Greater Brisbane is one of the most popular urban localities in Australia, with over 833,399 households present in the area. As of 2016, the Census of Population and Housing shows that the area hosts the most one-parent families, as compared to the greater capital, with the total number being over 91,819. Research suggests that over two-fifths of couples, in the process of separation, turn to the legal system and Family Dispute Resolution when settling their property and child custody matters. It is to avoid other legal alternatives that can be more expensive, stressful and acrimonious. Following the Family Law in Brisbane Northside during disputes can seem confusing and tedious during such difficult times. The article answers some questions to help readers get a better understanding about the Family Law System in Australia.
What Is the Family Law System Followed in Brisbane Northside?
The Family Law System followed in Brisbane for marriages, and de facto relationships are similar to the law followed in most of Australia. These are mainly federal laws, which include:
- The Marriage Act of 1961 relating to the issues regarding marriage
- The Family Law Act of 1975, covering a broad range of issues arising after marriages break down and de facto relationships. These include division of property, finances and parenting arrangements.
- The Child Support Registration and Collection Act of 1988 and the Child Support Assessment Act of 1989 deal with the financial support that separated families provide to their children.
What Is the Purpose of Family Law?
Family Law in Brisbane Northside is present to help the citizens resolve legal issues relating to dissolution of marriages, property disputes, child custody, domestic violence, spousal support, adoption, parental child abduction, mediation, financial agreements, fixed fee consent orders and court representation. The courts encourage private agreements and resolutions regarding these matters. However, during unfavourable circumstances, the judge or the magistrate create a binding law and verdict that both parties must follow. If they breach the court order, then they may be prosecuted based on the circumstances.
Which Courts Deal with Family Laws?
Before September 2021, two courts dealt with family laws i.e, the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia. Since then, the two family courts merged to become the FCFCA or the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. It now deals with all family law-related matters.
How Do Courts Address Family Law Issues?
The Family Law in Brisbane promotes frameworks that make it easy for people to resolve their issues and encourage them to reach their agreements that arise after separation. When the two parties cannot reach an agreement mutually, the courts set out principles and rules to determine the issues and reach a resolution. Regarding parenting matters, they conclude in favour of the children, keeping their best interests. Regarding financial and property matters, courts follow a five-step process to prioritise fairness and justice, above all. Divorces require 12 months of separation and an irretrievable breakdown of a marriage.
Our Family Law Cases Confidential?
Generally, family law cases are confidential to protect the privacy of both parties involved. It also prevents unnecessary stress, rumours, drifts and breaches during already stressful times. After finalising a case, the court indexes it and restricts public access for up to 100 years. Section 121 of the Family Law Act of 1975 protects the court proceedings from being published for the public. However, the important decisions made by the family court to showcase the legal profession, some cases are published using aliases.
