From 31 August 2026, the way divorce hearings are handled has changed. After a trial that began on 15 May 2026 across a limited number of court registries, the new Webex platform is being rolled out nationally. The new technology is being implemented to make the user experience better and more accessible. But parties should be aware of the new protocols for attending the divorce hearing and how to manage potential issues.
Key takeaways
Parties now attend divorce hearings through the Webex platform.
There are two ways to access the Webex link for your hearing.
Electronic hearings should be treated as formal court events.
Follow some basic steps to troubleshoot any technical problems.
A family lawyer can help you with your application.
What changed on 31 August 2026 at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)?
If parties had to participate in a divorce hearing, they could only do so over the phone. Webex allows parties to attend the hearing through an audio/video-enabled link. Incorporating Webex into court events doesn’t change anything else about divorce proceedings in Caloundra.
Only a minority of cases will typically involve divorce hearings requiring attendance. For example, you may need to attend an electronic hearing in circumstances such as:
You indicated that you wanted to attend in your application.
The respondent asked to attend where there are children under 18.
The respondent filed a Response to Divorce opposing the application.
You applied for substituted service or dispensation of service because your spouse couldn’t be correctly served.
How to find your Webex hearing link
There are a couple of ways to access the Webex link for your court appearance.
Go to the daily court list, and click on the Webex link displayed above the presiding deputy registrar. This will transfer you to the virtual courtroom through a video link.
Log in to the Commonwealth Courts Portal and go to the ‘Court events and Orders’ section. Paste the link into your browser to connect to the hearing.
What to expect during a Webex divorce hearing
Since you can appear at your hearing in the comfort of your own home, it can be easy to take it less seriously. But it’s a formal court event. View the event as if you’re going to court in person. Hearings generally only take a few minutes. Your divorce will take effect one month and one day after the order is granted.
The hearing is essentially a time for the Court to make sure that you’ve met the legal requirements to get a divorce order. Some basic administrative tasks include:
Making sure you have the court documents such as your marriage certificate and necessary affidavits.
Clarifying that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and you completed the mandatory 12-month separation period.
If you requested substituted service during a sole application, the registrar may review your supporting affidavit.
What if you have technical problems or can't attend
When dealing with new technology, there’s always the chance that you’ll run into technical difficulties. Depending on the kind of trouble you’re having, here are some tips:
If you’re having problems with your audio, check that you aren’t muted by pressing the arrow next to the unmute option to look at your sound settings.
If your camera is frozen, try turning it off and on to reset it. Check physical connections like USB cords and make sure that the right webcam is selected.
If your technical difficulties persist, try leaving the session and rejoining.
Don’t panic if nothing is working. Exit the hearing and contact the chambers of the presiding Judicial Officer through the phone number listed on your invitation. You may be able to participate over the phone instead.
If you can’t attend, don’t just skip the hearing. Your application may be dismissed, and you’ll need to re-file. Speak to the Court and explain your situation so you can get an adjournment.
When there are domestic violence issues, it may not be appropriate for you to appear on video. Explain your concerns to the Court and organise attending by phone instead. Your phone number can be obscured for your protection.
Getting help with your divorce application
Even though there have been changes to the way divorce hearings are managed, the rest of the divorce process is the same. Professional representation can help you make proper arrangements after a separation. If you’re working through complex matters, a family lawyer can help in a variety of ways, such as:
Helping you serve your spouse if you’re a sole applicant. This generally needs to happen at least 28 days before the hearing.
Organising important documentation like your marriage certificate and proof of Australian citizenship.
Drafting affidavits for cases involving matters such as separation under one roof.
If you have family violence concerns, filing for a domestic violence order as soon as possible.
If you’re experiencing family violence, there are resources available:
DVConnect womensline: 1800 811 811
DVConnect mensline: 1800 600 636
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
If you’re in immediate danger, contact the police on 000.
Are you seeking legal advice?
The Ferrall and Co. team has been assisting the Caloundra community for over a decade. Contact us for a free consultation.
