Multi-purpose documents? Harman Undertakings & sharing the evidence

Following the breakdown of a relationship, you can find yourself facing multiple legal issues, including arrangements for the children, dividing property and in some cases, allegations of family violence arise. It is not uncommon for someone to be involved in proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) (dealing with parenting or property matters), as well as proceedings before the ACT Magistrates Court.

As part of parenting proceedings, the FCFCOA sometimes will make an order for you and the other party to attend upon a psychologist for the purposes of preparing a Family Report. The Family Report is admissible in the FCFCOA proceedings; however you may consider that the report is useful to defend some of the allegations in the proceedings before the ACT Magistrates Court. Similarly, there may be certain evidence (including Affidavits or subpoena material) which would assist you in defending proceedings before the ACT Magistrates Court.

Where documents have been prepared for the purposes of proceedings before the FCFCOA, you are not automatically allowed to use those documents in proceedings outside of the FCFCOA. This is due to an implied undertaking or obligation to the Court (known as the Harman Undertaking), that documents prepared for the purposes of the FCFCOA proceedings will only be used for that purpose.

Separately, section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) imposes a restriction on the publication of any part of family law proceedings which identifies any person that is a party to or otherwise associated with those proceedings. However, this only relates to the voluntary broadcasting of information and does not apply to evidence to be given in Court.

In special circumstances, the Court may grant leave (or permission) for the release of certain documents (or parts of documents) to use in other proceedings (such as criminal or civil proceedings). The Court will consider whether there are ‘special circumstances’ (or a legitimate reason for the release of the document(s)) and whether there is any injustice caused to a party in providing that document.

You must make an application to the Court for leave to be released from the Harman Undertaking.  Where there is an application for documents to be released to the ACT Magistrates Court, it is likely that you will be able to argue that the document will remain confidential if it is just being released to the Magistrate. You should also consider whether you need a full document, or whether certain paragraphs of that document will be sufficient for the purposes of defending or supporting your matter before the ACT Magistrates Court.

In any event, it is important for you to seek advice from a lawyer if you wish to use certain evidence before the FCFCOA in proceedings before the ACT Magistrates Court. A lawyer can assist you with assessing the probative value of that evidence, and the process of obtaining the release of that document. Robinson + McGuinness is available to assist you with your family law matters and personal protection matters, including applications for release of documents.

If you would like advice in relation to your family law matter, contact our office at (02) 6225 7040 or by email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au or get started now online to make an appointment with one of our experienced family lawyers.

 

Author: Anika Buckley