What happens if there are already ongoing court proceedings and I start a new family law case?

In Plain English

If you start a new family law case while there are already ongoing proceedings, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021 generally requires you to use the same court file number as the existing case, unless the court directs otherwise.

Detailed Explanation

According to rule 2.01(7) of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021, if you are a party to a proceeding (other than an appeal) already filed in the court, you must file any subsequent proceeding or application between the parties using the same court file number, unless the court directs otherwise. This ensures that all related matters are dealt with under a single case file for efficiency and consistency.