Changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to commence 6 May 2024

14/02/2024

At this time, the changes only apply to cases concerning children whose parents were, or are, married, and will apply to all new and existing matters from 6 May 2024, except where a final hearing/trial has already commenced.

The Act has been amended to include changes to the factors that the court needs to consider in making orders to ensure that the best interests of children are met, including ensuring their safety.

The amendments also include a new section that sets out when a final parenting order can be reconsidered by a court.

The way the courts enforce child-related orders has been changed, in particular to make the consequences of non-compliance with parenting orders clearer and the provisions easier for the courts to apply.

There are also changes relating to how Independent Children's Lawyers engage with children, and courts will have the power to make harmful proceedings orders, if satisfied that further proceedings would be harmful to the respondent.

There is further information for parents on all of the changes on the Attorney-General's Department website.