There’s no doubt grandparents are invaluable to families. They provide support to parents in a number of ways including taking on babysitting duties or even giving financial help. But can that “help” be counted during a property settlement? In a recent article, we addressed the court’s position in relation to financial support from grandparents [...]
Coercive control is an insidious form of domestic violence and is often a precursor to serious physical violence. In a recent case, (Carter & Wilson), a trial judge found that a mother was guilty of using coercive control in preventing her child from seeing his father. However, on appeal that decision was reversed. To [...]
We’re all used to the concept of doctor/patient confidentiality, but in some cases, notes from a psychologist can be used during family law proceedings. A subpoena must be issued for the notes, and if the psychologist complies, those documents will be made available to everyone involved in the case. Sometimes either the psychologist, or [...]
As family lawyers we advise clients after the breakdown of their marriages and de facto relationships, whether they are heterosexual or same-sex relationships. There are also partnerships called “polyamorous relationships” which have very recently come under scrutiny by the Family Courts. A polyamorous relationship is defined as having a romantic relationship with more than [...]
So, you and your spouse have decided to separate – what comes next? The first thing you should do is make a plan, even if the split is amicable. Here’s our “quick tips” on what to do if you have just separated. Start a diary. Take notes and keep everything that happens between the [...]
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has the power to order you to attend a Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) conference. This helps people come to an agreement about parenting arrangements in a respectful manner. Anything that happens during a court-based FDR conference is confidential, unless threats of harm are made to anyone [...]
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) pensions are part and parcel of most superannuation packages. But in the event of separation and divorce, are those TPD pensions included in the property pool? A TPD pension provides a safety net for people who can no longer work due to a disability or injury which occurs during [...]
We’re living in a digital age and dividing up the cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly relevant to divorce proceedings and property settlements. Firstly, what is cryptocurrency? Essentially, it’s a digital form of money that can be transferred electronically from one person to another, via a “wallet” or online exchange. Cryptocurrency exchange is traced by a [...]
Australia’s rental crisis is having an impact on families and family law cases. With the cost of rent rising beyond wage increases, and the diminishing number of properties available to rent, more families are feeling the pressure and for many separating couples that pressure is even more acute. For single parents, 82 per cent [...]
