Family Articles

Over the last decade, an increasing number of Australians are living in de facto relationships, while marriage rates have fallen.  Reflecting this societal change, the law was changed in 2009 (2002 in Western Australia) so that the same law now applies to separating...

On 7 December 2017, the Commonwealth Parliament enacted legislation that amended the definition of marriage in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) to ‘…the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’ (formerly, the definition was in...

Family law in Australia recognises that both parents of a child should be financially responsible for that child’s care, regardless of the parents’ marital status, their past or present relationships, or their involvement in the child’s life. The child support scheme...

It is not common knowledge that, in Australia, when a marriage or a de facto relationship ends, one party to the relationship may be ordered by the Family Court to “financially maintain” the other party to the relationship, by way of “spousal maintenance”.

Families and money can sometimes be a volatile combination. That is never more so than where divorces and Wills are concerned. When is an inheritance an asset for family law purposes?

Many clients come to see a family lawyer wanting to talk about issues related to the Australian Tax Office (“ATO”), while others haven't turned their minds to their own tax affairs for some time. Generally, we find there is a misunderstanding about the role and power...

When a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down property can be divided between the parties. Superannuation is treated as property under the Family Law Act and as such, for all couples except de facto couples in Western Australia, superannuation can be adjusted,...

The breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship is a difficult time for all involved. With complex laws and emotions running high, it is easy to become stressed and overwhelmed. Whilst a stress-free separation may seem ambitious, the following tips are likely to...