Commonwealth Numbered Acts

FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 No. 53 of 1975 - SECT 117

117. (1) Subject to sub-section (2) and section 118, each party to proceedings
under this Act shall bear his own costs.

(2) If the court is of opinion in a particular case that there are
circumstances that justify it in doing so, the court may, subject to the
regulations, make such orders as to costs and security for costs, whether by
way of interlocutory order or otherwise, as the court thinks just.

(3) A person who has instituted a matrimonial cause or a person who is
entitled to participate in proceedings either as a respondent or intervener
may apply to the Australian Legal Aid Office for legal assistance under this
section in respect of the proceedings.

(4) Where an application is made by a person under sub-section (3), the
Attorney-General, the Director of the Australian Legal Aid Office or a person
employed in the Australian Legal Aid Office authorized by the Director in
writing in that behalf may (in the case of a person employed in the Australian
Legal Aid Office, subject to any restriction in that authority in writing)
authorize legal assistance to the applicant in accordance with the means and
needs test of the Australian Legal Aid Office for the giving of legal
assistance.