VIC Family Court Case - Unable to Locate Respondent?

Australia's #1 for Law
Join 150,000 Australians every month. Ask a question, respond to a question and better understand the law today!
FREE - Join Now

John231

Member
16 September 2018
4
0
1
I have a Family Court case coming up for a paternity test and child support. The father is being served but they can't find an address or whereabouts. He is to be served these documents. At the court date, if he is not located, will a judge throw the case out? What are the possible things that will happen?
 

Rod

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
27 May 2014
7,731
1,056
2,894
www.hutchinsonlegal.com.au
You need to serve the other person.

You can ask for alternative service if you know where his family is located, but you have to exhaust all the other options first, including checking some electoral rolls.
 

CSFLW

Well-Known Member
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
24 September 2018
451
29
659
Hi John

The Judge will not throw out your case.

You will need to get the process server (the person serving the documents) to swear an affidavit to say they cannot find the father.

If the judge is satisfied you have made all reasonable attempts, you can apply for 'substituted service' on a family member or friend.

Hope that helps.