This article explains the various family law jurisdictions in Australia and its role in Court’s powers. Jurisdiction determines what subject matter a particular Judge can hear. This determines which court will hear your case. ..

Parens Patriae means ‘parent of the country’ in Latin, and refers to the common law doctrine by which the Sovereign has an obligation to protect the interests of those unable to protect themselves, such as children and mentally incapacitated adults. For example, the State has a duty to protect children or the mentally ill who are abused or neglected…