Articles & Cases

child custody visitation

5 Tips on How to Increase Child Custody Visitation

Child custody visitation is a crucial issue that arises during and following parental separation or divorce. It refers to the quantity of time a non-custodial parent spends with their child. [...]

changing parenting orders | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What You Should Know About Changing Parenting Orders

Parenting orders are crucial in resolving disputes and establishing clear guidelines for separated or divorced parents in Australia. However, circumstances can change over time, requiring modifications to the existing parenting [...]

procedural hearing | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Procedural Hearing: Everything You Need to Know

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 [...]

single expert witness family law rules | melbourne Family lawyers

Single Expert Witness Family Law Rules: 6-Point Comprehensive

Single Expert Witness Family Law Rules In family law proceedings, the court may appoint a single expert witness to provide an independent, unbiased opinion on specific issues, such as child [...]

friend of the court | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Friend of the Court: Helpful 7-Point Guide

Friend of the Court A friend of the court, or amicus curiae, is a person or organisation invited or permitted to provide the court with expertise, insight, or information relevant [...]

wastage family law | Melbourne Family Lawyers

4 Common Examples of Wastage Family Law

Wastage Family Law In family law, wastage refers to the deliberate or reckless depletion of marital assets, which can significantly impact property settlements during divorce proceedings. Wastage occurs when one [...]

calderbank offer family law | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Calderbank Offer Family Law: 3 Important Benefits

Calderbank Offer Family Law In family law, a Calderbank offer is a formal settlement proposal made on a “without prejudice save as to costs” basis. This means the offer cannot [...]

contra proferentem rule australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Contra Proferentem Rule Australia: 2 Helpful Examples

Contra Proferentem Rule Australia The contra proferentem rule in Australia is a legal principle applied in contract interpretation. It dictates that if a contractual term is ambiguous, the interpretation least [...]

parenting payment while overseas | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Parenting Payment While Overseas: 5 Important Criteria

Parenting Payment While Overseas For many Australian parents, knowing whether they can continue to receive parenting payments whilst overseas is a pressing concern, especially when considering travel or relocation. The [...]

circumstances parent able to relocate child | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Circumstances When A Parent Can Relocate Child

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 [...]

how to pick a family lawyer | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Pick a Family Lawyer in Australia: 7 Important Factors to Consider

Choosing a family lawyer can be challenging, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like divorce, child custody, or property disputes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pick a family [...]

broken heart law australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Broken Heart Law Australia: Helpful 5-Point Guide

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 [...]

grey divorce australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Grey Divorce Australia: 6 Frequently Asked Questions

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 [...]

taking out house equity before divorce | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Taking Out House Equity Before Divorce: 3 Helpful Methods

Divorce is a challenging time, both emotionally and financially. One of the critical considerations during this period is how to manage shared assets, particularly the family home. Taking out house [...]

contrived relationship | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Contrived Relationship: How to Report and Consequences

A contrived relationship, particularly in the context of immigration and visa applications, is one that is deliberately fabricated or manipulated to achieve specific outcomes, such as gaining residency or citizenship. [...]

cohabitation agreement | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What You Need to Know About Cohabitation Agreements

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 [...]

can my estranged husband use our combined bank account | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Can My Estranged Husband Use Our Combined Bank Account

Navigating the complexities of financial matters during a separation can be challenging, especially regarding shared assets like joint bank accounts. If you’re wondering, “Can my estranged husband use our combined [...]

debts incurred after separation but before divorce australia

Debts Incurred After Separation But Before Divorce? Here’s What to Do

Understanding the financial implications of separation and divorce is crucial for anyone navigating this challenging phase. In particular, handling debts incurred after separation but before divorce presents a complex area [...]

how to expose a narcissist in family court australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

4 Helpful Strategies to Expose a Narcissist in Family Court Australia

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 [...]

selling assets before divorce | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Selling Assets Before Divorce: Helpful 4-Point Guide

