Navigating through the courts can be overwhelming. This article is designed to be a helpful guide to summarise the main hearing types that your Family Law matter might be listed for in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. First Return Hearing In family law proceedings, once your matter goes to Court, the first […]
Relocating with your child — or responding to a former partner’s plans to move — is one of the more emotionally and legally complex issues in family law. Relocation issues touch on the most sensitive parts of family life: children’s safety and wellbeing, meaningful relationships, logistics, emotions and change. If you are thinking of moving […]
What is an Independent Children’s Lawyer? (ICL) An Independent Children’s Lawyer (“ICL”) is an impartial lawyer that is appointed in parenting proceedings to represent a child’s best interests. The appointment of an ICL is under section 68L of the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”). Section 68LA the Act sets the role of an ICL […]
The breakdown of a relationship between partners, family members, friends or neighbours can result in volatile disputes. These disputes can sometimes lead to intimidation, or to threats or actual use of violence to a person or a child. If this happens, one person may seek the help of Victoria Police or the Court and apply […]
On 10 June 2025, the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 came into effect. The amendments updated how property, finances and pets are handled after a separation. This article aims to outline some of the changes and detail how the amendments impact potential litigants. The key changes are as follows: The property division decision process New […]
Technology advances have placed the ability to video or audio record conversations at the tip of everyone’s fingers. Separation can often be difficult and may involve significant conflict, and it is not uncommon for parties to a separation to record interactions with their former partners, or consider doing so. Recordings might be of situations such […]
Different cultural practices are generally welcomed and embraced in Australia, but some cultural practices which may be common in other countries can conflict with the law in Australia. One such practice is the giving of dowry. Recently, the family law legal system in Australia, via amendments to the Family Law Act 1975, has taken a […]
Where will your furry family members go after separation? In Australia, pets are usually considered and treated as family members. It is estimated that 69% of Australian homes have pet members, making Australia one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Recently, the law has changed regarding how a pet member is […]
In family law proceedings, parties can sometimes be uncertain about what information they can share with their family, friends and the general public. Is it okay to discuss family law proceedings with a new partner? Are the parties able to post comments about their legal matter on social media? Can documents be uploaded for everyone […]
Did you recently marry the love of your life? Or perhaps you have recently separated or finalised your divorce? Well, you’re reading the right article! Did you know that marriage, separation and divorce may have an impact on your Will? Or if you do not have a Will yet, this may affect your estate in […]
Children often have a number of people who play a significant role in their lives. This can be mum, dad, grandparents, uncles, aunties, and family friends. It is often the case that when parents separate, or where there are other family issues, it is not only the relationship between a child and their parents that […]
International child abduction is a serious issue that many families may not consider. An Airport Watchlist Order (AWL) is a legal safeguard designed to prevent the removal of a child from Australia without proper consent or court approval. If you have genuine concerns that a parent, relative, or other individual might attempt to remove your […]