In this unit trainees gain an understanding of the practice and procedure in the Family Court and the Federal Magistrates' Court as well as an understanding of the role of the State Courts in dealing with matters arising from the breakdown of relationships. At the conclusion of the Unit trainees should be able to-

• Advise a client generally in respect to parenting and financial matters;

• Advise a client in respect to applying or opposing an application for divorce;

• Prepare and Application or Response relating to parenting and financial matters;

• Prepare an affidavit and other additional documents to be filed with an Application or Response;

• Prepare an Application for Divorce

• Prepare a client to participate in Family Dispute Resolution procedures; and

• Represent a client in Family Resolution procedures and in Court applications

During this unit trainees will undertake written and oral exercises. They will also maintain a simulated family law file in which they will take instructions, prepare all necessary Court documentation and represent a client in a simulated interim proceeding in relation to a parenting matter. The Interim hearing will be conducted before a Judge of the Family Court or a Federal Judge at the Family Court in Hobart. In addition trainees are required to provide their client with written advice regarding a financial aspect of their case.