Simplified outline
This Division sets out orders that a court may make if an issue arises in the proceedings about whether a person (the respondent) has contravened a child‑related order. The court may, at any stage of proceedings (and without having to make a finding about the contravention), make any of the following orders: (a) a make‑up time parenting order; (b) an order varying or suspending a parenting order; (c) an order requiring the respondent and any other party to the proceedings to attend a post‑separation parenting program. If the court finds on the balance of probabilities that the respondent contravened the child‑related order without having a reasonable excuse, the court may make any of the following orders (having regard to the seriousness of the contravention): (a) an order requiring the respondent to enter into a bond; (b) an order imposing a fine on the respondent for failing to enter into a bond. If the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent contravened the child‑related order without having a reasonable excuse, the court may also make any of the following orders (having regard to the seriousness of the contravention): (a) an order imposing a fine on the respondent; (b) an order imposing a sentence of imprisonment on the respondent. This Division also sets out ancillary matters relating to terms of imprisonment, the enforcement of bonds and other miscellaneous matters. Note: A court may also award costs against a party under section 117 if satisfied there are circumstances that justify it doing so.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 May 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au. Verify the current text against the official source before relying on it.
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