Covid-19 and the Family Court

In recognition of the ongoing effects of Covid-19, the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court have expanded their national Covid-19 list.

Previously the list dealt primarily with parenting matters arising as a result of the pandemic.  In light of the recent phasing out of the coronavirus supplement payment, the types of matters that can be included in the specialist list now include property and financial matters, where a party is experiencing financial distress due to Covid 19 and requires urgent Court intervention.

The Covid-19 list can deal with parenting matters, including the suspension of parenting arrangements by a parent, or a family violence order, medical issues (including Covid-19 vaccinations), travel arrangements across borders, maintenance issues where due to Covid-19 restrictions or Covid-19 related employment impacting on parenting arrangements.  There must be a link to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the matter must be urgent.

If your matter is accepted into the Covid-19 list, you will be given a first return date before a National Registrar, Senior Registrar or a Judge within 3 business days of being considered by the National Registrar if assessed as urgent, or otherwise within 7 business days if priority but not urgent.

If you would like more information please contact us for a free 30 minute appointment.

By CE Family Law.