonable excuse (less

serious contravention) 322 70NEA Application of Subdivision ............................................ 322 70NEB Powers of court.............................................................. 323 70NEC Bonds ............................................................................ 326 70NECA Procedure for enforcing bonds ...................................... 327 70NED Duties of provider of post-separation parenting

program ......................................................................... 328 70NEF Evidence ........................................................................ 328 70NEG Court may make further orders in relation to

attendance at program ................................................... 329

Subdivision F—Contravention without reasonable excuse (more

serious contravention) 329 70NFA Application of Subdivision ............................................ 329 70NFB Powers of court.............................................................. 330 70NFC When court is empowered to make a community

service order .................................................................. 332 70NFD Variation and discharge of community service

orders ............................................................................. 334 70NFE Bonds ............................................................................ 334 70NFF Procedure for enforcing community service orders

or bonds ......................................................................... 335


Family Law Act 1975 xix


70NFG Sentences of imprisonment............................................ 336 70NFH Relationship between Subdivision and other laws ......... 338 70NFI Arrangements with States and Territories for

carrying out of sentences and orders ............................. 338 70NFJ Subdivision does not limit operation of section 105 ...... 338

Division 14—Miscellaneous 339 70P What this Division does ................................................ 339 70Q Certain instruments not liable to duty ............................ 339

Part VIII—Property, spousal maintenance and maintenance

agreements 341 71 Interpretation ................................................................. 341 71A This Part does not apply to certain matters covered

by binding financial agreements .................................... 341 72 Right of spouse to maintenance ..................................... 341 74 Power of court in spousal maintenance

proceedings ................................................................... 342 75 Matters to be taken into consideration in relation

to spousal maintenance .................................................. 344 77 Urgent spousal maintenance cases ................................ 346 77A Specification in orders of payments etc. for spouse

maintenance purposes .................................................... 346 78 Declaration of interests in property ............................... 347 79 Alteration of property interests ...................................... 347 79A Setting aside of orders altering property interests .......... 356 79B Notification of proceeds of crime orders etc.................. 359 79C Court to stay property or spousal maintenance

proceedings affected by proceeds of crime orders

etc. ................................................................................. 360 79D Lifting a stay ................................................................. 361 79E Intervention by proceeds of crime authority .................. 361 79F Notifying third parties about application ....................... 362 79G Notifying bankruptcy trustee etc. about application

under section 74, 78, 79 or 79A..................................... 362 79H Notifying court about bankruptcy etc. ........................... 362 79J Notifying non-bankrupt spouse about application

under section 139A of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 ........... 364 80 General powers of court ................................................ 365 81 Duty of court to end financial relations ......................... 366 82 Cessation of spousal maintenance orders ...................... 366 83 Modification of spousal maintenance orders ................. 367


xx Family Law Act 1975


85A Ante-nuptial and post-nuptial settlements ..................... 370 86A Certain maintenance agreements ineffective ................. 370 86 Registered maintenance agreements .............................. 370 87 Operation of maintenance agreements entered into

in substitution for rights under Act ................................ 372 87A Specification in maintenance agreements of

payments etc. for maintenance purposes ....................... 377 88 Enforcement of maintenance agreements ...................... 378 89 Overseas maintenance agreements ................................ 378 89A Institution of spousal maintenance proceedings by

authority or person ........................................................ 378 90 Certain instruments not liable to duty ............................ 379

Part VIIIAA—Orders and injunctions binding third parties 381

Division 1—Preliminary 381

Subdivision A—Scope of this Part 381 90AA Object of this Part .......................................................... 381 90AB Definitions ..................................................................... 381 90AC This Part overrides other laws, trust deeds etc. .............. 381 90ACA This Part not to apply to certain annuities ..................... 382 90AD Extended meaning of matrimonial cause and

property ......................................................................... 382 90ADA Other provisions of this Act not affected by this

Part ................................................................................ 382

