Blog
Pets and companion animals in family law - major changes from June 2025
From June 2025, Australian family law changed the way courts in most jurisdictions deal with family pets in property settlement. Pets are no longer treated as just another piece of property. Instead, they are recognised as “companion animals” – a special category with rules that reflect their role in family life.
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What happens to child support if my former partner starts a new family?
Australia’s child support system can be daunting and complex. It becomes more complex when life circumstances change. A common question many parents ask is: “What happens if my ex has more children after we separate?”
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A guide to child inclusive mediation
This guide explains what child-inclusive mediation is, when it may be used, and how family law reforms have shaped its role.
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When child protection laws and family law intersect
In Australia, both family law and child protection laws aim to keep children safe from harm and support their wellbeing. However, they are handled by different courts, follow different procedures, and involve different agencies. When these two areas overlap, it can often create confusion for parents and carers.
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How personal injury compensation is treated in family law property settlements
When going through a separation or divorce, one of the most difficult aspects can be working out how to divide property. This process can become even more complex when one partner has received a personal injury lump sum payment during or around the time of the relationship.
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Mental health assessments in family law parenting proceedings
If a parent is struggling with mental health issues, the court must consider whether these affect their ability to care for their child safely and consistently. This article explains how and why mental health assessments are used in Australian family law, how they are conducted, and what impact they may have on a case.
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Can a Binding Financial Agreement be overturned?
A Binding Financial Agreement is a legal contract that sets out how a couple’s assets, liabilities, superannuation entitlements and financial resources will be divided if they separate or divorce. While a BFA is generally binding, there are some circumstances where it can be challenged or overturned by a court.
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When can I stop paying child support in Australia?
Child support, if using the Child Support Agency, is a formula assessed on each parent’s taxable income. With the variations on what is a “taxable income” declared to the Child Support Agency, there are times when parents wonder if they can stop paying child support.
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Property settlement and family violence: major changes from June 2025
New laws relating to property settlement and family violence came into effect on 10 June 2025. The intention is to improve how courts deal with property settlements (financial matters), particularly for those involving allegations of family violence.
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Understanding litigation guardians (or case guardians) in family law
Sometimes, people involved in a family law matter may be unable to represent themselves due to age, incapacity or disability. In these circumstances, a litigation guardian (or often referred to as a case guardian) may be appointed.
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Negotiating the costs of extra-curricular activities after separation
A common area of confusion for separated parents is whether child support covers the costs of extra-curricular activities such as sports, music lessons, school camps, or dance classes and, if not, what other options there are for payment of these activities.
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Guide to Arbitration in Australian Family Law
While many people assume that court is the only way to resolve family law disputes, arbitration is another option and increasingly becoming more popular.
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