Articles & Cases

does child support cover school uniforms | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Does Child Support Cover School Uniforms: 7-Point Comprehensive Guide

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 [...]

Practice of ‘Add Backs’ in Family Law Property Settlements | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Shinohara Decision Ends the Practice of ‘Add Backs’ in Family Law Property Settlements

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 [...]

child support reassessment | melbourne Family Lawyers

Can I Request a Child Support Reassessment: 6-Point Comprehensive Guide

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 [...]

supervised visitation | Melbourne Family Lawyers

When Do Courts Order Supervised Visitation and What Does It Involve?

When do courts order supervised visitation and what does it involve? In Australia, the Family Court may order supervised visitation when it believes that a child’s safety or emotional well-being [...]

Who Decides Where the Child Goes to School After Separation

Who Decides Where the Child Goes to School After Separation: 5 Important Factors the Court Considers

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 [...]

Interim Orders in Family Law | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Interim Orders in Family Law: 6-Point Step‑by‑Step Guide

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 [...]

how to get a divorce | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Get a Divorce in Australia 2025 Guide

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 [...]

is verbal abuse domestic violence | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Is Verbal Abuse a Domestic Violence?

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 [...]

can i sue someone for emotional abuse | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Can I Sue Someone for Emotional Abuse?

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 [...]

domestic violence order | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Domestic Violence Order: 8-Point Comprehensive Guide

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 [...]

Injunction Order on Property | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Types and Legal Requirements for Injunction Orders on Property

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 [...]

does property settlement affect centrelink payments | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Does Property Settlement Affect Centrelink Payments?

Navigating the complexities of family law and government benefits in Australia can be daunting, especially when dealing with the financial implications of a property settlement. A common question arises: “Does [...]

property settlement with a narcissist | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Get a Fair Property Settlement With a Narcissist?

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. The [...]

What is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Australia

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 order | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is a Recovery Order and How to Get One Without a Parenting Order

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 [...]

do i have to pay child support if my child goes to university | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Do I Have to Pay Child Support If My Child Goes to University?

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 [...]

gay divorce rate australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Gay Divorce Rate Australia From 2018 To Present

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 [...]

how to fight a child protection order victoria | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How to Fight a Child Protection Order in Victoria

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 under 2 years old

Key Factors to Consider in Custody for Children Under 2

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 [...]

international child support agreement with australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

International Child Support Agreement With Australia Guide

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. Australia’s involvement [...]

getting married to a foreigner in australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Getting Married to a Foreigner in Australia: Requirements and Process

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 and divorce australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Permanent Residency and Divorce Australia

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 [...]

how to beat an intervention order | Melbourne Family Lawyers

How To Beat an Intervention Order in Victoria

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 [...]

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 [...]

child custody statistics by gender

Is Child Custody Gender Bias? Statistics Have Revealed

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 [...]

is stalking an indictable offence | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Is Stalking an Indictable Offence?

Yes, stalking is an indictable offence in many jurisdictions, including Australia. It is a serious crime with significant legal consequences, including imprisonment. Stalking can be heard summarily, allowing it to [...]

does selling a house count as income for child support | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Does Selling a House Count as Income for Child Support in Australia?

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. In Australia, child support [...]

marriage separation process

The 5 Stages of the Marriage Separation Process

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

relinquishing parental rights australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Relinquishing Parental Rights Australia: 7 Important Effects You Need to Know

In Australia, relinquishing parental rights holds significant legal and emotional implications for both the parents and the child involved. This complex legal process is often misunderstood, leading to confusion about [...]

Prenup Lawyer

Prenup After Marriage: Is It Possible?

So, you’ve tied the knot, but you’re wondering if it’s too late to get a prenup. Good news! It’s never too late. In Australia, you can get a postnuptial agreement, [...]

do lesbians have the highest divorce rate | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Do Lesbians Have the Highest Divorce Rate?

Since the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia, the question “Do lesbians have the highest divorce rate?” has arisen in discussions about marriage and divorce trends. Recent statistics indicate that [...]

types of assault charges victoria | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Assault Charges in Victoria You Need to Know

An assault charge is a serious legal matter that can have significant consequences for those involved. In the eyes of the law, assault refers to the intentional infliction of physical [...]