Division 2—Orders under section 79 383 90AE Court may make an order under section 79 binding

a third party ................................................................... 383

Division 3—Orders or injunctions under section 114 385 90AF Court may make an order or injunction under

section 114 binding a third party ................................... 385

Division 4—Other matters 388 90AG Orders and injunctions binding on trustees .................... 388 90AH Protection for a third party ............................................ 388 90AI Service of documents on a third party ........................... 388 90AJ Expenses of third party .................................................. 388 90AK Acquisition of property ................................................. 389

Part VIIIA—Financial agreements 390 90A Definitions ..................................................................... 390


Family Law Act 1975 xxi


90B Financial agreements before marriage ........................... 390 90C Financial agreements during marriage ........................... 391 90D Financial agreements after divorce order is made ......... 392 90DA Need for separation declaration for certain

provisions of financial agreement to take effect ............ 393 90DB Whether or when certain other provisions of

financial agreements take effect .................................... 394 90E Requirements with respect to provisions in

financial agreements relating to the maintenance

of a party or a child or children ..................................... 394 90F Certain provisions in agreements .................................. 395 90G When financial agreements are binding ........................ 395 90H Effect of death of party to financial agreement ............. 396 90J Termination of financial agreement............................... 397 90K Circumstances in which court may set aside a

financial agreement or termination agreement .............. 398 90KA Validity, enforceability and effect of financial

agreements and termination agreements ........................ 401 90L Financial and other agreements etc. not liable to

duty................................................................................ 402 90M Notification of proceeds of crime orders etc.................. 402 90N Court to stay property or spousal maintenance

proceedings affected by proceeds of crime orders

etc. ................................................................................. 403 90P Lifting a stay ................................................................. 404 90Q Intervention by proceeds of crime authority .................. 405

Part VIIIAB—Financial matters relating

to de facto relationships 406


Subdivision A—Meaning of key terms 406 90RA Participating jurisdictions .............................................. 406 90RB Meaning of child of a de facto relationship ................... 407

Subdivision B—Relationship with State and Territory laws 407 90RC Relationship with State and Territory laws.................... 407

Subdivision C—Declarations about existence

of de facto relationships 409 90RD Declarations about existence

of de facto relationships ................................................ 409 90RE Effect of declarations..................................................... 410


xxii Family Law Act 1975


90RF Applying for declarations .............................................. 410 90RG Geographical requirement ............................................. 410 90RH Setting aside declarations .............................................. 410

Division 2—Maintenance, declarations of property interests and

alterations of property interests 412

Subdivision A—Application of Division 412 90SA This Division does not apply to certain matters

covered by binding financial agreements ...................... 412 90SB When this Division applies—length of relationship

etc. ................................................................................. 413 90SC This Division ceases to apply in relation to

a de facto relationship if the parties marry each

other .............................................................................. 413

Subdivision B—Maintenance 414 90SD Geographical requirement ............................................. 414 90SE Power of court in maintenance proceedings .................. 415 90SF Matters to be taken into consideration in relation

to maintenance............................................................... 417 90SG Urgent maintenance cases ............................................. 420 90SH Specification in orders of payments etc. for

maintenance purposes .................................................... 421 90SI Modification of maintenance orders .............................. 422 90SJ Cessation of maintenance orders ................................... 424

Subdivision C—Declarations and alterations of property interests 425 90SK Geographical requirement ............................................. 425 90SL Declaration of interests in property ............................... 426 90SM Alteration of property interests ...................................... 427 90SN Varying and setting aside orders altering property

interests ......................................................................... 435

Subdivision D—Notification of application 438 90SO Notifying third parties about application ....................... 438 90SP Notifying bankruptcy trustee etc. about application

under section 90SE, 90SL, 90SM or 90SN ................... 439 90SQ Notifying court about bankruptcy etc. ........................... 439 90SR Notifying non-bankrupt de facto party about

application under section 139A of the Bankruptcy

Act 1966 ........................................................................ 441

