In an attempt to make the Family Court more user friendly, the Federal Government has plans to abolish the Federal Magistrates Court by 2010. Since its creation, the Federal Magistrates Court has handled over 70% of all Family Law matters in Australia.
The Family Law division of the Federal Magistrates Court is set to become part of the Family Court, while all general federal law matters will be heard by the Federal Court. The existing Family Law Court will essentially be split into two divisions, a general division and a higher/appellate division. The general division of the new Family Court will hear those Family Law matters that would have previously been heard by the Federal Magistrates Court. The changes are envisaged to save people time and money when utilising the Family Court system.
