Families and Marriage Publications

Australian Government response to recommendations contained in the statutory review of the ban on direct cross-examination of parties in cases involving family violence.

This 2021 report outlines the statutory review of the ban on direct cross-examination of parties in cases involving family violence. The report evaluates the effectiveness of the legislative provisions and contains recommendations for improving the legal representation scheme.

In late October 2021 we released a consultation paper on 'Improving the competency and accountability of family report writers' following recommendations from the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Joint Select Committee's review into the family law system. We received 96 submissions from stakeholders and have summarised the responses to the questions in the Consultation Paper in a summary report.

Minutes from the Family Law Council’s meeting held on 6-7 October 2022 in Cairns.

Minutes from the Family Law Council's meeting held on 20-21 June 2022 in Canberra.

This fact sheet outlines the appointment process and provides information for individuals considering becoming a litigation guardian.

Annual Report of the Family Law Council for the period of 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

The Family Law Council’s Terms of Reference outline the priority considerations for the council’s work agenda.

The Family Law Council provided the Attorney-General with a letter of advice on the establishment of a Children and Young People's Advisory Board.

The Family Law Council provided the Attorney-General with a letter of advice on the availability of adequate court facilities for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia's regional and rural circuits.

Minutes from the Family Law Council's meeting held on 9-10 February 2022 in Canberra.

The National Strategic Framework for Information Sharing between the Family Law and Family Violence and Child Protection Systems (National Framework) was endorsed by Attorneys-General on 12 November 2021.

This page contains the results of the recently survey of marriage celebrants and interested stakeholders about Ongoing Professional Development for marriage celebrants into the future.

This guide provides practical information and options to assist separating couples to proactively manage debts in the context of a relationship breakdown.

The purpose of the guidelines is to assist authorised celebrants understand the requirements for solemnising marriage under the Marriage Act.

A guide for separating couples about the options for resolving their property arrangements.

Each year we report on our performance. New reports are published as they become available.

Read this checklist before you apply to become a registered marriage celebrant. It contains details of how to apply, what you’ll need, how we assess your application and what to expect after submitting it.

Information on the minimum and maximum details required to be displayed on the register of marriage celebrants.

Form to be used by applicants wishing to apply to become a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant.