This week the Daily Telegraph, commenting on a survey undertaken by Suncorp, reported that of Australia’s 84,000 divorces, 86% failed to include the parties’ superannuation interests in the division of assets. Given the statistics regarding women already suffering from a … Read More
With confronting photographs splashed across the media, continuing news headlines and persistent tabloid covers, celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has unwittingly become the public face of domestic violence. Images depicting Lawson’s husband, advertising bigwig Charles Saatchi, with his hands around Lawson’s … Read More
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
Moving in with a family member can have many benefits for an elderly person seeking companionship or extra help with daily activities; however, without the proper planning, these arrangements can cause significant heartache for all involved.
Confused about requirements for getting divorced? Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson, one of Canberra’s largest and most experienced family law firms, answers questions about divorce.
Common questions about wills after a separation. Should I review my will when we separate? Yes, you should consider making a new will as soon as possible after you separate to ensure your estate passes in accordance with your wishes. … Read More
When separating married couples use the phrase “getting a divorce” they usually mean resolving everything relating to their marriage – property division, care arrangements for the children, and a Divorce Order. In this article we outline what “getting a divorce” … Read More
Some separating couples discover that whilst they do not want to live together, it is not financially viable for them to live apart. In this column we address some common questions about separation in these circumstances.
Children may express strong views about who they want to live with, following separation. But how does a Court take these views into account?
There is sometimes confusion about how to divide assets when a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down. Here, we answer some common questions about the process of dividing assets.
Where one parent lives and works overseas and the other parent lives in Australia with the children, the rules about collecting child support vary and depend on whether the other country is a “reciprocal” jurisdiction. Here we discuss some aspects … Read More
The Federal Magistrates Court recently announced changes to the document which is issued after a divorce is granted. The changes were needed to address difficulties encountered by parties using existing Divorce Certificates in overseas jurisdictions. The Court will now issue … Read More
Relationship breakdown is often acrimonious, with property settlement a contentious issue. The Family Law Act sets out a process for the division of assets for spouses and, since March 2009, for couples in a de facto relationship.
Legislation has been recently passed to address discrimination against same sex couples. Here, we discuss amendments to the Family Law Act reforming parentage laws for lesbian couples, where a child was conceived through an assisted conception procedure.
When spouses separate, it is not always financially viable for them to live apart. Some continue ‘living together’. Here we talk about being ‘separated under the one roof’.
Following a separation, one parent may wish to move to another state, town or country with their child to be closer to family or for employment or other reasons. In family law this is known as ‘relocation’.
When people separate or divorce, they’re often preoccupied with the division of their current assets—they forget about estate planning and protecting their future assets. Here, we discuss the importance of wills.
When people go through a separation/divorce, they are often preoccupied with dealing with the division of their current assets and do not focus on future asset protection/estate planning. This can cause future distress, not only for the individual person but … Read More
There is sometimes confusion about how to divide assets when a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down. Here, we answer some common questions about the process of dividing assets.
Child support is a complex matter often causing anxiety and upset for those involved. Last year’s major changes to the Child Support Scheme affect everyone paying or receiving child support.
If you and your spouse agree on a property settlement, it is important that this be properly documented, even if you have minimal or no assets when you separate.
The law requires parents to make a genuine effort to resolve disputes in relation to their child before resorting to the Courts. Here, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson outlines a process available to parents which gives their children a voice—child inclusive … Read More