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 [...]

Urgent Recovery Orders | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Urgent Recovery Orders: 10-Point Comprehensive Guide

Urgent Recovery Orders Explained If your ex takes the children without consent, it can be a deeply distressing and overwhelming situation. You may be worried about their safety, where they [...]

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 [...]

domestic violence intervention | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Intervention Order Is Issued in VIC: 6-Point Helpful Guide

If a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) has just been made against someone in your life, you might be wondering what comes next. Whether you’re the protected person or 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 [...]

social media and legal impact | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Social media and Legal Impact: How Social Media Posts Can Affect Your Family Law Case

Social media and Legal Impact If you’re going through a family law matter—such as divorce, parenting arrangements, or property settlement—what you post online can directly affect the outcome. In Australia, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

property valuation for divorce settlement | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Property Valuation in Divorce Settlement

When couples face the challenging prospect of a divorce, the division of their shared assets becomes a primary concern. In Australia, property valuation for divorce settlements is a crucial step [...]

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 [...]

who pays court costs in property settlement | Dandenong Family Lawyers

Who Pays Court Costs in Property Settlement?

In property settlements, a common question is, “Who pays the court costs?” In Australia, the general rule in family law disputes, including property settlements, is that each party is responsible [...]

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 [...]

bankruptcy joint property | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Bankruptcy Joint Property: 8 Helpful Strategies

When an individual faces bankruptcy, the fate of property owned jointly becomes a complex issue that requires careful navigation. In Australia, when an individual declares bankruptcy, the management of jointly [...]

how to force a property settlement | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Forcing a Property Settlement in Australia

Property settlement is a crucial aspect of divorce or separation in Australia, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of assets between parties. While the process is often collaborative and amicable, [...]

Short Marriage Property Settlements | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Short Marriage Property Settlements: 3 Important Factors

When marriages end early, the process of dividing assets and liabilities, known as a short marriage property settlement, becomes a concern. In Australia, short marriages are typically considered those lasting [...]

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 [...]

do you have to pay taxes on a divorce settlement | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Divorce Settlement?

Paying taxes on a divorce depends on the nature of the settlement. In Australia, most property transfers between spouses or de facto partners as part of a divorce settlement are [...]

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 [...]

what percentage is child support | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What Percentage Is Child Support: 5-Point Comprehensive Guide

Child support is vital to the well-being and financial stability of children whose parents have separated or divorced. The Australian government has established a comprehensive legal framework for calculating child [...]

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 [...]

consent order cost | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Consent Order Cost

The filing fee for Consent orders is $195. This is the fee the Family Court charges to have the orders reviewed and hopefully approved. The cost of preparing a consent [...]

de facto family | Melbourne Family Lawyers

De Facto Family Parenting Arrangements: 6 Important Factors

A de facto family in Australia refers to a domestic arrangement where two individuals live together in a relationship akin to marriage but are not legally married. This type of [...]

urgent recovery order | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Urgent Recovery Order: 4 Important Steps

If your child has been taken or is being withheld from you without your consent, you may need to apply for an urgent recovery order. This court order directs authorities [...]

presumption of parentage | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Presumption of Parentage in Australia: Helpful 6-Point Guide

The presumption of parentage is a legal concept used in Australia to determine who is legally recognised as a child’s parent. This presumption applies in various situations, such as birth [...]

co parenting apps australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

6 Best Co Parenting Apps Australia for Seamless Communication

If you’re navigating co-parenting in Australia, using specialised apps can significantly improve communication, scheduling, and managing shared responsibilities. Co parenting apps in Australia are designed to help separated parents manage [...]

affidavit of efiling divorce | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Affidavit of eFiling Divorce: 6-Point Comprehensive Guide

Affidavit of eFiling Divorce If you are filing for divorce in Australia, you may be required to submit an affidavit of eFiling divorce as part of your application. This legal [...]

ex ignoring court order to sell house | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What to Do If Your Ex is Ignoring a Court Order to Sell House: 5 Important Steps

If your ex ignoring a court order to sell house, it can be frustrating and stressful, especially if the sale is part of a property settlement after separation or divorce. [...]

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 [...]

de facto tax benefits australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Tax Benefits for De Facto Couples in Australia

De facto tax benefits in Australia are not automatically conferred and require a nuanced understanding of relevant legislation. Understanding how a de facto relationship impacts your tax situation can open [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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