A Family Law dispute has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, what can I do?
The Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia have now established a COVID-19 List to give urgent attention to Family Law disputes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This means that your matter will be prioritised and heard by a Judge within 72 hours of being assessed as “eligible”.
Am I eligible for the COVID-19 List?
You will be eligible for the COVID-19 List if:
- Your dispute has arisen as a direct result of COVID-19;
- Your matter is urgent;
- If safe to do so, reasonable attempts have been made to resolve the issue, but were unsuccessful; and
- Your matter must be capable of being dealt with by electronic via video-link or telephone.
Examples of matters that may be suitable for the COVID-19 List
- Supervised contact: your current parenting arrangements involve supervised contact, and the contact centre is closed or the supervisor is unable to perform their role, and you cannot agree on an alternative arrangement.
- Border restrictions: you live in different States or Territories and the child cannot travel between your residences due to border restrictions.
- Medical: someone in your family has tested positive for COVID-19 and cannot fulfil their parenting obligations due to sickness or concerns of infection.
- Family violence: there has been an increase in risk of family violence as a result of the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What happens next?
If you believe any of the above applies to you or you have a general family law enquiry, please contact a member of our Family Law Team so we can assist you in understanding the most appropriate options for you and your family.
RNG Lawyers appreciate that the COVID-19 pandemic is extremely hard on families and we remain open and here to support you.