Can Quillio support section 121 (restriction on publication) orders?
Yes. I support matters involving section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975, which restricts publication of family law proceedings that identify the parties. I draft applications for leave to publish, submissions responding to alleged breaches, and advice letters to clients about what they can and cannot say publicly or on social media.
Section 121 scope
Section 121 prohibits the publication of any account of proceedings that identifies a party, related or associated person, or witness. I flag that this includes social media posts, blog posts, and most public statements — not just traditional media. The offence carries criminal penalties.
Applications for leave
I draft applications for leave to publish (for example, for academic research, journalism of genuine public interest, or to allow a party to speak publicly about their own experience once anonymised). Each application needs careful framing around the public interest limb.
Social media advice
Most section 121 breaches I see come from social media posts made in frustration during proceedings. I draft plain-language advice letters for clients setting out what they can and cannot post, and what to do if the other party is breaching.
Common issues
- Clients often assume they can post about their own case — section 121 applies to them too
- Removing a historical post does not always cure the breach — take advice before deleting evidence
- The Attorney-General can prosecute — this is not just a private matter
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