CHAPTER CONTENTS

Last Updated 27 April 2022

Getting marriedclick to download a pdf of this chapter

Who May Marry
Marriage Procedure
Effects of a Marriage

Ending a marriage

Decree of Nullity
Dissolution of Marriage
Separation
Divorce Application
Procedure to Obtain a Divorce
Relationship Counselling and Reconciliation
Human Rights, Marriage and Divorce

The laws regulating marriage in Australia are federal laws contained in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). This Act sets out:

  • who may marry
  • who may perform the marriage service
  • how the service should be conducted
  • where and when it may be performed.

This chapter explains in detail the procedures involved in getting married or in dissolving a marriage and refers to the respective legislation governing these processes.