[1] In February 2021, 157 lawyers signed an open letter to the Attorney-General, stating that the merge would "result in a loss of structural, systemic specialisation and dismantle the appeal division".

[2][3] Family law experts also claimed that "survivors of domestic violence could end up falling through the cracks".

[4] Independent MP and former barrister Zali Steggall noted that the merger would lose the "specialisation of the Family Court".

A second Deputy Chief Judge, currently Patrizia Mercuri as of September 2021[update], assists in the management of the general federal law and Fair Work jurisdictions of Division 2.

[6][9] The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia operates an "Indigenous List", in which modified processes catering to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture are employed.