Family Law Courts cut red tape for bushfire, flood victims

The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia will waive the normal fees for supplying copies of court documents to people who have lost records during the recent natural disasters in Victoria and Queensland.

“Court orders, documents and divorce certificates are vital records and lives already in turmoil can be further disrupted when the lost documents are required.

“The Family Law Courts will replace lost Court documents without charge for those affected by fire or flood.

“As people will often have lost proof of identity as well, the Courts will follow Centrelink’s lead in this regard and apply the same tests.

“No one will be refused assistance in circumstances where it is entirely reasonable that he or she will lack normal means of identification”, the CEO, Richard Foster, said.

All correspondence from the Courts to self represented litigants will include a broadsheet with information about measures in place to overcome difficulties associated with lost documents. They will be advised that changed circumstances of one party may affect the applications and responses of the opposing party. The Family Law Courts website www.familylawcourts.gov.au has information in the “What’s New?” section on replacing lost documents and the National Enquiry Centre, 1300 352 000, will answer any queries.

Source: Family Law Courts Media Release