The Family Law Practice elective is designed for students who anticipate undertaking family law work as a legal practitioner. During the course students will ‘meet’ two family law clients by watching video recordings of the client’s initial interview with an experienced family lawyer. One of these clients will be seeking representation in relation to the resolution of a dispute about a property settlement arising after the breakdown of a marital or defacto relationship. The other client will be seeking representation in relation to a dispute about the care of a child or children. Through work on these client’s files, students will develop the following skills and attributes, which are of critical importance in the work of family lawyers:
- Drafting of court documents, including orders;
- Letter writing;
- Consideration of dispute resolution processes; and
- Consideration of mandated ‘pre-action procedures’.
Previous study of family law in an LLB and JD program is not a pre-requisite for enrolment in, or completion of, Family Law Practice, although the course will be more challenging for students if they have not studied family law in the past.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex substantive law and client instructions in relation to a child related dispute, in order to: a) form an opinion as to, and discuss, the most appropriate dispute resolution processes; and b) determine, and discuss, the actions required to comply with mandated pre-action procedures.
- Interpret and transmit knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences in order to: a) document, in accordance with law and good practice, the result of a resolution process in relation to a matter concerning property;b) identify and explain to a client the revenue implications of the proposed settlement;c) inform the client of all the relevant available options in a way that a reasonable client could understand; andd) provide constructive feedback to student peers.
- Demonstrate and apply the knowledge, skills and values required to achieve the relevant ‘Competency Standards for Entry Level Lawyers’ for Family Law Practice as determined by the Law Admissions Consultative Council.
Indicative Assessment
- Students are required to research and draft documentation in relation to a contested children’s case, draft documentation to formalise a property agreement including writing a letter of advice to a client, represent the client at an interim hearing, reflect on issues arising in family law practice and create and implement a time management system. (null) [LO 1,2,3]
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Workload
There are no set contact hours. Students should expect to spend about 10 - 15 hours per week in reading and course related tasks to complete the course.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Prescribed texts are available online and are advised to students through the course website in WATTLE.
Preliminary Reading
The reading list includes sections of the Family Law Act, Family Law Rules, the Federal Magistrates Court Rules and Family Law Practice Commentary.
Assumed Knowledge
The course is designed for law graduates intending to proceed into legal practice. Previous study or knowledge of family law is not required.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $1260 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $1648 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3537 | 03 May 2021 | 14 May 2021 | 14 May 2021 | 11 Jun 2021 | Online | View |