Subdivision E—Court powers 441 90SS General powers of court ................................................ 441


Family Law Act 1975 xxiii


90ST Duty of court to end financial relations ......................... 444

Division 3—Orders and injunctions binding third parties 445 90TA Orders and injunctions binding third parties .................. 445

Division 4—Financial agreements 447 90UA Geographical requirement for agreements made in

participating jurisdictions .............................................. 447 90UB Financial agreements before de facto relationship ......... 447 90UC Financial agreements during de facto relationship ........ 448 90UD Financial agreements after breakdown of a de

facto relationship ........................................................... 449 90UE Agreements made in non-referring States that

become Part VIIIAB financial agreements .................... 450 90UF Need for separation declaration for certain

provisions of financial agreement to take effect ............ 452 90UG Whether or when certain other provisions of

financial agreements take effect .................................... 453 90UH Requirements with respect to provisions in

financial agreements relating to the maintenance

of a party or a child or children ..................................... 453 90UI Certain provisions in financial agreements .................... 454 90UJ When financial agreements are binding ........................ 454 90UK Effect of death of party to financial agreement ............. 456 90UL Termination of financial agreement............................... 456 90UM Circumstances in which court may set aside a

financial agreement or termination agreement .............. 458 90UN Validity, enforceability and effect of financial

agreements and termination agreements ........................ 462

Division 5—Proceeds of crime and forfeiture 463 90VA Notification of proceeds of crime orders etc.................. 463 90VB Court to stay property or maintenance proceedings

affected by proceeds of crime orders etc. ...................... 464 90VC Lifting a stay ................................................................. 465 90VD Intervention by proceeds of crime authority .................. 465

Division 6—Instruments not liable to duty 467 90WA Certain instruments not liable to duty ............................ 467

Part VIIIB—Superannuation interests 468


Subdivision A—Scope of this Part 468


xxiv Family Law Act 1975


90MA Object of this Part .......................................................... 468 90MB This Part overrides other laws, trust deeds etc. .............. 468 90MC Extended meanings of matrimonial cause and de

facto financial cause ...................................................... 469

Subdivision B—Interpretation 469 90MD Definitions ..................................................................... 469 90MDA Extended meaning of trustee ......................................... 472 90ME Splittable payments ....................................................... 472 90MF Reversionary interest ..................................................... 473 90MG Meaning of in force ....................................................... 473

Division 2—Payment splitting or flagging by agreement 474

Subdivision A—Superannuation agreements 474 90MH Superannuation agreement to be included in

financial agreement if about a marriage ........................ 474 90MHA Superannuation agreement to be included in

Part VIIIAB financial agreement if about a de

facto relationship ........................................................... 474

Subdivision B—Payment splitting 475 90MI Operative time for payment split ................................... 475 90MJ Payment split under superannuation agreement or

flag lifting agreement .................................................... 476

Subdivision C—Payment flagging 477 90MK Operative time for payment flag .................................... 477 90ML Payment flag .................................................................. 478 90MLA Some splittable payments payable if payment flag

operating ........................................................................ 479 90MM Payment flag may be terminated by court ..................... 480 90MN Flag lifting agreement etc. ............................................. 481

Subdivision D—Miscellaneous 482 90MO Limitation on section 79 or 90SM order ........................ 482 90MP Separation declaration ................................................... 483 90MQ Superannuation interests in excess of low rate cap

amount ........................................................................... 485 90MR Enforcement by court order ........................................... 486

Division 3—Payment splitting or flagging by court order 487 90MS Order under section 79 or 90SM may include

orders in relation to superannuation interests ................ 487 90MT Splitting order ................................................................ 487


Family Law Act 1975 xxv


90MU Flagging order ............................................................... 489 90MUA Some splittable payments may be made without

leave of court ................................................................. 489

