So you are going to a Mediation…What happens in a mediation?

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In most family law and estate litigation disputes, the parties are required to attend mediation to attempt to resolve their dispute. This article describes what is involved and addresses the most commonly asked questions about mediation. What is mediation? Mediation … Read More

When superannuation doesn’t end up with the people it was intended for: blended families & government super conditions

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Imagine discovering that you do not have control about who your superannuation will go to upon your passing, even though you have documented your wishes in a will. A nasty surprise and it is occurring more than you might think. … Read More

Separating and need to plan care arrangements for your children?

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For most separating parents their primary concerns include their children’s wellbeing and fear about the legal process. Consequently, the first few questions I am usually asked are these: “How do I tell the kids we’re separating?” “I don’t want to … Read More

What is a De Facto Relationship?

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Since 2009, the Family Law Act has applied to property disputes between de facto couples including same-sex de facto couples. This has led to a raft of enquiries to family lawyers from clients who are in, or contemplating entering into, … Read More

Opening the DOORS to Family Law

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Chair of the Family Law Council of Australia, Mr Rick O’Brien recently announced a national audit of family violence training to identify best practice. The Law Council’s Family Law Section has undertaken a range of training and practice development initiatives over … Read More

ACT Courts welcome safety initiatives

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On June 20 this year, legislation to assist Federal Courts and tribunals in the management of their security was passed in Parliament. The Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus QC described the new laws as clarifying and enhancing the powers available to security personnel … Read More

Forever (or never) in the spotlight? Publication and Dissemination of Information

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Rupert Murdoch’s power and influence will forever mean that his life and the happenings within his family are always in the media spotlight. Unfortunately for Murdoch, the last several weeks has seen both newspapers and blogs run with the story … Read More

Child’s Play: A jab of love, fear & vaccines

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Over the last several weeks, a New South Wales’ daily newspaper has pursued a campaign to influence policy change relating to the compulsory immunisation of children attending day care and school facilities. It is known as the No Jab. No … Read More

The "New" Family Lawyer: An Interesting Take on How the Role Has Changed

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We often perceive family lawyers as lawyers out to “fight to the death” for their clients, draining their client’s precious funds along the way and leading to ugly battles in Court. But as the Federal Government has focussed its attention … Read More

Tips for Mediation Sessions: How to Get the Most Out of Them

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Most separated parents who cannot agree about the care arrangements for their children are required to attend family dispute resolution, before seeking a resolution through the Courts. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your mediation … Read More

The Importance of Formalising a Property Settlement

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Scenario: You and your former partner have separated. You have agreed how you will split your assets. You don’t think it is worth getting lawyers involved to “legalise” your agreement. Here are three very good reasons why you should.

Dividing Up Assets According to the Family Law Act

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There is sometimes confusion about how to divide assets when a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down. Here, we talk about how the Family Law Act deals with dividing assets of separated couples (also called a “property settlement”).

Reaching an Agreement Using Family Relationship Services

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The Government has recently announced it will invest more than $100 million towards funding family relationship services including post separation dispute resolution processes. Below are some options available for parties when trying to reach agreement about their family law matter.

New Legislation Puts De Facto Couples on Equal Footing

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Amendments have recently been made to the Family Law Act. The new reforms allow de facto couples to access federal family law Courts in relation to property and maintenance matters upon the breakdown of a de facto relationship. Dobinson Davey … Read More