Michelle Rowland calls this an example of technology making family law system more affordable
The Attorney-General’s Department of Australia has announced that amica – a low-cost online tool supported by the Albanese government and operated by the Legal Services Commission of South Australia – has assisted over 17,000 couples in separation matters.
“The Albanese Government is committed to providing tools that make the lives of Australians simpler and more affordable,” said Michelle Rowland, Australia’s attorney-general, in a media release.
The government department shared that amica aims to help amicably separating couples in Australia agree on parenting and property law matters, navigate complicated and unfamiliar legal environments, reduce stress, and save time and money.
“amica is an excellent example of how technology can make the family law system more accessible and affordable,” Rowland said in the media release.
In the department’s media release, Rowland noted that separating couples can utilise the online tool “at a time and pace that works for them.”
The department explained that separating couples can use the service, initially without cost, to view what the proposed property division would look like and what a court would likely deem just and equitable.
The department acknowledged that amica reflects 1,300 family law scenarios based on family court cases. The department noted that legal aid family lawyers tested the tool, while lawyers will assure the quality of all proposed property divisions.
According to the department, after that, amica can generate draft consent orders that separating couples can file with courts. The department stressed that the tool does not suit all separation matters, including family violence situations.
Per the department, to use the tool, couples should pay $297 to generate a parenting or property agreement and $990 to generate draft consent orders for property matters, with low-income parties able to avail of reduced fees in certain circumstances.
In its media release, the department described separation as a challenging period during which couples and families often face costly legal advice fees.
“Relationship breakdowns are stressful and it’s important that separating couples have avenues available to help them make arrangements for their children and property, without going to court,” Rowland said in the media release.
The department noted that the beginning of the year often records a rise in relationships breaking down.
