The By Lawyers Family Law author has reviewed the Divorce publication covering commentary, matter plan and precedents.
Commentary updates include the following additions:
- Application without marriage certificate – If the parties do not have a copy of the marriage certificate, an application should be made at the relevant state Births, Deaths and Marriages. In the case of an overseas marriage, if a copy of the marriage certificate cannot be obtained, the applicant may be able to file an affidavit pursuant to r 25.01(3) of the Federal Circuit Court Rules addressing the reasons for the failure to file the marriage certificate.
- Appealing a divorce order – In Price & Underwood (Divorce Appeal) [2009] FamCAFC 127, the Full Court addressed the issue of whether an appeal may be filed after a divorce order has taken effect. The court was split on the issue, with Boland and Ryan JJ finding that s 93 of the Family Law Act is clear and unambiguous – no appeal lies from a divorce order which has become final. Where a divorce order which has become final the only relief available is a declaration under s 113 that the divorce order is void. May J took the view that a divorce order could be subject to an appeal even if it is of effect, on the basis of a miscarriage of justice.
As there have not been any changes in terms of significant case law or legislative changes in the last 12 months, no changes were made to precedents or the matter plan.