Family Law Blog

From Property to Protected Companion: Pets under Family Law in Australia

Historically, Australian family law regarded pets the same way it did household goods—like furniture or cars. When couples separated, the ownership of a dog or cat was decided according to property division rules, focusing solely on factors such…

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Comparing the Best Interests of Children in the Family Law Act 1975 and the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005

Those involved in both family law and children’s law will eventually face the idea that a child’s best interests are the top priority in decision-making. But what happens when the law is divided on what truly constitutes a…

Strategies for Clearer, Calmer Communication When Responding to a High-Conflict Ex

Separation can bring enormous emotional strain, especially when parenting arrangements require ongoing contact with a former partner. For some, communication remains civil. For others, it can become consistently hostile, with sharp words exchanged via text, email, social media,…

Litigation Guardians, Part 1 – Overview

By Justin Lee, Associate Family Lawyer Litigation Guardians – A Four Part Series: Overview, Appointment, Costs and Access. Part 1 – Overview To paint a picture, let’s start with a fictional fact scenario. James and his partner, Melanie,…

Litigation Guardians, Part 2 – The Steps Required to Appoint a Litigation Guardian

By Justin Lee, Associate Family Lawyer   Litigation Guardians – A Four Part Series: Overview, Appointment, Costs and Access. Part 2 – The Steps Required to Appoint a Litigation Guardian Continuing on with our fictional fact scenario presented…

Litigation Guardians, Part 3 – Costs and Expenses

By Justin Lee, Associate Family Lawyer   Litigation Guardians – A Four Part Series: Overview, Appointment, Costs and Access. Part 3 – Costs and Expenses Continuing on with our fictional fact scenario presented in Part 1 – Overview…

How to protect your child (or grandchild’s) early inheritance in the event of a relationship break-down

The rising cost of living, concerns with inheritance tax and the challenges facing younger generations have led to more and more families gifting inheritances sooner rather than later. Also, with people living longer there is a growing desire…