Division 4—General provisions about payment splitting 491 90MV Court may cancel payment split .................................... 491 90MW Deductions from splittable payment before

calculating payment split ............................................... 491 90MX Multiple payment splits applying to the same

splittable payment ......................................................... 491 90MY Fees payable to trustee .................................................. 492 90MZ Superannuation preservation requirements .................... 492 90MZA Waiver of rights under payment split ............................ 493 90MZB Trustee to provide information ...................................... 494 90MZC Death of non-member spouse ........................................ 496

Division 5—Miscellaneous 497 90MZD Orders binding on trustee .............................................. 497 90MZE Protection for trustee ..................................................... 497 90MZF Service of documents on trustee .................................... 498 90MZG False declarations .......................................................... 498 90MZH Terminating employment because of payment flag

etc. ................................................................................. 498

Part IX—Intervention 500 91 Intervention by Attorney-General ................................. 500 91A Delegation by Attorney-General ................................... 500 91B Intervention by child welfare officer ............................. 501 92 Intervention by other persons ........................................ 501 92A Intervention in child abuse cases ................................... 502

Part X—Appeals 503 93 No appeal after divorce order takes effect ..................... 503 93A Appellate jurisdiction of Family Court .......................... 503 94 Appeals to Family Court from courts other than

Federal Circuit Court and Magistrates Court of

Western Australia .......................................................... 503 94AAA Appeals to Family Court from Federal Circuit

Court and Magistrates Court of Western Australia ........ 506 94AAB Appeals, and applications for leave, without oral

hearing ........................................................................... 508 94AA Leave to appeal needed in some cases ........................... 509 94AB Appeals relating to court security orders ....................... 510


xxvi Family Law Act 1975


94A Case stated ..................................................................... 511 95 Appeals to High Court ................................................... 512 96 Appeals from courts of summary jurisdiction ............... 513 96AA Appeal may be dismissed if no reasonable

prospect of success ........................................................ 514 96A Part does not apply to section 111C jurisdiction ........... 514

Part XI—Procedure and evidence 515

Division 1—General matters concerning procedure and evidence 515 97 Procedure....................................................................... 515 98 Evidence by affidavit..................................................... 516 98AA Oaths and affirmations .................................................. 516 98AB Swearing of affidavits etc. ............................................. 517 98A Proceedings in absence of parties .................................. 518 100 Evidence of husbands and wives ................................... 519 100B Children swearing affidavits, being called as

witnesses or being present in court ................................ 520 101 Protection of witnesses .................................................. 520 102 Proof of birth, parentage, death or marriage .................. 520 102A Restrictions on examination of children ........................ 521 102B Assessors ....................................................................... 522

Division 2—Use of video link, audio link or other appropriate

means to give testimony, make appearances and

give submissions etc. 523 102C Testimony ...................................................................... 523 102D Appearance of persons .................................................. 524 102E Making of submissions .................................................. 524 102F Conditions for use of links ............................................ 525 102G Putting documents to a person ....................................... 527 102H Putting documents to a split court ................................. 528 102J Administration of oaths and affirmations ...................... 529 102K Expenses ........................................................................ 530 102L New Zealand proceedings ............................................. 530

Division 3—Split court 531 102M Determination that there is to be a split court ................ 531 102N Conditions for split court ............................................... 531


Family Law Act 1975 xxvii


Part XIA—Suppression and non-publication orders 533

Division 1—Preliminary 533 102P Definitions ..................................................................... 533 102PA Powers of a court not affected ....................................... 534 102PB Other laws not affected .................................................. 534 102PC Relationship with section 121 ....................................... 534

Division 2—Suppression and non-publication orders 535 102PD Safeguarding public interest in open justice .................. 535 102PE Power to make orders .................................................... 535 102PF Grounds for making an order ........................................ 535 102PG Procedure for making an order ...................................... 536 102PH Interim orders ................................................................ 537 102PI Duration of orders ......................................................... 537 102PJ Exception for court officials .......................................... 537 102PK Contravention of order .................................................. 538

Part XIB—Vexatious proceedings 539

Division 1—Preliminary 539 102Q Definitions ..................................................................... 539 102QA Powers of a court not affected ....................................... 540

