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FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA
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PCs at the registries – are they obvious enough?
Follow up information sessions to ensure the understanding of what is
happening and what happens next, these could also include speakers from
the general community who have experienced the court. It should include
a walk through a court to familiarise themselves with the courtroom before
the final hearing.
An SRL found the counter staff good but everything else went down hill.
Inconsistency is the issue. Shock to receive application, went to legal aid
for advice, referred there by Relationship Australia (RA). Told to go to a
lawyer but this was not what he wanted. Had to respond to wife’s
application. Perception that lawyers cost a lot and you don’t get much for
it. Not eligible for legal aid because of value of assets.
There is a lot of information on the Internet, FCoA website has been found
valuable. Also some positive comments made about Australian Law on-line.
Succinct and clear affidavits are essential.
Information session felt useless. Video was not impressive. Spent some
time with presenter afterwards with specific questions and got more help
that way. Information session would be better if it had a question and
answer section.
■ Problems occur up front with filing the right forms – trouble with F16.
Pamphlets did not help with F16. It only made sense in hindsight.
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Website was found to be good.
Caution about too much reliance on the Internet.
Need a breakdown of the procedure – if you are filing for divorce, then… this.
One SRL said he found out late of a requirement to type forms (this was
explained as not a requirement). Some misinformation about on this.
Formatting requirements not sensible.
One SRL received an application at 6 am to appear 2 days later.
There was a comment that the FCoA is not expected to do everything but
information provided now needs to be elaborated and simplified to make it
understood by anyone. Needs to be broken down more into
comprehendible chunks. There are too many pamphlets.
Disadvantage strongest for people without education. Should get
information about what to do when you receive an Apprehended Violence
Order (AVO). Need a neutral place for access to this information, e.g.
Centrelink as an outlet.
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