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Appeals process in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Appeals process in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

With the commencement of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) on 1 September 2021 came a new appeals process for matters within the family law court system.
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The National Contravention List to Enforce Family Court Orders

The National Contravention List to Enforce Family Court Orders

On 18 August 2021, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court announced the launch of a new National Contravention List designed to handle ongoing problems associated with compliance with Family Court Orders. The NCL took effect on 1 September 2021.
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Time with children at Christmas, after separation

Time with children at Christmas, after separation

Several months before December each year, Mums and Dads are starting to prepare for Christmas. In this blog, we look at how to prepare for discussions about spending time with children and what options are available if you cannot agree.
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The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia commenced in September 2021

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia commenced in September 2021

From 1 September 2021, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia merged to become the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). In this blog, we look at how this merger impacts you and your family law matter.
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What is a pre-trial conference in family law matters?

What is a pre-trial conference in family law matters?

A family law pre-trial conference is similar to a mediation-style conference, however, it is conducted by a Registrar of the Court rather than a mediator. Pre-trial conferences are only held in respect of financial disputes and parenting disputes.
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What is a Case Assessment Conference in family law matters (Western Australia)?

What is a Case Assessment Conference in family law matters (Western Australia)?

Case Assessment Conferences during family law proceedings in the Family Court of Western Australia are only held in respect of child-related proceedings. The purpose is for risk assessment.
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Divorce is only one part of finalising separation from your partner

Divorce is only one part of finalising separation from your partner

To finalise separation from your partner, there are a number of issues that should be considered and addressed over and above obtaining a Divorce Order (if you were married) or simply moving on with your life if you were in a de facto relationship.
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Family law and separation: when are we considered separated?

Family law and separation: when are we considered separated?

In the traumatic time of a relationship breakdown, it’s not always front of mind as to whether you are legally defined as “separated”… “or not”… In fact, there is no legal definition of “separation” in a family law environment.
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Borrowing from the Bank of Mum & Dad; what happens if we separate?

Borrowing from the Bank of Mum & Dad; what happens if we separate?

The “Bank of Mum & Dad” is the colloquial term used to refer to parents financially helping out their children and is larger than some of the most established and well-known banks, including AMP and HSBC.
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What is a Family Court Conciliation Conference?

What is a Family Court Conciliation Conference?

A family law conciliation conference is similar to a mediation-style conference; however, it is conducted by a Registrar of the Court rather than being facilitated by a professional outside the court system.
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What is a Single Expert Witness in Property Matters?

What is a Single Expert Witness in Property Matters?

If parties cannot agree on the value for particular property, the family law system requires a valuation to be obtained by an independent expert, known as a Single Expert Witness.
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Is my inheritance protected after separation or divorce?

Is my inheritance protected after separation or divorce?

Unfortunately, inheritance is not a protected asset or property in family law matters when married spouses or de facto partners separate. Due to the broad discretion afforded to the Family Law Courts in Australia, the treatment of inheritances can be a vexing issue in property settlement matters.
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