Division 2—Vexatious proceedings orders 542 102QB Making vexatious proceedings orders ........................... 542 102QC Notification of vexatious proceedings orders ................ 543

Division 3—Particular consequences of vexatious proceedings

orders 544 102QD Proceedings in contravention of vexatious

proceedings order .......................................................... 544 102QE Application for leave to institute proceedings ............... 545 102QF Dismissing application for leave ................................... 545 102QG Granting application for leave ....................................... 546

Part XII—Recognition of decrees 547 103 Decrees under this Act .................................................. 547 104 Overseas decrees ........................................................... 547 104A Recognition in external Territories ................................ 550

Part XIII—Enforcement of decrees 552 105 Enforcement generally .................................................. 552


xxviii Family Law Act 1975


106 Maintenance orders—more than 12 months in

arrears ............................................................................ 552 106A Execution of instruments by order of court ................... 553 106B Transactions to defeat claims ........................................ 554 107 People not to be imprisoned for failure to comply

with certain orders ......................................................... 556 109 Inter-State enforcement of child bearing expenses

order .............................................................................. 556 109A Rules of Court relating to enforcement ......................... 557 109B Rules of Court relating to enforcement—Federal

Circuit Court .................................................................. 559

Part XIIIAA—International conventions, international

agreements and international enforcement 560

Division 1—International maintenance orders and agreements

etc. 560 110 Overseas enforcement of maintenance orders etc. ......... 560 110A Registration and enforcement in Australia of

overseas maintenance agreements etc. .......................... 563 110B Transmission of agreements etc. to overseas

jurisdictions ................................................................... 563 111 Convention on Recovery Abroad of Maintenance ......... 564 111A Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of

Decisions Relating to Maintenance Obligations ............ 564 111AA Maintenance obligations with New Zealand ................. 564 111AB Agreement between the Government of the United

States of America and the Government of

Australia for the enforcement of Maintenance

(Support) Obligations .................................................... 565

Division 2—International child abduction 566 111B Convention on the Civil Aspects of International

Child Abduction ............................................................ 566

Division 3—International agreements about adoption etc. 569 111C International agreements about adoption etc. ................ 569

Division 4—International protection of children 571

Subdivision A—Preliminary 571 111CA Definitions ..................................................................... 571 111CB Relationship between this Division and other

provisions ...................................................................... 574


Family Law Act 1975 xxix


Subdivision B—Jurisdiction for the person of a child 574 111CC Application of this Subdivision ..................................... 574 111CD Jurisdiction relating to the person of a child .................. 574 111CE Limitation when a child is wrongfully removed

from or retained outside a Convention country ............. 576 111CF Limitations when prior proceedings pending in a

Convention country ....................................................... 577 111CG If a court is asked to assume jurisdiction ....................... 578 111CH Limitation if a competent authority of a

Convention country is asked to assume jurisdiction ...... 579 111CI When a certain Commonwealth personal

protection measure lapses .............................................. 580

Subdivision C—Jurisdiction for decisions about a guardian of a

child’s property 581 111CJ Application of this Subdivision ..................................... 581 111CK Jurisdiction to appoint, or determine the powers of,

a guardian for a child’s property .................................... 582 111CL Limitation when a child is wrongfully removed

from or retained outside a Convention country ............. 583 111CM Limitations when prior proceedings pending in a

Convention country ....................................................... 584 111CN If a court is asked to assume jurisdiction ....................... 585 111CO Limitation if a competent authority of a

Convention country is asked to assume jurisdiction ...... 586 111CP When a certain Commonwealth property

protection measure lapses .............................................. 587

Subdivision D—Applicable law 588 111CQ Meaning of law.............................................................. 588 111CR Applicable law generally ............................................... 588 111CS Applicable law concerning parental responsibility ........ 589

Subdivision E—Recognition of foreign measures 591 111CT Effect of registered foreign measures ............................ 591

