Glossary

a psychologist and/or social worker who specialises in children and family issues that may occur after separation.

counselling provided to a couple (and their children) to deal with issues regarding the relationship and issues resulting from a separation.

a process whereby a family dispute resolution practitioner assists people to resolve some or all of their disputes with each other following separation.

the law in Australia which covers family law matters.

a public area at a Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia where people can obtain information about the court and its processes and where parties file documents in relation to their case.

a list held by the Australian Federal Police to stop a person taking a child out of Australia. Also known as the “Airport Watch List”.

services funded by the Federal Government to provide information, advice and dispute resolution to help separated couples reach agreement without going to court.

a written assessment of a family by a family consultant. A family report is prepared to assist the court in making decisions in a case about children.

Domestic and family violence occurs when someone tries to control their partner or other family members in ways that intimidate or oppress them. Controlling behaviours can include threats, humiliation, emotional abuse, physical assault, sexual abuse, financial exploitation and social isolation, such as not allowing contact with family or friends.

the process of lodging a document at a family law registry for placing on the court file.

an order made by a court that brings the case to a close.

controlling a person’s ability to get, use or save money and other financial resources. A type of family violence.

contributions by a person in a relationship to the acquisition, conservation and improvement of any property of the parties.

is a document filed with the court that provides a summary of the financial details of the party. This includes information about income, expenditure, assets, liabilities and superannuation. A Financial Statement is required for any case where an order for spousal maintenance is sought.

a decision made by a court about a matter in dispute between the parties after considering the evidence.

an application that is started with no reasonable prospect of success. A frivolous application is an application that is not serious. A vexatious application may be an application that was started to annoy or embarrass the other party.