Home Family Law Court Processes Time Limits in Family Law Matters

Time Limits in Family Law Matters

Michelle Makela

Time Limits in Family Law Matters

Like in all legal actions, time limits apply in family law matters. These time limits affect the time frame you have to bring an action in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA). You can find these time limits set out in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). A party will be prevented from starting a claim once the time limit for doing so has expired. Different time limits apply depending on whether parties were married or if they were in a de facto relationship. This page deals with time limits in family law matters.

Property settlements

An application for a property settlement can be made to the FCFCA.

When parties have been married they have one year after their divorce is finalised to bring an application for a property settlement. If the parties were in a de facto relationship, they have two years to bring an application for property settlement.

An application can only be made outside these time limits if you have been granted the permission from the court (called ‘granted leave’). You must be able to prove that hardship would be caused if you are prevented from making a claim outside of the time limit.

Hardship

The courts have concluded that hardship requires demonstrating more than just a loss. It must be that the applicant has a case worth pursuing and a real chance of succeeding in that case. To be successful in obtaining an extension of time you must also be able to show the reasons for not being able to make the application before the time limit expired.

Whilst parties have either one or two years to make a property settlement, they should start the process as soon as possible. Particularly when the value of the property is likely to change.

Spousal maintenance

Spousal maintenance is a form of financial support provided to a spouse or former spouse to assist them in meeting their reasonable expenses.

An application for spousal maintenance can be made by parties to a marriage or de facto relationship in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

If the parties were married, an application must be made within 12 months after the divorce is finalised. If the couple were in a de facto relationship, then an application must be made within two years of the breakdown of the relationship.

Divorce proceedings

In marriage cases, the parties must wait 12 months from the date of separation before they can apply for a divorce. Applications for divorce should be made to the FCFCA.

The couple must satisfy the court that there is no likelihood of the parties resuming the relationship and that they have lived separately and apart for at least 12 months.

Living separately and apart under the same roof

If parties have separated but still live in the same house they can still be classified as being separated. In this instance, the court will make a determination as to whether the couple is separated taking into account the particular circumstances. These include the following:

The financial situation of the parties, such as if one person is supporting the other financially;
The nature of the household;
The social aspects of the relationship;
Presence of a sexual relationship; and
The nature of the commitment between the parties.

The particular circumstances are usually demonstrated through affidavits supplied to the court by the parties when they make the application for divorce.

Appeals

An appeal of a Federal Circuit and Family Court decision must be made within 28 days of the order being made. If a party wants to appeal a decision, they must file a Notice of Appeal and a copy of the order accompanied by the filing fee.

Once an application for an appeal has been served on the other party, they have 14 days to file a Response to an Application to Appeal.

A party may apply for an extension of time by filing an application in an appeal with an affidavit. The court will consider the following in determining an application for an extension of time:

The length of delay;
The reasons for the delay;
Any disadvantage it has caused the other party;
The merits of the proposed appeal; and
The overall justice of the case.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.

Michelle Makela

National Practice Manager

Michelle Makela is a Legal Practice Director at Go To Court Lawyers. She holds a Juris Doctor, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Master of Criminology. She was admitted to practice in 2006. Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning.

Home Family Law Court Processes Time Limits in Family Law Matters

Michelle Makela

National Practice Manager

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Michelle Makela

Time Limits in Family Law Matters

Property settlements

Hardship

Spousal maintenance

Divorce proceedings

Living separately and apart under the same roof

Appeals

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