Changes to the family proceedings rules

The family court rules which govern the court process and procedures for family law cases were amended in April 2025.

There is now an expectation that people consider using a Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) process before they make an application to the court and also consider this throughout any court case, providing it is safe for them to do so.

NCDR includes mediation, arbitration, evaluation by a neutral third party and the use of a collaborative approach.

These rules impact all those considering going to the Family Court to make an application. The court has the power to make a cost order against someone who has not engaged with a NCDR process. The Judge can also direct people into mediation.