A common question asked by clients when seeking advice about family law property settlements, whether prior to separation or following separation, is whether assets can be simply transferred into a family trust, therefore guarding those assets against any potential family law claim. Such a view is one held commonly by clients, and is often corroborated […]
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 […]
But what happens when the parenting arrangements change and you have a Child Support Agreement in place, for example, the children now begin living with the mother most of the time rather than the father? An option available to parents when they separate with respect to child support, is to enter into a Child Support […]
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 […]
“Addbacks” were a legal mechanism allowing courts to notionally “add back” property or funds that had been spent or dissipated by one party, treating them as if they still existed for the purposes of dividing the asset pool. This often-included funds spent on legal fees, gifts, or unexplained withdrawals. The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 changed this, […]
The few parenting matters that are unable to be resolved without the assistance of the Court or otherwise need urgent consideration by the Court will always involve at least two competing narratives about what has happened during and after the relationship. Agreed facts are a rarity in family law matters so the question then becomes […]
Making the decision to consult a family lawyer regarding your parenting matter is a daunting task. It is common for prospective clients to think that once lawyers become involved the matter is doomed to end up in Court. However, this is a common misconception and in fact most parenting matters our office receives instructions to […]
In family law, to enable a just and fair outcome for property matters, parties are required to be transparent with information of all assets in liabilities, whether current, past or future. Providing accurate information allows the parties matter to progress in a prompt and financially considerate manner. The duty of disclosure is now codified in […]
On 10 December 2024, the Family Law Amendment Act 2025 received Royal Assent and became law, changing significant aspects of the Family Law Act 1975, which is the governing legislation for family law matters. The changes are far-reaching. This is part 3 and the final part in a series of articles explaining those changes. Part […]
On 10 December 2024, the Family Law Amendment Act 2025 received Royal Assent and became Law, changing significant aspects of the Family Law Act 1975, which is the governing legislation for Family Law matters. The changes are far-ranging. This is Part 2 in a series of articles explaining those changes. Part 1 which is related […]















