Many people call a lawyer asking the same thing: “They control my money, my phone, and who I see. Can I have them charged today?” The honest answer depends on [...]
Victoria’s Stability Act 2026 gives the Children’s Court power to extend a family reunification order beyond the previous 24-month cap, in blocks of up to 12 months, where doing so [...]
I’ve guided hundreds of clients through the complexities of superannuation in divorce. It’s consistently one of the most misunderstood aspects of property settlement, and often represents 25-40% of a couple’s [...]
Going through a separation is tough enough without worrying about whether your late parent’s legacy might end up divided with your ex-partner. I’m Hayder Shkara, director of Melbourne Family Lawyers, [...]
Does child support cover school uniforms? In Australia, child support generally does cover school uniforms. Uniforms are usually treated as part of a child’s ordinary education costs, grouped together with [...]
The Full Court of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) has handed down a landmark decision that changes the way property settlements are approached under the [...]
Can I Request a Child Support Reassessment? Yes, you can request a child support reassessment if there’s been a change in your circumstances or your child’s needs. A reassessment helps [...]
When do courts order supervised time (often called supervised visitation) and what does it involve? In Australia, the Family Court may order supervised time when it believes that a child’s [...]
Who Decides Where the Child Goes to School After Separation? After a separation or divorce, deciding where your child goes to school can be one of the most emotionally charged [...]
What Are Interim Orders in Family Law? Interim orders in family law are temporary court orders made to address immediate issues before a final decision is reached. They’re designed to [...]
Ending a marriage is always a challenging decision. Still, if you’ve come to the difficult conclusion that divorce is the best option, it’s essential to understand the process and legal [...]
In Australia, the definition of domestic violence extends beyond physical harm to include a variety of behaviours, such as verbal and emotional abuse. Verbal abuse, a prevalent form of emotional [...]
Yes, you can sue someone for domestic violence verbal abuse in Australia. Emotional abuse, often termed as emotional distress or psychological trauma, can be grounds for a lawsuit if you [...]
A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a legal protection issued by a court to safeguard individuals from domestic violence. It imposes specific conditions on the person who has committed the [...]
An injunction order on property is a legal remedy issued by a court that prevents an individual or entity from taking specific actions concerning a disputed property or a property [...]
Yes, a property settlement can affect your Centrelink payments after separation or divorce. This usually depends on the assets or money you receive. It also depends on your financial circumstances [...]
Yes, getting a fair property settlement with a narcissist in Australia is possible. Dealing with a narcissist in a property settlement and divorce can be challenging, but not impossible. 2025 [...]
The most economical approach to obtaining a divorce in Australia is through a joint application for divorce, where both parties agree on the divorce and its terms. This method minimises [...]
Recovery orders are essential legal instruments in Australia designed to protect the welfare of children who have been unlawfully taken from their primary caregivers. The primary aim is to ensure [...]
In Australia, the question of whether a parent must continue paying child support when their child attends university is not always straightforward. While child support typically ends when a child [...]
Since the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2017, the gay divorce rate in Australia has significantly increased. To provide a more comprehensive view, let’s break down the changes year by [...]
To fight a child protection order in Victoria, you must engage with the legal process in the Children’s Court, where the order is reviewed and challenged. This involves presenting evidence [...]
Child custody can be a complex issue, especially when a child is under two years old. In Australia, the Family Law Act 1975 governs child custody matters. When determining what [...]
Australia participates in several international agreements and conventions to handle international child support cases. These agreements ensure that children’s financial needs are met, regardless of their parents’ location. Need advice [...]
If you’re in Australia, there are specific laws and regulations you must be aware of if you are considering tying the knot with someone from a foreign country. In this [...]
Permanent residency in Australia is a status that permits individuals to live, work, and study indefinitely. To obtain this status, applicants must fulfil several requirements, which vary depending on the [...]
An Intervention Order is a Court Order made by a Magistrate in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria against a person (the Respondent) who has committed family violence against a family [...]