In Australia, the legalities surrounding the sale of assets before a divorce is finalised are complex. While technically possible, doing so can present significant legal challenges. The Family Law Act [...]

de facto inheritance law australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

De Facto Inheritance Law in Australia

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 [...]

chose in action | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Chose in Action: 7-Point Comprehensive Guide

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 | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is an Enforcement Order: Helpful 6-Point guide

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. [...]

family trusts and divorce | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Family Trusts and Divorce: 8-Point Comprehensive Guide

Family Trusts and Divorce: Understanding How Divorce Impacts Family Trusts Divorce can significantly impact family trusts, particularly in terms of asset division and property settlements. In Australia, family trusts are [...]

financial resources family law | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Financial Resources Family Law: 6-Point Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Financial Resources Family Law Financial resources family law refers to any source of financial support or potential financial gain that an individual may have access to, even if it’s [...]

is loan an asset | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Is Loan an Asset: 7-Point Comprehensive Guide

Is Loan an Asset? Whether a loan is considered an asset depends on the financial context and who holds the loan. A loan is indeed an asset for the lender [...]

how to prove false allegations in family court | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Prove False Allegations in Family Court: 7 Helpful Tips

How to Prove False Allegations in Family Court Proving false allegations in family court requires a strategic approach focused on gathering evidence, maintaining accurate records, and relying on credible witnesses. [...]

tender bundle in family court | Melbourne Family Lawyes

4 Important Components of a Tender Bundle in Family Court You Need to Know

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 | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Family Court Appeal Success Rate: 4 Valid Grounds for Appeal

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 [...]

add backs family law | Melbourne Family Lawyers

3 Important Factors Considered in Add Backs Family Law

Understanding Add Backs Family Law Add backs family law refer to adjustments made to the pool of assets when one party has used joint funds or assets in a way [...]

what is legal capacity | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is Legal Capacity: 5-Point Comprehensive Guide

What is Legal Capacity? Legal capacity refers to a person’s ability to make legally recognised decisions and understand the consequences of those decisions. It requires the individual to comprehend the [...]

what is a conciliation conference | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is a Conciliation Conference: 4 Helpful Benefits

What is a Conciliation Conference? A conciliation conference is a structured meeting where disputing parties come together to discuss their issues with the assistance of an impartial conciliator. The goal [...]

child custody with a newborn

How to Co-Parent with a Newborn the Right Way

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 [...]

long term effects of domestic violence | Melbourne Family Lawyers

5 Long Term Effects of Domestic Violence

Long Term Effects of Domestic Violence Domestic violence inflicts significant and often enduring harm on victims. While the immediate impact of physical injuries or emotional trauma is evident, the long-term [...]

independent children's lawyer | Melbourne Family Lawyers

7 Important Things to Know About Independent Children’s Lawyer

The Role of an Independent Children’s Lawyer in Family Law In family law proceedings, an independent children’s lawyer (ICL) represents the child’s interests, ensuring that the child’s voice is heard [...]

how to represent yourself in family court australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Represent Yourself in Family Court Australia: 3 Important Steps

To represent yourself in family court in Australia, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the legal processes, and present your case clearly. Self-representation involves: Although it can be challenging, being [...]

how to get child support | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Get Child Support: 7-Point Comprehensive Guide

How to Get Child Support You must apply for a Child Support Assessment through Services Australia to get child support in Australia. This assessment calculates the amount of financial support [...]

how do i get a copy of family court orders | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How Do I Get a Copy of Family Court Orders: 7-Point Comprehensive Guide

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 [...]

family violence order | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Family Violence Orders (FVO): Helpful 7-Point Guide

A Family Violence Order (FVO) is a legal tool designed to protect individuals from family violence, typically issued by a court to prevent an abusive person from committing further acts [...]

family law proceedings | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What Are Family Law Proceedings: 4 Important Types

Family law proceedings refer to legal processes that deal with disputes or issues related to family matters in Australia. These proceedings are commonly heard in the Federal Circuit and Family [...]

