As the festive season approaches, it’s important for separating families to understand how the Christmas and New Year period affects family law matters. While holidays bring a welcome pause for many, they can also cause uncertainty, especially if you’re navigating parenting arrangements, property negotiations, or urgent safety concerns.

Each year, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia closes for a short period over the holidays. Knowing the key dates and what to do if issues arise can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress.

Here’s what you need to know before the holidays begin.

1. Court closure dates

The FCFCOA typically closes from 25 December 2025 and reopens on Tuesday 7 January 2026.During this period:

• no regular hearings take place
• registry services operate at reduced capacity
• filing deadlines are adjusted around the closure
• only urgent matters are considered.

If you think your matter requires attention before the break, it’s important to speak with your lawyer as soon as possible.

2. Deadlines for pre-Christmas applications

If you need a parenting or property application to be heard before Christmas, the Court generally requires that documents be filed well in advance (often by mid-November), depending on listing availability and urgency. This is particularly important for:

• parenting disputes about Christmas arrangements
• travel applications
• passports and overseas travel
• urgent safety or recovery issues
• time-sensitive property matters.

Once the Court’s holiday period begins, non-urgent matters will not be listed until after the break.

3. What happens if you need urgent help during the closure?

Although the Court closes, urgent matters can still be heard over the holiday period in limited circumstances, usually those involving:

• child safety concerns
• family violence
• urgent recovery orders
• serious and immediate risk
• situations where a parent may not return a child as agreed
• passport or travel concerns with time sensitivity.

If you believe your situation qualifies, you should seek legal advice immediately. The Court has an emergency system in place to triage and hear matters that genuinely cannot wait.

At Parker Coles Curtis, our team can help you determine whether your matter meets the threshold and guide you through the urgent filing process.

4. Parenting arrangements over Christmas

If you have parenting orders, make sure you understand exactly how they apply over the holiday period, including:

• handover times
• travel permissions
• make-up time
• shared public holidays
• interpretation of extended school holidays.

If you don’t have formal orders, now is the time to agree on arrangements and put them in writing. Clear expectations help avoid misunderstandings during a time that can be emotional for children and parents alike.

5. Planning ahead helps avoid stress

The courts experience a surge in parenting disputes in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Planning early can help you avoid last-minute conflict and keep the focus on what matters most, the children. Simple steps you can take now:

• confirm holiday schedules
• discuss travel arrangements
• sort out passport signatures
• put agreements in writing
• seek legal advice on unresolved issues.

With a plan in place, the holidays become far more manageable.

6. When the Court reopens

The Court generally resumes full operations in early January, including:

• regular hearings
• duty lists
• registry services
• mediation and dispute resolution scheduling.

If your matter is awaiting a court date or requires next steps in the new year, your lawyer can help prepare everything over the break so you’re ready once the Court reopens.

7. We’re here to support you through the season

The holiday period can bring both joy and pressure. If you’re navigating parenting arrangements, travel concerns, or urgent safety issues, you don’t need to do it alone.

The team at Parker Coles Curtis is available to:

• provide advice before the court closure
• assist with urgent matters
• prepare any documents required
• support you through unexpected issues that arise during the break.

We’re committed to helping you feel informed, supported, and prepared this Christmas.