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The new process for determining a family law property settlement is changing – What do you need to know?
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (the Act) was recently passed by Federal Parliament and most of the amendments will take effect on 10 June 2025. The Act amends the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA) and primarily deals with the property settlement and maintenance provisions for married and de facto couples in Pts VIII and...
Pets in Family Law Proceedings: Who gets to keep Roxy? Why can’t we share the care of Charlie?
In Australia, pets are often treated as members of the family, and this is particularly obvious with dogs. The cost of, and demand for, designer dog breeds like cavoodles and labradoodles is high. They are given human names like Lucy and Max – not Rover and Fido - and are more likely to live indoors than outdoors as they did...
Cross-border Family Law: Advising Clients when Other Jurisdictions are in Play
Today’s increasing globalisation means that the numbers of couples and families who are temporary or permanent residents, own property, have property interests and/or run businesses in other countries is on the rise. While Australian lawyers cannot (and should not) provide advice to their clients about their legal entitlements...
Family Law Act Amendments & Parenting Arrangements: A New Pathway or Stuck on the Same Old Road?
INTRODUCTION : FAMILY LAW ACT AMENDMENTS 2024 Major changes to the parenting provisions in Pt VII of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (‘FLA’) came into effect on 6 May 2024 when the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Cth) (FLAA) commenced. These amendments have only been in effect for three months, but already some cases have been...
Have you been accused of family violence?
If you have been accused of family violence, the violence may be relevant to parenting orders you seek in a Family Law court, or to intervention orders which are sought against you in the Magistrates’ Court. Some of the questions you may have about these are answered below. If you requuire more clarification, we urge you speak...
Family Law Act Amendments Update – Parenting arrangements and property settlements
Introduction In the past, family lawyers often joked about the constancy of legislative reform, but it has been quiet recently. This is fairly unusual as family law is so tied up with societal changes – either leading them or following them. We have had nothing substantial since the commencement of the Federal Circuit and...
Key Insights Into Family Law (Property) Reforms in 2024
Family law (Property) changes from 10 June 2025 To learn more about changes made to Family Law (Property) as of 10 June 2025, please view the Attorney-General’s Department fact sheet. (Article updated June 2025) Australia’s family law landscape is in the midst of transformation, with the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (FLAA)...
How Recent Changes to the Family Law Act Are Unfolding in 2024 – A Guide For Families
Australia's family law landscape has witnessed significant transformations impacting separated parents, especially with the recent Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Cth) (FLAA) which will operate from 6 May 2024. This is a guide for parents who want to better understand how recent changes may affect their personal situation and...
Relocation & Moving with Children
Relocation disputes arise where one parent seeks to move with a child and the other parent does not agree. These cases are often complex, as a proposed move can significantly affect a child’s relationship with both parents, grandparents and other extended family, schooling, support networks, and day-to-day life. Relocation...
Financial Agreements – Back to Basics
This Webinar looks at the basics of drafting and advising on a financial agreement and minimising the risk of a financial agreement under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA) being found not to be binding or being set aside. It covers: Ensuring compliance with the relevant sections of the FLA Subject matter When is an agreement...