Applying to the court
Forms & next steps
When you're ready to apply for parenting orders, here's the path and the official forms. We link you straight to the court — always download the current version from fcfcoa.gov.au.
Not legal advice.This site provides general information and self-help tools only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Always seek independent legal advice about your own situation.
The filing checklist
- 1
Attempt family dispute resolution (FDR)
Genuinely try mediation and obtain a section 60I certificate — unless an exception applies (family violence, urgency, and others).
- 2
Complete the pre-action procedures
Take genuine steps to resolve, give written notice of your intention to start a case, and comply with your duty of disclosure.
- 3
Prepare your documents
Your Initiating Application, affidavit, Parenting Questionnaire, and a risk notice if relevant. Build a draft affidavit here first.
- 4
Have a lawyer review everything
Before filing, get a family lawyer to check your application and affidavit — including that it is within the page/annexure limits for your Division.
- 5
File and pay the fee
File electronically through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. Filing fees apply — you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption.
- 6
Serve the other party
Serve your filed documents on the other parent according to the court rules, and complete proof of service.
- 7
Attend your first court date
The Court will manage the case from there — this may include interim hearings, further dispute resolution, an ICL, and a family report.
The official forms
Initiating Application (Family Law)
Starts a parenting case. Sets out the interim and final orders you are asking the Court to make.
Open on fcfcoa.gov.au →Affidavit (Family Law)
Your written, sworn evidence — filed with your application, especially for interim orders.
Open on fcfcoa.gov.au →Parenting Questionnaire
Usually filed with a parenting application to give the Court key information about the children.
Open on fcfcoa.gov.au →Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk
Required where there are allegations or risks of child abuse or family violence.
Open on fcfcoa.gov.au →Application for Consent Orders
If you have reached agreement and want the Court to make it into enforceable orders (no hearing).
Open on fcfcoa.gov.au →File online — Commonwealth Courts Portal
Register and lodge your documents electronically. →
Court fees & exemptions
Current filing fees, and when a reduction or exemption may apply. →
Build your draft affidavit here first, then take it — and your application — to a family lawyer to review before you file.