-
Who keeps the Engagement Ring?
It is often a highly contentious argument upon separation about who gets to keep the engagement ring. The answer: it depends on whether the marriage actually occurred!
-
Navigating the Family Law Changes - What you need to know
Find out about the latest amendments to the Family Act, with insights from our Family Law Solicitor and how these changes will impact proceedings
-
Valentines Day! What’s more Romantic than talking about Pre-Nups?
This article discusses financial arrangements, answers some of our FAQs, and shares a bit about our Family Law expert - Beatrice!
-
Litigation Funding
Did you know, some companies specalise in assisting parties with their family law fees?
-
Christmas and Kids
It may feel like a long way until Christmas, but now is a great time to start the conversation about your parenting arrangements for your children over the Christmas and Term 4 school holiday period.
-
What is a De Facto Relationship?
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) defines a de facto relationship to be a relationship where the persons are not legally married to each other, are not related by family, and live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis.
-
Parenting Plans
A parenting plan is an agreement between two parents about the care welfare and development for their child. It must be in writing, signed by the parents and dated.
-
Family Law and Personal Protection
The protection of parties and children in the midst of a family law dispute (especially those categorised by domestic violence) is crucial.
-
Christmas Arrangements for Separated Parents
I know it's only November, but now is a great time to start the conversation about your parenting arrangements for your children over the Christmas and Term 4 school holiday period.
-
New Rules Made Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence
If you need assistance, contact National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line: 1800 737 732.
-
What is a parenting order and what does the court consider when it makes a parenting order?
A parenting order is an order made by the Court that sets out the parenting arrangements for a child. A parenting order can be made by the Court with the consent of both parents on mutual agreement or following a court hearing.
-
Mediation and Family Law – why it makes sense
Alternate dispute resolution is designed to free up some of the limited resources of the Courts, and provide a more efficient way for disputes to be resolved.
-
Family Planning for a Merry Christmas
13 December 2021
For those who have recently separated, the Christmas preparations will need to include making arrangements with your former spouse as to the time you will each spend with the children over the holidays.
-
Kenny Spring NEW Wills and Family Law Portal
We all have busy lives, and during the last 12 – 18 months, people have again changed the way they want to engage with businesses. We hear you, and as a result, we've been working behind the scenes to build our new Will Portal and Family Law Portal.
-
Grandparents and Family Law
20 July 2021
When families break up, this often has an effect on grandparents and the roles that they have previously played.
-
What is a De Facto Relationship?
01 April 2021
The Law defines a de facto relationship to be a relationship where the persons are not legally married to each other, are not related by family, and that live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis.
-
Positive changes to how mental health is treated in Court
Changes are being made to the way mental health is being dealt with in the Local and Children's Courts in relation to criminal matters.
-
COVID 19 Vaccination and Family Law
02 February 2021
In this article, we share our thoughts on what may happen when separated parents disagree about whether their child or children should be administered the vaccine.
-
The Lighthouse Project – Researching better ways to protect victims of family violence.
23 November 2020
The Commonwealth Government has provided funding for a family violence risk screening and triage pilot in the Adelaide, Brisbane, and Parramatta registries of the Family Courts.
-
What is the PPP500?
09 October 2020
The family court pilot program's main focus is to expedite proceedings for matters where the total assets of the relationship are less than $500,000.00.
-
Family Dispute Resolution | What, why and how?
27 August 2020
Family Dispute Resolution is a buzzword around the family law jurisdiction and rightly so, but what is family dispute resolution?
-
NEWS | $21 MILLION FOR ESSENTIAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
11 June 2020
The challenges faced by victims and the associated support services throughout the coronavirus pandemic have highlighted a need for change and an essential cash injection into these critical social services.
-
THE FAMILY COURT AND FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT INTRODUCE A NEW LIST TO DEAL WITH URGENT PARENTING DISPUTES IN LIGHT OF COVID-19
07 May 2020
It is intended that the list will identify and deal with matters which need the Court's urgent attention because of factors arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
NEWS | THE FAMILY COURTS INTRODUCE ARBITRATION LIST
23 April 2020
The Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia have formalised support for alternative dispute resolution with the introduction of an Arbitration List
-
COVID-19 AND FAMILY LAW
20 April 2020
The Family Court remains open to assist parties during COVID-19, and we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any changes to the operations of our office and the Family Courts.
-
10 TIPS FOR PARENTING IN A PANDEMIC
03 April 2020
It is difficult for separated parents to navigate through co-parenting at the best of times, however the outbreak of the COVID19 Pandemic creates further stress for parents. The Family Law Section of the Law Council have released their 'Top Ten Guide for Separated Parents during Covid19', and we have summarised the key points for you.
