Short Form Report

Process for completion of a Short Form Report

• To attend an assessment for a Short Form report you may have obtained a Federal Circuit and Family Court Order, made under Section 62G of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

• The Order will instruct the adult parties and the child/ren to attend for an assessment to determine each child’s needs and parenting arrangements to meet each child’s needs. A Short form Report can also be ordered for the purpose of assessing specific risk issues or concerns impacting on the child.

• The assessment will require adults and children to be available for one day. The day will consist of 60-minute interviews with each adult, up to 30-minute interviews with each child and potentially a 30 minute observation between one adult and the child/ren. Interviews can be conducted in person or online.

Timeframes

• Family Matters require at least 2 weeks notice to schedule an assessment for a Short Form Report.

• The report will be completed and ready for release 3 weeks after the assessment. The report will be released to adult legal representatives, an independent children’s lawyer or a self-represented party. 

• Following the assessment, the Short Form Report may be considered during a Dispute Resolution Conference, Mediation session, or during a court hearing to determine Interim Orders or Final Orders for parenting arrangements for the child/ren. Please speak to your legal representative for more information regarding the direction of your specific case.

• A Short Form Report may be suitable when a specific issue requires consideration, or when an immediate, short term, or interim care arrangement is required.

Fees

• Fees for a Short Form Report are $4000 (plus GST) for two adults and 1-2 children. Additional adult and child interviews will incur a further fee of $500 per person (plus gst).
• A deposit of 50% of the full fee (or 25% if divided between two parties) is required 7 days before the assessment booking date. If the assessment is cancelled with less than 7 days notice, the deposit will be retained by Family Matters.