Sydney Federal Circuit and Family Court – Go To Court Lawyers Sydney

The Sydney Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA) is located at 97-99 Goulburn St in the heart of the Sydney CBD. It is housed in the Lionel Bowen Building, which is named after the former Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Labor Party stalwart. The court is open from 8:45am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

Family law

The FCFCA deals with all family law matters in New South Wales. This includes divorce, parenting matters, property matters and child support matters. The FCFCA also deals with family law appeals.

Parties to family law matters are required to undertake dispute resolution in an attempt to resolve their matter prior to commencing litigation. In exceptional cases, such as where there has been family violence, an exemption from this requirement will be granted.

Migration law

The Federal Circuit and Family Court also reviews decisions under the Migration Act 1958. The court reviews decisions made by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Department of Home Affairs, the Immigration Assessment Authority and the Administrative Appeal Tribunal.

Judicial review of immigration decisions occurs when a party argues that the original decision-maker made an error of law.

General federal law matters

The FCFCA also deals with general federal law matters. These include bankruptcy matters, human rights, industrial law, consumer law, admiralty law, intellectual property and administrative law.  

Two divisions

The FCFCA has two divisions.

Division 1 deals with most family law matters. It has 35 specialist judges nationwide who hear both trials and appeals.

Division 2 deals with the remainder of family law matters as well as with migration matters and general federal law matters. It has 76 judges nationwide, including 55 who are family law specialists and 21 who are experts in various areas of federal law and migration.

Getting to the Sydney Federal Circuit and Family Court

Situated on the corner of Goulburn and Castlereagh Streets, the Sydney Federal Circuit and Family Court is less than 300 metres from the Museum train station, and only a little more from the Central and Town Hall train stations. It also sits along a number of bus routes. If you prefer to drive, secure parking is available nearby either across the road from the courthouse in Goulburn St, or a block away in World Square.

Go To Court Lawyers Sydney has an office on the 17 floor of the Rialto Tower at number 327 Pitt Street, Sydney. For expert advice and strong representation, call our Sydney lawyers on 1300 636 846.