Coronavirus concerns see family courts rush through applications linked to COVID-19

Urgent cases relating to children caught up in parenting disputes will be rushed through the courts within 72 hours, as the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court report a rise in calls for help during the coronavirus crisis.

There has been a 39 per cent increase in urgent applications filed in the Family Court, and a 23 per cent increase in the Federal Circuit Court over the past month.

Cases set to be fast-tracked include disputes where there is an increased risk of family violence as a result of social restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.