Family Law Act 1975

This section applies when a court makes a parenting order.

It is the duty of the court to include in the order particulars of:

the obligations that the order creates; and

the consequences that may follow if a person contravenes the order.

If any of the persons to whom the order is directed is not represented by a legal practitioner, it is also the duty of the court to explain to the person, or to each of the persons:

the availability of programs to help people to understand their responsibilities under parenting orders; and

the availability and use of location and recovery orders to ensure that parenting orders are complied with.

The court may cause to be prepared, and given to persons to whom a parenting order is directed, a document setting out particulars of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b).

If a person to whom the order is directed is represented by a legal practitioner, the court may request the practitioner:

to assist in explaining to the person the matters mentioned in paragraphs (2)(a) and (b); and

to explain to the person the matters mentioned in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b).

If a request is made by the court to a legal practitioner under paragraph (5)(a) or (b), it is the duty of the practitioner to comply with the request.

Failure to comply with a requirement of, or with a request made under, this section does not affect the validity of a parenting order.

Any matter that is required by this section to be included in a parenting order or any explanation that is required by this section to be given to a person is to be expressed in language that is likely to be readily understood by the person to whom the order is directed or the explanation is given.