PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE UPDATE: SIGNIFICANT REVISIONS TO COURT FORMS
Updated provided 23 April 2024
From 6 May 2024, the Courts are rolling out amended forms in response to the implementation of the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and the Family Law (Information Sharing) Act 2023. These changes encompass structural modifications, addition of new inquiries, and updates to legislative references.
Key Highlights:
Some forms feature new inquiries or revised structures, while others undergo minor updates to legislation references or instructional language.
Certain forms necessitate immediate transition by May 3, 2024, without a grace period. These include Annexure to Proposed Consent Parenting Order (Current Case), Application – Contravention, Application – Enforcement, and Application for Consent Orders if parenting orders are sought.
All other amended forms have a grace period until June 7, 2024.
Applications for Consent Orders filed before May 6, 2024, will be subject to the new laws if considered after that date.
Enhancements encompass structural adjustments, elimination of gendered language, and modifications to align with new legal concepts.
Affected Forms:
Various forms like Annexure to Proposed Consent Parenting Order, Application – Contravention, Application ‒ Enforcement, etc., have received updates with new version numbers and specific alterations outlined.
Non-Family Law Act related forms such as Bankruptcy – Apprehension Warrant, Notice of Address for Service, etc., have also undergone minor revisions.
A full list of the affected forms can be found here.
In Summary:
The changes aim to reflect amendments in the Family Law Act and update outdated instructions or language.
New forms should be utilised for filings after May 3, 2024, with a grace period until June 7, 2024, for most forms.
Forms can be accessed through provided hyperlinks and will be available on the Forms page post the specified date.
These updates ensure alignment with recent legislative changes and streamline court procedures for family law practitioners and involved parties.
