Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Federal judge ‘led into error’ was wrong to make lawyer pay up, court rules

A principal solicitor has overturned a personal costs order for a thrown-away case management hearing after his...

23 September 2026

By Naomi Neilson

Law Council encourages need for family system reform

The Law Council of Australia has called for children’s best interests to remain the focus of family law reform, along...

17 September 2026

By Matthew Taylor

High Court rejects bid to revive damages claim against negligent lawyers

The High Court refused to revisit a failed damages claim arising from negligent legal advice on a pre-marriage...

14 September 2026

By Naomi Neilson

LPP breach forces judge into ‘difficult position’

An employment dispute already marred by its “unfortunate history”, which includes tension with the solicitors for...

07 September 2026

By Naomi Neilson

Family law: The order nobody makes

Rule 12.15 would fix family law costs overnight. Ask when you last saw one, writes Dr John Cronin.

31 August 2026

By Dr John Cronin

FCFCOA welcomes 3 new judges

Three new judges have been appointed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, strengthening the court’s...

27 July 2026

By Grace Robbie

Disability legal centre dragged to court over explosive discrimination claim

The Australian Centre for Disability Law has been taken to court over explosive allegations of disability...

02 July 2026

By Grace Robbie

Federal judge refers SA lawyer to disciplinary board

The conduct of a South Australian practitioner will be investigated by the regulator following concerns from the...

12 June 2026

By Naomi Neilson

FCFCOA migration hub brings justice into community

A purpose-built migration hub in Western Sydney brings “key services directly into the community”, Federal Circuit...

27 May 2026

By Naomi Neilson

No-show solicitor frustrates senior judge by leaving colleague to take responsibility

In addition to his failure to appear in court on behalf of the immigration minister or secure a substitute, the...

30 March 2026

By Naomi Neilson

‘Cavalier’ barrister to be penalised for ‘blatant disregard, disrespect’ to court

In finding him guilty of professional misconduct for his behaviour in family law proceedings, an NSW tribunal was...

25 February 2026

By Naomi Neilson

‘Inappropriate’: Court slates solicitor for costs application failure

A solicitor has been criticised for a “clearly inadequate” costs application, which included the...

14 January 2026

By Naomi Neilson

4 judges appointed to Federal Circuit and Family Court

The Albanese government has appointed four new judges to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division...

12 January 2026

By Jerome Doraisamy

Solicitor, 2 counsel referred to regulator for AI use

A South Australian solicitor and two Victoria-based counsel have been referred to their respective legal regulators for...

04 December 2025

By Naomi Neilson

Leo the dog sworn in at Brisbane FCFCOA registry

A new court dog, Leo, has joined the Brisbane registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) to...

20 October 2025

By Jerome Doraisamy

‘Whoop-de-do’: Court says federal judge made inappropriate comments

A federal court judge made several inappropriate comments during her questioning of a party, including...

01 October 2025

By Naomi Neilson

‘Incredibly gratifying’: Judge reflects on path from registrar to bench

Looking back at her rise from senior judicial registrar to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s bench,...

24 September 2025

By Naomi Neilson

A-G names 6 new judges, new deputy Commonwealth ombudsman

The Albanese government has appointed six new judges to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2),...

18 September 2025

By Jerome Doraisamy

Trainee lawyer bankrupts following dust-up with former workplace

A lawyer’s efforts to derail bankruptcy proceedings brought by his former workplace have fallen apart, including an...

09 September 2025

By Naomi Neilson

‘Rude’ emails have no place in family law, tribunal says

In defending himself against an allegation he sent an inappropriate and rude email to an opposing solicitor, a...

27 August 2025

By Naomi Neilson