Explanatory note
This note is not part of the rules, but is intended to indicate their general effect.
These rules, which come into force on 19 August 2013, update certain forms prescribed by the Family Courts Rules 1980. The updating is necessary to ensure that the language used in the forms reflects the fact that, when the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 comes into force, same-sex marriages will be possible. Since married couples are eligible to adopt under the Adoption Act 1955, the rules need to provide for the possibility of adoption by a same-sex married couple.