‘Dissolving a marriage or civil union’ is the legal term for divorce. The Family Court can end your marriage or civil union by making a Dissolution Order.
You can ask the Family Court to legally end your marriage or civil union if:
- you have been living apart for 2 years or more
- you have a final protection order in place against your spouse or civil union partner or you and your spouse or civil union partner each have a final protection order in place against each other
or
We understand that this can be a stressful time, so we will make the process as easy as possible for you.
Marriage Dissolution Joint application
Tell the Justice, when you make the appointment, that you are bringing dissolution papers.
Let the JP know if one or both of you are coming to the appointment.
Your documents must be printed single sided.
You will need:
- an ID document such as your passport or driver licence
- the application form FP13
- the affidavit FP14.
Do not sign this before you meet the Justice. - the information sheet G7, printed on yellow paper.
- your original Marriage Certificate and a copy.
- The ‘Particulars of Marriage’ form, that the celebrant gave you on your wedding day, is not a marriage certificate.
- a copy of your written separation agreement if you made one.
Marriage Dissolution where both parties have a protection order against each other
Tell the Justice, when you make the appointment, that you are bringing dissolution papers.
Let the JP know if one or both of you are coming to the appointment.
Your documents must be printed single sided.
You will need:
- an ID document such as your passport or driver licence
- the application form FP14C
- the affidavit FP14D.
Do not sign this before you meet the Justice. - the information sheet G7, printed on yellow paper.
- your original Marriage Certificate and a copy.
- The ‘Particulars of Marriage’ form, that the celebrant gave you on your wedding day, is not a marriage certificate.
- a copy of your protection order or orders. These must be final orders, or registered overseas protection orders.
Marriage Dissolution 1 party application
Tell the Justice, when you make the appointment, that you are bringing dissolution papers.
For a 1 party application, only the applicant comes to the appointment.
Your documents must be printed single sided.
You will need:
- an ID document such as your passport or driver licence
- the application form FP11
- the affidavit FP12.
Do not sign this before you meet the Justice. - the information sheet G7, printed on yellow paper.
- your original Marriage Certificate and a copy.
- a copy of your written separation agreement if you made one.
The ‘Particulars of Marriage’ form, that the celebrant gave you on your wedding day, is not a marriage certificate.
Marriage Dissolution where one party has a protection order against the other
Tell the Justice, when you make the appointment, that you are bringing dissolution papers.
For a 1 party application, only the applicant comes to the appointment.
Your documents must be printed single sided.
You will need:
- an ID document such as your passport or driver licence
- the application form FP14A
- the affidavit FP14B.
Do not sign this before you meet the Justice. - the information sheet G7, printed on yellow paper.
- your original Marriage Certificate and a copy.
- The ‘Particulars of Marriage’ form, that the celebrant gave you on your wedding day, is not a marriage certificate.
- a copy of your protection order. This must be a final order, or a registered overseas protection order.