Families and Marriage Publications

This Fact Sheet provides information about the family dispute resolution (FDR) Register - maintained by the Attorney-General’s Department.

Published in October 2018, this Framework outlines policy context, minimum operational requirements and practice principles expected of Children’s Contact Services (CCSs) when delivering services. 

Combined Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage and Official certificate of marriage form. For use by approved marriage celebrants.

To be used by approved marriage celebrants. Under section 50(3) of the Marriage Act 1961, one of the official certificates of marriage shall be on the reverse side of the paper with the declaration of no legal impediment to marriage.

Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage form.

This is a report about the experiences and needs of young people whose parents have separated. We are sharing what we learnt with judges, lawyers, counsellors and other people interested in improving the family law system.

Section 42 of the Marriage Act 1961 (the Act) requires that a marriage shall not be solemnised unless a notice in writing of the intended marriage (this form) is given to the authorised celebrant solemnising the marriage.

The Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants is contained in Schedule 2 of the Marriage Regulations 2017.

Find out more about the Commonwealth Marriage Celebrants Program administered by the Attorney-General’s Department, that registers and regulates marriage celebrants  under the Marriage Act 1961.

These guidelines are intended to assist celebrants to identify, disclose and avoid conflicts of interest and benefits to business that may be of concern to the Registrar.

Document outlining the obligations and consequences of marriage and stating the availability of marriage education and counselling [English version]

This document explains how the Attorney-General’s Department will collect, store, use and disclose your personal information when you apply to be registered as a marriage celebrant

Forms for Defence Force marriages solemnised overseas. For use by Defence Force chaplains and officers

Forms for Defence Force marriages solemnised overseas. For use by Defence Force chaplains and officers

This fact sheet provides information for same-sex couples who married under a foreign law prior to 9 December 2017, on the implications involved in family law matters.

On 9 December 2017, amendments to the Marriage Act 1961 commence to create a new subcategory of marriage celebrant, known as a ‘religious marriage celebrant’.

The Marriage Act provides protections for ministers of religion and religious marriage celebrants to act in accordance with their religious beliefs when solemnising a marriage, or determining whether to solemnise a marriage.

From 9 December 2017, the Marriage Act generally recognises existing and future same-sex marriages solemnised overseas under the law of a foreign country.