how to gift money to divorcing child | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Gift Money to Divorcing Child: 6-Point Comprehensive Guide

How to Gift Money to Divorcing Child Gifting money to a child going through a divorce can be a delicate and complicated process. The main question often revolves around how [...]

pet ownership disputes | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Pet Ownership Disputes: 6-Point Comprehensive Guide

Pet Ownership Disputes Pet ownership disputes often arise in cases of separation, divorce, or disagreement between co-owners, making it challenging to determine who retains custody of the animal. In Australian [...]

tender bundle family court | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Tender Bundle Family Court: 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

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 [...]

what happens if you breach family court orders | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What Happens if You Breach Family Court Orders: 5 Consequences to Avoid

What Happens if You Breach Family Court Orders? Breaching family court orders in Australia can lead to serious consequences, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. When someone [...]

does rental income affect child support | Walker Pender Lawyers

Does Rental Income Affect Child Support? A 6-Point Comprehensive Guide

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. [...]

How Prenuptial Agreements Can Protect Business Interests in Marriage | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How Prenuptial Agreements Can Protect Business Interests in Marriage: A 6-Point Guide

How Prenuptial Agreements Can Protect Business Interests in Marriage: 5 Key Benefits Entering marriage as a business owner brings unique considerations, particularly regarding protecting your business assets. Prenuptial agreements are [...]

representing yourself as a respondent in a restraining order final hearing | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Representing Yourself as a Respondent in a Restraining Order Final Hearing: A Helpful 5-Step Guide

Representing Yourself as a Respondent in a Restraining Order Final Hearing Representing yourself as a respondent in a restraining order final hearing means that you will be responsible for presenting [...]

child support living in same house | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Paying Child Support while Living in Same House: 8-Point Comprehensive Guide

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 [...]

de facto relationship australia 6 months | Melbourne Family Lawyers

De Facto Relationships in Australia: The 6-Month Rule

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 [...]

should i sign a prenup | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Should I Sign a Prenup? 6 Important Things to Know Before Getting a Prenup

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract between two people before they marry, outlining the division of assets, debts, and financial responsibilities if the marriage ends in divorce. While often [...]

contravene family violence intervention order | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Contravening A Family Violence Intervention Order: 5-Point Comprehensive Guide

Understanding a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) A family violence intervention order is a legal measure designed to protect individuals from family violence by imposing specific conditions on the respondent. [...]

can police press charges without victims consent | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Can Police Press Charges Without Victims Consent in Australia: 5-Point Comprehensive Guide

Can Police Press Charges Without Victims Consent in Australia? In Australia, the decision to press charges in a criminal case does not rely on the victim’s consent. Law enforcement authorities [...]

does salary sacrifice affect child support | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Does Salary Sacrifice Affect Child Support: Helpful 6-Point Guide

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 | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is Child Support Supposed to Cover: 7 Important Factors

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 [...]

do consent orders need to be signed | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Do Consent Orders Need To Be Signed?

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 rights for fathers | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Child Custody Rights for Australian Fathers

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 [...]

Vaccination Without Parental Consent

Vaccination is crucial to public health, protecting individuals from infectious diseases and preventing the spread of harmful viruses. In Australia, the topic of vaccinating minors without parental consent has sparked [...]

what is the most common child custody arrangement | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What Is the Most Common Child Custody Arrangement?

The most common child custody arrangement in Australia is known as “joint custody”. This arrangement emphasises both parents’ involvement in making major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, such as education, [...]

custody settlement

Custody Settlements: Deciding Between Court or Negotiation

Reaching a mutually agreeable settlement can be challenging, and it requires both parties to be willing to work together and compromise. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how [...]

should i divorce my gambling husband | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Should I Divorce My Gambling Husband?

Deciding whether to divorce a spouse with a gambling addiction is a profoundly personal and complex decision. It involves weighing significant emotional, financial, and familial implications. If you’re contemplating this [...]