The changes effected to our Family Law system back in 2006 have had a huge impact on the approach to child care arrangements in separated families, but have also been largely misunderstood....
As a grandparent myself, I can well understand the emotional distress that may be caused where parents refuse to allow their child to spend time with a grandparent. This issue arose recently in the case of Sarti & Sarti, heard on Appeal in the Family Court...
In many Family Law property settlements, the value of the matrimonial home is often a contentious issue which arises. The family home is the most precious asset which many Australians own. The current strength of the Sydney property market has resulted in significant growth in housing...
There has been a nationwide effort to criminalise coercive control since the tragic murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children Laianah, 6, Aaliyah, 4, & Trey, 3, at the hands of her estranged husband Rowan Baxter, in Queensland on 19 February 2020 when he...
One of the primary objectives of the Court in parenting matters is to determine what the best interests of the children are and to make orders to that effect. In some circumstances, a Court will appoint an Independent Children’s Lawyer (“ICL”) to your matter. An...
After a marriage or relationship breaks down, the issue of whether to stay in the family home or leave is a hotly contested issue. This is especially emotive when children are involved. Finances are tight and may not stretch comfortably, or even at all, across...
The short answer to this question is 'yes' it could be categorised as a 'De Facto Relationship' if it meets the criteria set out below. Therefore, you need to be aware that once you start spending significant time with a new partner, you are leaving yourself...
You should try and deal with your own emotions first and avoid letting your emotions get in the way of making decisions. Naturally, going through a separation is a very emotional and difficult time for clients. Try and treat your settlement as a ‘civil business-like...
What is Collaborative Practice? Collaborative Practice is a voluntary dispute resolution method of resolving family law issues without recourse to court litigation....
The make-up of the modern household is quite different to what it used to be. As a result, the definition of relationships has also changed in the eyes of the law. Today, de facto couples (same sex and heterosexual) are entitled to almost the same...