Author: Carol Pages, Pages Family Law.
If you are involved in a parenting dispute after separation, the Court may order a family report to help assess what arrangements are in the best interests of your children. Understanding the types of reports, how they are prepared, and how they are used can help you feel more confident and prepared for the process.
What is included in a family report?
There are different kinds of reports in family law proceedings, and it’s important to understand the differences.
Child Impact Report (or Short Form Report):
Usually ordered at the early stage of a matter, often at your first Court hearing. It provides an initial assessment of the issues in dispute, such as how much time children spend with each parent. (Please see our earlier article about your first Court hearing What to Expect at Your First Divorce Hearing in Australia?)
Family Report:
A comprehensive assessment, generally ordered later in proceedings when the matter is approaching a final hearing. It considers the long-term arrangements for the children after other interim issues have been addressed and mediation attempts have not resolved the matter.
Both reports are prepared by independent experts, such as psychologists or social workers, accredited by the Court to provide professional opinions in parenting matters.
The Court brochure about frequently asked questions also provides some further helpful information Family Reports FAQs | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Key Differences Between Reports
- ● Timing:
- ▪︎ Child Impact Reports are usually prepared before interim hearings.
- ▪︎ Family Reports are typically ordered before a final hearing.
- ● Detail:
- ▪︎ Child Impact Reports provide a snapshot of the situation.
- ▪︎ Family Reports are more detailed and consider broader, long-term parenting arrangements.
Outside of Court, sometimes a Child Impact Report or a child-inclusive mediation process can assist in negotiations and provide professional insight to help parents reach agreement without going to trial.
What to Expect in a Family Report Interview
The process will depend on the report writer, the children’s ages, and whether interviews are held in person or via video (such as Zoom).
- ● Child Impact Reports: Parents are usually interviewed separately, and children may also be interviewed if age appropriate.
- ● Family Reports: In addition to the above, there may be joint interviews involving each parent with the children.
Preparing for your family report interviews
To prepare for either a Child Impact Report or Family Report interview:
- ● Think ahead: Be clear about the arrangements you believe are best for your children, and why.
- ● Practical planning: If you have care of the children on the day, bring snacks, drinks, or activities to keep them comfortable. Consider bringing a trusted adult to supervise them while you are in your own interview.
How the Court Uses the Report
The Family Report or Child Impact Report is one piece of evidence the Court considers when making parenting orders. It is also the main way the children’s views are placed before the Court, since children do not give evidence directly.
However, it is important to remember:
- ● ’There is no magic in a family report’ it is one part of the evidence before the Court
- ● It is the Court, not the report writer, that makes the final decision.
- ● The report is influential but not determinative.
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The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you seek legal advice relevant to your own circumstances and we would be happy to assist you.
Carol Pages is the Principal of Pages Family Law and an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and a Nationally Accredited Mediator. If you would like advice about your own separation, please contact Pages Family Law at info@pagesfamilylaw.com.au or on 03 9121 8077 or book a 15 minute free discovery call via our website.
