Members of the Federal Parliament and their staff from all political parties will tell you that they receive numerous queries and complaints about family law matters, and in particular about the operation of the child support system, from those in … Read More
A recent case decided by the Family Court in Sydney is a timely reminder for separating couples to formalise financial and property matters after separation. In this case, the wife won $6 million on lotto six months after separation from … Read More
Sometimes I meet a person who happily tells me that they have “sorted” their property settlement with their ex, informally, “just between us”. No paperwork, no orders, no lawyers. “We just did what we agreed”. That might sound pretty good … Read More
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
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
New laws relating to children’s passports may affect separated parents who want to travel overseas with their child. Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson here highlights some of the issues.
When last did you review your will, insurance or superannuation fund? The reality is many do not think twice about these important issues after a separation or divorce. Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson recommends you do so, especially if you no … Read More
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
Common questions about getting divorced. When can I apply for a divorce? Once you and your spouse have been separated for at least 12 months.
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.
Experiencing a separation or divorce can be one of the most stressful periods in your life. Finding a family lawyer who is the right “fit” for you is an important step in guiding you towards a resolution of your matter.
Children may express strong views about who they want to live with, following separation. But how does a Court take these views into account?
We often describe divorce or separation as a relationship “break-up”. However, for parents at least, a relationship does not end at separation. Recognising the emotional impacts of separation is important, particularly for parents learning to parent children within two households … Read More
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”).
Separated parents will usually share in making long-term decisions for the benefit of their children. One long term decision relates to where a child will attend school. If parents cannot agree about their child’s schooling or one parent wants to … Read More
As we approach the winter school holidays, some separated parents find themselves in conflict about what arrangements should be in place for their children over the holidays. Here, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson addresses some common questions.
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.
Parents often attach great emotional significance to the surname their offspring use after separation. It is not uncommon for a parent to want to change their child’s surname or to prevent the other parent from using a different surname for … Read More
Parents often attach great emotional significance to the surname their offspring use after separation. It is not uncommon for a parent to want to change their child’s surname or to prevent the other parent from using a different surname for … Read More
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’.
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
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.
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
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
Confused about property settlement following the breakdown of your marriage? Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson, one of Canberra’s largest and experienced law firms answers your questions.