In family law, the term broken heart law Australia isn’t a formal legal term but rather a colloquial expression that captures the emotional turmoil and potential legal ramifications of infidelity [...]
Contrary to popular belief, child custody according to statistics by gender indicate that fathers in Australia are not inherently disadvantaged when it comes to child custody decisions. Instead, the courts [...]
Child support is a critical aspect of ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive, particularly in the event of separation or divorce. 2025 update: Since 10 [...]
Going through a marriage separation can be an emotionally challenging and complex experience. In Australia, understanding the legal aspects of the separation process is crucial to ensure a fair and [...]
A procedural hearing is a preliminary court session where the judge reviews a case’s progress, clarifies legal issues, and determines the next steps needed before a trial. These hearings are [...]
The decision to relocate with a child within Australia involves various legal considerations and processes. The court will consider whether the relocation serves the child’s best interests, balancing the benefits [...]
The term “grey divorce” may sound unfamiliar to some, but it’s a rising phenomenon worldwide, including Australia. Grey divorce refers to couples, often in their late 50s or older, deciding [...]
Cohabitation agreements, often called ‘living together agreements,’ are formal, legally binding contracts between partners. They detail how assets, debts, and property will be handled during the relationship and in the [...]
Navigating the complexities of financial matters during a separation can be challenging, especially regarding shared assets like joint bank accounts. 2025 update: Since 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act [...]
Understanding the financial implications of separation and divorce is crucial for anyone navigating this challenging phase. 2025 update: Since 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act sets out the steps [...]
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a constant need for attention and admiration. How to expose a narcissist in family [...]
In Australia, de facto inheritance laws dictate that if someone in a de facto relationship dies without a will (known as dying “intestate“), their surviving de facto partner has similar [...]
What is Chose in Action? A chose in action refers to a personal right to recover property or enforce a claim against another party. Unlike physical assets, a chose in [...]
What is an Enforcement Order? An enforcement order is a legal directive issued by a court to compel an individual or organisation to comply with a previously determined court order. [...]
Is Loan an Asset? Whether a loan is considered an asset depends on the financial context and who holds the loan. 2025 update: Since 10 June 2025, the Family Law [...]
Tender Bundle in Family Court A tender bundle in family court proceedings is a carefully compiled set of documents that a party intends to present as evidence in support of [...]
Family Court Appeal Success Rate The success rate of appeals in the family court is generally low, reflecting the complexity and strict criteria associated with overturning original court decisions. Family [...]
Child custody disputes are never simple, but when there’s a newborn involved, the situation becomes more delicate. When it comes to determining child custody with a newborn in Australia, several [...]
If you’re wondering how to obtain a copy of family court orders in Australia, you can usually request them through the Family Court, where the orders were made. Depending on [...]
What is a Tender Bundle Family Court? A “tender bundle” in the context of family court refers to a collection of documents that one party wishes to present as evidence [...]
Does Rental Income Affect Child Support? Yes, rental income does affect child support assessments. When calculating child support in Australia, rental income is considered part of a parent’s taxable income. [...]
When parents separate but continue living under the same roof, they are still required to meet child support obligations. In Australia, child support is determined by a formula that considers [...]
What is a De Facto Relationship? In Australia, a de facto relationship is when two people, regardless of gender, live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis. Understanding [...]
Does Salary Sacrifice Affect Child Support? Yes, salary sacrifice does affect child support in Australia. Child support is calculated based on a parent’s “adjusted taxable income,” which includes salary, wages, [...]
What is Child Support Supposed to Cover? Child support is a comprehensive payment that covers various aspects of a child’s upbringing, ensuring they have the necessary resources for a stable [...]
Yes, consent orders need to be signed. A consent order is a type of court order. Parties involved usually agree on the terms of the order, and once the court [...]
Child custody disputes can be emotionally draining and legally complex for any parent, but they can pose unique challenges for fathers who may perceive a lack of equal parental rights [...]
