For those who are facing their first Christmas following a separation, it can be a huge reality check in terms of how life may look moving forwards. For others, Christmas can be a painful reminder of a family that once was.

The merger of the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court on 1 September 2021 has seen the implementation of new forms and processes, one of which is the “Genuine Steps Certificate”. This Certificate is required to be filed by both the Applicant and Respondent in Family Law proceedings commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.