-
FAMILY LAW | HOW IS AN INHERITANCE TREATED IN A PROPERTY SETTLEMENT FOLLOWING SEPARATION?
26 February 2020
It is not uncommon for a party to a marriage or de facto relationship to receive an inheritance following the death of a loved one. Should you separate, a property does not fall into a protected category merely because it is an inheritance rather its treatment will depend on the circumstances of your relationship.
-
FAMILY LAW | MY PARTNER AND I HAVE JUST SEPARATED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
21 January 2020
This is a challenging time in your life and can be overwhelming however there are a few things that you should consider doing as soon as possible.
-
FAMILY LAW 101 | FAMILY PLANNING FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS
02 October 2019
If this is your first Christmas since separating, this article will give you some practical tips and things to consider to help you plan for a Merry Christmas.
-
FAMILY LAW 101 | ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
28 February 2019
Alternative dispute resolution methods such as Mediation and Arbitration provide a cost and time efficient option for clients to have their dispute heard and possibly resolved.
-
ARBITRATION AND FAMILY LAW
11 February 2019
A time and cost-effective alternative to going to Court.
-
OUR TOP TIPS FOR A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AFTER SEPARATION
19 December 2018
Often we experience excitement and anticipation in the lead up to Christmas, however for those who have recently separated it can be a tricky time of year.
-
Keeping Kids in Mind
Centacare Bathurst have announced that they will be running the Keeping Kids in Mind (KKIM) program for separating parents where there is high conflict.
-
Structural Reform of the Family Courts
14 June 2018
On 30 May 2018 the Attorney-General’s Department announced significant changes to the structure of the family courts which are due to come into effect on 1 January 2019.
-
Family Law 101 - What can I do if my former spouse won’t return our child or children?
22 March 2018
Following separation, there may be circumstances where the child or children are not returned to your care after spending time with your former spouse or partner.
-
Family Law 101 - Does the Court consider children’s wishes when making a parenting order?
15 March 2018
Some children hold a strong view of which parent they wish to live with after their parents have separated.
-
Family Law 101 - What is family dispute resolution and what role does it play in Family Court?
05 March 2018
Family dispute resolution can be utilised to resolve both a parenting and a property dispute.
-
Family Law 101 - What is a parenting Order and what is considered when this order is made?
23 February 2018
A parenting order is an order made by the Court that sets out the parenting arrangements for a child.
-
Family Law 101 - What is spousal maintenance?
19 February 2018
If your relationship breaks down, you may find yourself experiencing financial hardship particularly if you were financially dependent on your former spouse.
-
Family Law 101 - Will financial dealings that occur after separation be included in a property settlement?
12 February 2018
Negotiating a property settlement can take some time, and when the parties to the marriage cannot form an agreement, litigation in the Family Court may mean that property settlement will take even longer.
-
Family Law 101 - How does superannuation get treated in a property settlement?
06 February 2018
In 2002 the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) was amended so that superannuation entitlements would be treated as marital property. Like other marital property, the Family Court can alter superannuation entitlements following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship.
-
Family Law 101 - Does my partner automatically get half of all the assets?
29 January 2018
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) gives the Court the authority to make an order to adjust a person’s current property interests following the breakdown of a relationship. That power is contained in section 79(1) for married couples and section 90SM for de facto couples.
-
Family Law 101 - How Do I Get A Divorce?
19 January 2018
In Australia, divorce is simply the ending of the marriage and can be applied for by filing an Application for Divorce with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Any issues arising between you and your partner regarding the ongoing parenting arrangements and the division of property will be dealt with separately from divorce proceedings.
-
Same Sex Marriage Signed into Law, but what does it Mean?
08 December 2017
On 7 December 2017, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 was passed through parliament and on 8 December 2017 it received the Royal Assent from the Governor General.
-
How to Beat the Family Law Court Delays
Underfunding and delays in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court are well known. Final hearing dates for parenting matters are now being listed into 2019, and the situation is not isolated to any one Court, the problem is widespread.
-
What Happens When Your Marriage Ends
In Australia the area of family law is covered by the Family Law Act 1975 and covers any disagreements you might have after the break down of your marriage or relationship. This includes the criteria and requirements for a divorce application and also the procedure for dealing with disagreements where there are children and/or property involved.
-
Family Law Fund Missing From Federal Budget
There has been much discussion of what is in the Federal Budget, but little about some of the omissions. The absence of any increase in funding to the Family Court system, and severe cuts to Community Legal Centres will only add to the crisis.