On 3 June 2022, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia announced the introduction of the Family Law Critical Incident List.
The Court has established a fast-tracked process to help families who need to make appropriate arrangements for children where no parent is available as a result of death, critical injury, or incarceration relating to family violence.
A Media Release published on the Court website stated that:
“The Courts’ Family Violence Committee has worked with the Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group (QHVSG) to establish a way for people to have faster access to listing dates before the Court in circumstances where no parent is available to care for the child or children as a result of death (including homicide or suicide), critical injury, or incarceration relating to a family violence incident.
Court orders are often needed during these times of crisis. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can make orders about where children live, as well as orders for parental responsibility which will enable non-parent carers to make appropriate arrangements for children, including enrolling children in school and organising and consenting to medical treatment………It is a progressive and trauma informed process, which will assist in establishing genuine support and greater certainty for children, in the most abhorrent of circumstances.”
To read the full press release please click the link below:
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/media-releases/mr030622
If you or anyone you know may benefit from the Critical Incident List, please contact our experienced Family Law team on (03) 9614 7111.