We understand that navigating family law can feel overwhelming, so this resource page has been carefully developed to bring helpful articles, practical guides, and trusted external services in one place. Explore the links below to access valuable information, better understand your options, and find the support you need at every stage.
Websites
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia – Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s family law website provides information on family law matters, including divorce, parenting arrangements, financial and property disputes, and enforcement of orders. It offers resources for self-represented litigants, court forms, guidance on attending court, and links to support services to help families navigate the legal process.
Child Support Agency – Child Support Agency
The Services Australia page gives information about how separating from a partner affects payments and child support arrangements. It explains how child support works, options for managing and applying for child support, and links to help and resources for separated parents.
Child Support Estimator – Child Support Estimator
You can use this estimator service to calculate an estimate of your child support payments.
Family Relationships – Family Relationships
The Family Relationships website provides support and information for families on relationships, separation, parenting, counselling, and dispute resolution services.
Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) – Law Institute of Victoria
The Law Institute of Victoria website provides information and resources for Victorian legal practitioners and helps the public find legal services and support.
Legislation
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) – FAMILY LAW ACT 1975
Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 (Cth) – CHILD SUPPORT (ASSESSMENT) ACT 1989
Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) – FAMILY VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT 2008
Brochures
Children and International travel after family separation (Family Court of Australia brochure) – Children and international travel after family separation | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
This fact sheet provides guidance for people who want to apply for an Australian passport for a child, but one of the signatories cannot or will not sign the application form or to prevent a child they have parental responsibility for from leaving Australia.
Marriage, Families and Separation (Family Court of Australia brochure) – Marriage, families and separation (prescribed brochure) | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
This brochure offers guidance for people facing separation or divorce, explaining its social and legal impacts, the support services available through the Court and other agencies, and what to expect if court proceedings are involved.
Pre-action Procedure for Financial or Property Cases (Prescribed Brochure) – Before you file – pre-action procedure for financial or property cases (prescribed brochure) | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
This brochure provides information for people considering applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) for financial or property orders. In particular, it provides information about pre-action procedures, which are steps that must be taken before starting a case.
Duty of Disclosure – Duty of disclosure | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
This brochure provides information about the duty of disclosure responsibilities of parties in all cases, whether financial or property or parenting, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Priority Property Pool Cases – Preparing for the First Court Date Brochure – Priority Property Pool Cases – Preparing for the first court date | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
The Court uses a fast-tracked process for certain financial matters, called Priority Property Pool (PPP) Cases. The process aims to resolve matters quickly, cost-effectively, and with a focus on the safety of all parties. The brochure explains what to expect at court, the steps in the process, and the support services available.
Enforcement Hearings (Prescribed Brochure) – Enforcement hearings (prescribed brochure) | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
This brochure answers frequently asked questions about enforcement hearings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court). An enforcement hearing allows a person who is owed money (the payee) to obtain information about the financial circumstances of the person who owes the money (the payer).
Helplines and Support Contacts
Family & Domestic Violence Support Services
Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 806 292
Telephone crisis counselling for people who have experienced past or recent sexual assault.
Support for Women, Parents & Families
(WIRE) Women’s Information & Referral Exchange – 1300 134 130
Information, support and referrals for women, non-binary and gender diverse people on issues including family violence, financial abuse and housing.
Post & Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) – 1300 726 306
Mental health support for expecting new and growing families.
Maternal and Child Health Care Line – 13 22 29
24/7 access to a Maternal and Child Health nurse for families with children from birth to school age.
Child Protection
After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service – 13 12 78
State-wide after-hours emergency service for existing child protection clients who are at immediate risk and require urgent assistance.
Mental Health Support Services
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service.
SuicideLine Victoria – 1300 651 251
Free 24/7 professional phone and online counselling for Victorians.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
24/7 counselling support for men experiencing concerns relating to mental health, anger management, family violence, relationships, stress and wellbeing.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Phone and online counselling, mental health coaching, referrals and peer support.
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Free, confidential counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.
Headspace – 1800 650 890
Mental health support and services for young people.
Medical & Health Support Services
DirectLine – 1800 888 236
Confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service.
Nurse on Call – 1300 60 60 24
Free 24-hour health advice from registered nurses.