Subdivision F—Co-operation 591 111CU Obligation to obtain consent to place child ................... 591 111CV Obligation to inform competent authority about

serious danger to a child ................................................ 592 111CW Court proceedings dealing with whom a child

spends time with ............................................................ 593 111CX Jurisdiction for a location order or a

Commonwealth information order ................................ 593


xxx Family Law Act 1975


111CY Giving information to central authorities and

competent authorities in Convention countries ............. 594

Subdivision G—Regulations 594 111CZ Regulations to implement the Convention..................... 594

Division 5—Other matters 596 111D Regulations may provide for rules of evidence ............. 596

Part XIIIA—Sanctions for failure to comply with orders, and

other obligations, that do not affect children 597

Division 1—Interpretation 597 112AA Interpretation ................................................................. 597 112AB Meaning of contravene an order ................................... 598 112AC Meaning of reasonable excuse for contravening an

order .............................................................................. 599

Division 2—Sanctions for failure to comply with orders 600 112AD Sanctions for failure to comply with orders ................... 600 112AE Sentences of imprisonment............................................ 601 112AF Bonds ............................................................................ 602 112AG Additional sentencing alternatives ................................. 603 112AH Failure to comply with sentence passed, or order

made, pursuant to paragraph 112AD(2)(b) .................... 605 112AK Variation and discharge of orders .................................. 606 112AM Relationship between Division and other laws .............. 606 112AN Arrangements with States and Territories for

carrying out of sentences and orders ............................. 607 112AO Division does not limit operation of section 105 ........... 607

Part XIIIB—Contempt of court 608 112AP Contempt ....................................................................... 608

Part XIV—Declarations and injunctions 610 112A Interpretation ................................................................. 610 113 Proceedings for declarations .......................................... 610 114 Injunctions ..................................................................... 610 114AA Powers of arrest ............................................................. 612 114AB Operation of State and Territory laws ........................... 614

Part XIVA—The Australian Institute of Family Studies 615 114A Interpretation ................................................................. 615 114B Establishment of Institute .............................................. 615


Family Law Act 1975 xxxi


114C Minister may give directions to Director ....................... 616 114D Appointment of Director ............................................... 617 114E Term of appointment ..................................................... 617 114F Acting appointments...................................................... 617 114G Director’s remuneration ................................................ 617 114H Outside employment...................................................... 618 114J Leave of absence ........................................................... 618 114L Other terms and conditions ............................................ 618 114LA Resignation .................................................................... 618 114LB Termination of appointment .......................................... 618 114LD Delegation ..................................................................... 619 114M Staff ............................................................................... 619

Part XV—Miscellaneous 621 115 Family Law Council ...................................................... 621 116C Payments to legal practitioners by legal aid bodies ....... 622 117 Costs .............................................................................. 623 117AA Costs in proceedings relating to overseas

enforcement and international Conventions .................. 625 117AC Security for costs ........................................................... 626 117A Reparation for certain losses and expenses relating

to children...................................................................... 626 117B Interest on moneys ordered to be paid ........................... 627 117C Offers of settlement ....................................................... 628 118 Frivolous or vexatious proceedings ............................... 629 119 Married persons may sue each other ............................. 629 120 Criminal conversation, adultery and enticement ........... 629 121 Restriction on publication of court proceedings ............ 629 122 Rights of legal practitioners ........................................... 633 122AA Use of reasonable force in arresting persons ................. 633 122A Powers of entry and search for purposes of

arresting persons ............................................................ 634 122B Arrangements with States and Territories ..................... 634 123 Rules of Court ............................................................... 635 124 Rules Advisory Committee ........................................... 640 124A Regulations in relation to overseas-related

maintenance obligations etc. ......................................... 641 125 Regulations .................................................................... 642


xxxii Family Law Act 1975

Documents

Family Law Act 1975 - Shire of Augusta–Margaret River · This is a compilation of the Family Law Act 1975 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 May 2016 (the