Family Law Branch
The Family Law Branch administers legislation, policy and programs that improve outcomes for families through a family law system that emphasises the best interests of the child and effectively responds to family violence.
The work of the Branch includes:
- providing legal and policy advice to the Attorney-General to help maintain the effective operation of the family law system (legislation governing family law is primarily set out in the Family Law ACT 1975, the Family Law Regulations 1984 and the Marriage Act 1961)
- managing the Government’s response to family violence and child protection
- managing policy on initiatives to strengthen the role of Family Relationship Centres and other family services to develop alternative ways of resolving disputes and making flexible parenting arrangements for families post separation
- processing and handling international family law cases relating to adoption, abduction, access, custody, maintenance and protection, including the role of the Central Authority, which is responsible for ensuring that Australia’s responsibilities under a number of international family law conventions and treaties are met
- managing policy related to family dispute resolution including the accreditation of family dispute resolution practitioners, and
- providing secretariat support to the Family Law Council.
The Branch is divided into six sections:
- Policy and Legislation Section
- International Family Law Section
- Family Law System Integration Section
- Family Dispute Resolution Policy Section
- Family Law Unit
- Legislation Project Team