Family Law Proceedings and COVID-19

The Courts are implementing measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of all families, practitioners, court staff and judges during this time. As a result the following measures have been implemented:

1. The Courts will be prioritising urgent matters, including cases involving high levels of family violence and serious allegations of child abuse.
2. If your matter is urgent and listed for a duty list, mention, direction or interim hearing, the Court will require you or your legal practitioner to be available by telephone.
3. If your matter is not urgent and listed for a duty list, mention, direction or interim hearing, your matter may be adjourned for a period of time or you may be directed to undertake alternative dispute resolution.
4. You may request a face-to-face hearing. If your matter is listed for an interim hearing, you will only appear before the Court for 30 minutes. If your matter is listed for a final hearing, your matter will be listed for 1.5 hours or less. Only 8 people will be permitted in the Courtroom at any time.
5. If your matter is listed for final hearing and is urgent, your matter will proceed and the Court will determine whether the matter can proceed by telephone.

These directions are guidelines only and may change as the current situation unfolds. You can read further on the measures being implemented by the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia here.

We understand that these are difficult times for all families. Robinson Gill remain committed to assisting the needs of families during this time. If you require assistance or advice please contact one of our family law practitioners.