These Directions have the status of law and assist with the conduct of proceedings before the Family Court of Australia
The following Practice Directions are revoked:
The following Practice Direction will take effect as and from 29 March 2004.
The Case Management Directions immediately following have the status of Practice Direction 3 of 2004 and come into effect on 29 March 2004. They are intended to inform those who use the Court and their lawyers how the Court's case management system works, the arrangements which regulate the progression of cases and events which go to make up that progression. The key obligations of parties to proceedings are dealt with in the Rules. These directions are to be read in conjunction with the Family Law Rules 2004 (the Rules).
Within the context of these directions individual cases will be dealt with on their facts. Where there is good reason, the Court may permit departure from the directions. In considering whether departure from the directions is appropriate and, having regard to the main purpose of the Rules, the Court should not only give consideration to the effect on individual cases but also on other cases awaiting trial and the resources available.
Practice Direction 2004/3, 24 March 2002, issued by the Hon. Chief
Justice Alastair Nicholson AO RFD