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From 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (“the Act”) now explicitly requires the Court to consider the impacts of family violence when determining property settlements and spousal maintenance applications.
Since the landmark case of Kennon & Kennon [1997] FamCA 27 family violence has relevant in determining property matters, however, this decision is only now being codified into the legislation. It is now a requirement in all property matters, for the Court to consider the impact of family violence. The amendments are significant in acknowledging the multifaceted nature of family violence and its long-standing economic impacts on victim survivors.
Australia is on the brink of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in its history. Dubbed “The Great Wealth Transfer,” this economic shift will see trillions of dollars passed from Baby Boomers to younger generations over the next two decades. As aging Australians prepare to pass on their wealth, the importance of sound legal and estate planning advice has never been greater.
Whether you’re an inheritor, an estate planner, or someone with substantial assets, engaging a lawyer is critical to protect your rights, avoid disputes, and ensure that wealth is transferred smoothly and according to your wishes.
When parenting orders are finalised, it’s common for conflicts between parents to diminish, leading to improved co-parenting relationships. However, in some cases, one parent may continue to create conflict by intentionally breaching or failing to comply with the parenting orders.
Parenting orders create binding legal obligations and must be taken seriously by both parents. They create a positive duty to ensure that children spend time with, or communicate with the other parent in accordance with the Orders. If a parent does not fulfil their duties in accordance with the parenting orders they may be found to have contravened that order.
In Australia, commercial surrogacy, where a surrogate receives payment beyond reimbursement for reasonable expenses, is illegal in all states and territories. Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, wherein surrogates can be reimbursed for costs associated with the pregnancy but cannot receive additional compensation.
The reason behind this is to prevent potential exploitation of surrogates and children. Engaging in or arranging a commercial surrogacy agreement can lead to serious penalties, including fines and criminal charges.
26 may, 2025
“What are my rights in a separation?”
It’s a simple question — but the answer can feel anything but. When couples separate, there’s often confusion about what needs to happen next. Do you have to move out? Do you need to see a lawyer? Can you take the kids with you? Can you change the locks?
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. This is why understanding your rights and responsibilities early on can make all the difference — not just legally, but emotionally and financially as well.
13 April, 2023
An Accredited Specialist in Family Law is a legal practitioner who has demonstrated a high level of competence and expertise in the area of family law. Accredited Specialists in Family Law have undergone additional training and passed rigorous assessments set by the Law Society.
22 March, 2022
Family Trusts can be a very effective at building and protecting wealth, including generational wealth. The clear benefit of a family trust is that it may offer asset protection, income flexibility and significant tax advantages, providing benefits to your family.
25 January, 2022
If you have recently become involved in Court proceedings relating to arrangements for children, you may have been ordered to participate in interviews for a Child Impact Report. Such reports are frequently ordered prior to an interim hearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
21 January, 2021
Before applying to the court for Orders about children, you are required to engage in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), such as mediation, and try to resolve the issues outside of court.
14 September, 2020
The answer is: It depends.
6 August, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 lockdown laws and social distancing guidelines, NSW Parliament has introduced the Electronic Transactions Amendment (COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020.various aspects of your estate/family situation, along with a few other reasons.
14 July, 2019
This is a question which we are often asked by clients and the short answer is “Yes”.
The main reason why is the law of intestacy and its impact on various aspects of your estate/family situation, along with a few other reasons.
14 JUNE, 2019
Gift or Loan? The Family Courts are seeing a rise in cases involving third parties asserting an interest in property settlement between husband and wife.
15 May, 2019
Since 2016, NSW has been transitioning to electronic conveyancing. The last stage of this transition is now almost upon us.
