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, Pets, Parenting & Property
As Christmas approaches we are often reminded to think very carefully about buying a dog or cat as a Christmas present: pets have feelings and will be part of the family for years. However, when we look at Family Law proceedings and property settlements, we learn that our family pet is property. This can be […]
Property Valuation and Property Settlement
When couples separate they want to separate all their property and move on. There are a number of steps before parties can finalise their Property Settlement. First, the Family Courts in Australia have to consider whether it is just and equitable to make orders for a property settlement at all. The Courts take a number […]