When a child or young person is gifted inheritance in a Will, they may not have full control over that money until they reach a specific age, otherwise known as a vesting age. This can be any age from 18 years or older and will be determined by the Will maker. However, just because the […]
When couples separate whilst expecting a child or children, planning for future parenting arrangements can be complex and uncertain. Although parties should have discussions around parenting and visitation whilst pregnant, the law does not allow for parenting Orders or parenting plans to be entered into until the child or children are born. This is because […]
When parents of an unborn child or children are separated, there can be a considerable financial burden placed on the mother, especially in circumstances where they are unable to work during the entirety of a pregnancy due to medical reasons. Further, if there are unexpected complications that require extra medical intervention. There is a little-known […]
When drafting a Will there are many decisions to be made, whether it be who will receive your assets or who will administer your estate. However, for others there can be more complex decisions to be made, including whether to permit the use of stored reproductive material including embryos, eggs or sperm. With the number […]
A common misconception is that a person only needs a Will later in life or once substantial assets have been accumulated. In fact, it is prudent to have a Will in place from an early stage; in most jurisdictions, a Will can be validly made from the age of 18. Having a Will is important […]
It is not unusual in family law practice, for one of the parties to have an apprehended domestic violence order (‘ADVO’) in place for their protection from their former spouse. An ADVO can have various conditions including the following: There can also be conditions that make contact restrictions, which means the one party is prohibited […]
It is not uncommon for children of a relationship to continue to reside with their parents after they turn 18 years of age and for that child to continue to rely financially on those parents. The common question we are asked when a relationship breaks down, is whether the support that parent provides that child […]
We are often approached by clients who have received Court documents from an ex-partner regarding parenting and/or property matters seeking urgent assistance with next steps. In family law, before a party files with the Court, they are required to comply with the pre-action procedures. These procedures include: Set out the issues in dispute. Specify the […]
It is not uncommon in a relationship for a family member, usually a parent, to give a party a sum of money for the party’s benefit. When it comes to family law, the issue regarding that sum of money often arises as to whether it amounts to a gift or a loan. Loans A loan […]















