The Family Court

The Family Court funds counselling for couples who want help to sort out their problems, and for parents or guardians wanting help regarding the care of children.

Who is eligible?

Separated parents and guardians are eligible for Family Court counselling.

All couples are eligible for Family Court counselling whether:

• you are married, in a civil union, in a de-facto relationship
  
• you are a heterosexual or same-sex couple
  
• you are living together or separated

What can we use the counselling for?

Couples can use Family Court counselling for things such as:

• sorting out problems so you can have a better relationship
  
• making a decision whether or not to separate
  
• working out how to separate well

Parents and guardians can use Family Court counselling for things such as:

• working out an agreement for arrangements for the care of children
  
• help to renegotiate existing arrangements for the care of children
  
• sort out an application for a parenting order
  
• arrangements in a parenting order are not being complied with
  
• help to reach agreement on important things in a child’s life eg. schools, language, religion

How much will the counselling cost us?

The Family Court fully funds the counselling so your sessions will be free.

How many sessions can we have?

The Family Court will pay for a maximum of six counselling sessions in each 12 month period.

Can I see any counsellor?

This funding is only available for counsellors registered by The Family Court. The Court Co-ordinator at your local Family Court will have a list of who is available in your area.

How do I apply for Family Court counselling?

You need to fill out a Request for Counselling Form and send it to your nearest Family Court. The Family Court Co-ordinator or a Family Court registered counsellor can send you the forms, or you can download them from The Family Court website (see below). If you know which Court registered counsellor you want, you can ask for them on the form. When your request has been processed by the Court Co-ordinator you will be contacted by the counsellor to arrange a time to meet.

The Family Court Website

The Family Court website has useful information on everything related to relationships, families, and the law.


To download a "Request for Counselling" form
» click here for the counselling page of the Family Court website
when you get to the website go to the section "How do you arrange counselling?"
then click on the link to download the forms


To find your nearest Family Court
» click here for the contact details of Family Courts nationwide