This is national law, so it applies across Australia. Some services listed here are in Victoria. For services in your state or territory, see Help in other states.
What you need to know
When a relationship ends, you may need to sort out where the children live, money and property, and sometimes a divorce. Family law in Australia is mostly federal law, and cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
We help parents and people separating anywhere in Australia who cannot afford a lawyer and cannot get legal aid. Your first appointment is free if you are eligible. If you or your children are in danger, call 000.
- The court's main focus in parenting cases is the child's best interests, starting with safety.
- Since 6 May 2024 there is no presumption of equal shared parental responsibility.
- In most parenting cases you must try family dispute resolution and get a section 60I certificate before going to court.
- Property claims must be made within 12 months after a divorce is final, or 2 years after a de facto relationship ends.
- Since 10 June 2025, the effect of family violence, including economic abuse, is part of how property is divided.
- You can apply for a divorce after 12 months and 1 day of separation, even if you lived under one roof.
- Child support is worked out by Services Australia. You have 28 days to object to a decision.
How we can help
- Advice for parents who have been kept from seeing their children
- Advice for parents responding to allegations in family law proceedings
- Help preparing for family dispute resolution
- Help drafting and checking consent orders and parenting plans
- Help preparing court forms and affidavits for the Federal Circuit and Family Court
- Support for self-represented parents preparing for court hearings
- Advice on divorce, property time limits and child support decisions
- Representation in court where we have capacity
Guides
- Separating with children: where to startYou do not need a court order to separate, and you do not need to go to court to make arrangements for your children.
- Parenting orders: what they are and how to get oneA parenting order is a court order about children, such as who they live with, the time they spend with each parent, and who makes big decisions.
- I have not seen my child for months. What can I do?Start by trying to sort it out without court: a calm message, help from the Family Relationship Advice Line, or family dispute resolution.
- Going to family dispute resolution (mediation)Family dispute resolution is a meeting where a neutral, accredited practitioner helps you and the other parent try to agree about the children, and sometimes about money.
- Getting divorced in AustraliaTo get a divorce, you must show the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable chance you will get back together.
- Dividing property after separationYou can divide property by agreement or ask the court to decide.
- Child support: how it worksChild support is money paid by one parent to help with the costs of raising a child.
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Where this information comes from
These are public sources we used to write the guides on this page. They are general information, not legal advice about your situation.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Apply parenting orders
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Apply consent orders
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Family dispute resolution
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Apply
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Apply property and financial orders
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Legislation changes
- Services Australia Objections to child support decisions
- Federal Register of Legislation Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)