Family Law Jurisdictions Where does your matter stand

Family Law Jurisdictions Where does your matter stand in the Court Hierarchy?

Jurisdiction? • This is the power the Courts use to hear your subject matter • Authorised under a Statute • Original Jurisdiction – can hear the matter • Appellate Jurisdiction – can review another Court’s decision on the matter via an appeal

Court Hierarchy: Jurisdictions and Avenues of Appeal High Court (Appeals only) Federal Jurisdiction (Full) Federal Court of Australia Appeal State Jurisdiction Appeal Full Court of Family Court (Appeals only ) Appeal AAT: - Merits review of decisions Revoking DPO Issuing DAC Security for returning Australia Family Court of Australia: - Validity and nullity of marriage Complex family law Overseas maintenance Child abduction Authorise marriage Legitimacy of marriage Associated and accrued jurisdiction Appeal Federal Circuit Court: Appeal SSAT: - Review of decision made by Child Support Agency - Less complex family law Divorce (not nullity or validity) Maintenance of children Parenting Financial Enforcement and injunctions Family Court of WA - State court with federal jurisdiction Same as Family Court of Aus + non-federal jurisdiction Appeal Supreme Court - De facto property and maintenance Family provision Adoption Welfare inheritance/Wills Appeal Via District Court Children’s Court - Care and protection of children and young persons