Planning a holiday with the kids under a parenting agreement ? – Here’s what to keep in mind
The summer school holidays are just around the corner. If you are a party to a parenting agreement or parenting order and are planning to take your children on a summer holiday be sure to thoroughly review your Orders/agreement before making concrete plans. Most...
Federal Circuit and Family Court: Operating Hours for the Holiday Period
If you are seeking to file proceedings over the Christmas and New Year period it is important to note that the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s operating hours in certain registries will be reduced over December and January. You can still file material...
Understanding Partial Property Settlements in Family Law
Dividing assets during separation or divorce can be overwhelming, especially if finances are already tight. This is where partial property settlements in family law, which provide access to specific assets or funds while final decisions are still pending, can offer a...
A Lawyer’s Role in Family Dispute Mediation
Family disputes can be complex, emotionally charged, and challenging to navigate. When relationships break down, particularly in matters involving divorce, child custody, or property settlements, it can be very difficult to arrive at a resolution that satisfies all...
Opening the Floodgates – an (inadvertent?) change to how parenting orders can be reopened.
In the wide-ranging changes to the Family Law Act passed in 2023, the Parliament made a variety of changes focused on parenting considerations, simplifying and clarifying in its view how parenting proceedings should work in the family law Courts. It had been a...
Understanding Property Settlement vs Spousal Maintenance
Divorce is not just an emotional process but also a legal and financial one, where both parties must navigate complex legal arrangements to ensure fair outcomes from the separation. As part of this process, two of the most common yet also most contentious financial...
How to Navigate a Family Law Property Settlement
Going through a separation or divorce is challenging enough, but when it comes to dividing up property, emotions can run even higher. How do you ensure that the process is as smooth and fair as possible while still protecting your financial interests? Whether you are...
How to Choose a Good Divorce Lawyer in Melbourne
Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally charged process, often involving complex legal issues with a significant impact on your future. Whether you are dealing with a contentious separation or an amicable split, choosing the right family divorce lawyer is crucial....
Co-Parenting During A Separation
A mini podcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ("ABC") presented by Angus Randall reported that explaining to children the decision to separate is "one of the toughest dilemmas" faced by couples[1]. Misinformation on the internet and lengthy wait times for...
Director’s Loans – The family law time-bomb
Being an effective family lawyer involves knowing a deep amount about a whole range of issues that affect our clients. One of the financial structures that clients with a good amount of wealth may have set up is a corporate entity such as a company where the parties...
The Family Law Amendment Act – Understanding The Amendments
Effective from 6 May 2024, the amendments made to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) by the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Cth), are now in force. These amendments will be applicable to all current and future parenting cases in Court, regardless of whether an...
Say “I do” to a Prenup!
Having the hard discussions before walking down the alter can save you a pretty penny and a whole lot of headache. Prenuptial agreements outline how your assets and liabilities would be divided in the event you separate from your partner. It is essentially a...
Understanding How Divorce Affects Immigration Status
Divorce is a significant life event that can have profound implications for many things, such as on one's immigration status in Australia. It can directly and indirectly affect your ability to remain in the country, depending on what type of visa or residency status...
What to Expect Preparing for a Family Law Property Settlement
If you are going through or considering a separation or divorce from your partner, you will likely be concerned about how your property is divided. Depending on the number of assets you have and whether these were obtained before, during or after the relationship,...
Domestic Violence and Divorce: How Lawyers Can Safeguard Your Rights
Divorce is already a confronting and challenging process, however, if you have been subjected to or fear a risk of domestic violence it is essential that you prioritise your safety and ensure your rights are protected. Domestic violence can take many forms, including...
Life in the fast lane? Protect your assets through periods of significant earnings.
Life in the fast lane? Protect your assets through periods of significant earnings Many highly skilled people in the fields of finance, construction, petroleum and engineering may at one point or another find themselves offered or working in countries where they were...
Tips for preparing for a family law mediation – Part 4 of 5
Mediation is a useful alternative dispute resolution method that can facilitate the parties to a dispute to reach a mutually agreeable solution without contesting the issues before a judge. You may agree to attend private mediation prior to any court proceeding, or...
Tips on preparing a balance sheet for a family law mediation – Part 3 of 5
Mediation is a useful alternative dispute resolution method that can facilitate the parties to a dispute to reach a mutually agreeable solution without contesting the issues before a judge. You may agree to attend private mediation prior to any court proceeding, or...
Navigating Property Division: Tips from Experienced Divorce Lawyers
Property settlement proceedings and negotiations can be emotionally taxing and legally intricate, especially when it comes to dividing assets and liabilities. Whether it's the family home, investments, or personal belongings, property division can significantly impact...
Financial Security Post-Divorce: Spousal Maintenance and Divorce Lawyers’ Guidance
One aspect of family law that can be overlooked by both clients and divorce lawyers alike is that of spousal maintenance (sometimes referred to as alimony). A family law divorce property settlement will involve many aspects, including dividing up assets (houses,...
Tips on Preparing a Chronology for Family Law Mediation – Part 2 of 5
Mediation is a useful alternative dispute resolution method that can facilitate the parties to a dispute to reach a mutually agreeable solution without contesting the issues before a judge. You may agree to attend private mediation prior to any court proceeding, or...