Amendments to the Family Law Act in Australia (2024 and 2025): Key Parenting and Property Changes
Amendments to the Family Law Act affecting Parenting Orders The amendments to the Family Law Act in Australia in 2024 and 2025 introduced significant changes to both parenting and property matters. These amendments simplify how the courts assess what is best for children and manage property division for separating couples. The changes have been […]
Equal Shared Parental Responsibility Changes in Australia: What You Need to Know
What are the changes to “Equal Shared Parental Responsibility”? One of the most significant family law changes in Australia has been the removal of the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. These changes came into effect in May 2024 and continue to shape parenting arrangements across the country. One of the difficulties with the presumption […]
Christmas, Blended Families & Property
Christmas, Blended Families & Property HIS HERS OURS… What about the CHILDREN? CHRISTMAS & BLENDED FAMILIES & PROPERTY Which child gets what? You may have seen the headlines “Fury as man buys first-class seats for his kids but not for his fiancé’s children”. Whether apocryphal or true, the headline encapsulates the potentially conflicting issues […]
Christmas Conflict and Coercive Control
Christmas Conflict and Coercive Control Stress at Christmas After the lockdowns and difficulties of the last 2 years, people are really looking forward to having a Christmas where they can finally catch up with family and friends. Unfortunately, the pressure of wanting to make everything perfect can lead to conflict and emotional stress. This can […]
The Importance of Dispute Resolution
The Importance of Dispute Resolution Family Dispute Resolution When the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was established on 1 September 2021 it introduced a new Court structure and case management pathway that aimed to resolve disputes as “quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.” Emphasis is placed on providing opportunities for dispute resolution […]
Can I use privately recorded messages in the Family Courts?
Can I use privately recorded messages in the Family Courts? The Surveillance Devices Act 2007(NSW) Under this Act it is illegal to record a private conversation without consent. However, in Family Law Proceedings the Court may exercise its discretion to allow recordings into evidence in particular circumstances. This may be to provide evidence of stalking […]
Tax Implications of Family Law Property Settlements
Tax Implications of Family Law Property Settlements Property Taxes in General Your Primary Residence When you sell your family home, you do not have to pay capital gains tax unless the land is more than 2 hectares. You can claim your main residence exemption from capital gains tax and up to 2 hectares of the […]
Can Children Get Child Support when they turn 18?
Can Children Get Child Support when they turn 18? The HSC is over. No more paying for excursions and uniforms. It is an exciting time for you and your 18-year old child. Officially, your child is now an adult. The Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia make Orders for children until they turn […]
Christmas Holidays: Celebrations, Travel and Parenting
Christmas Holidays: Celebrations, Travel and Parenting So many children are looking forward to Christmas this year without masks and lockdowns. Even though there will be queues at airports and congested traffic, people just want the chance to relax and really celebrate after the restrictions that Covid-19 had caused. Parenting Orders Covid-19 put a lot of […]
Stop Detain Search: When is a Search Legal?
Stop Detain Search: When is a Search Legal? Police Powers The Police have a difficult job. We all know the stressful situations Police can be thrown into whether incidents of domestic violence or arriving at the scene of horrific car accidents. We all look to the Police to protect us and we want them to […]