Key Takeaways: Typically required until a child turns 18, child support may extend if they’re still in school, or end sooner if they become financially independent or marry. Adjustments to child support can occur due to changes like a child’s independence or alterations in care arrangements. Terminating child support involves legal procedures and potentially court involvement. Ensure all debts are settled and seek legal advice to navigate the termination process effectively ..read more

Key Takeaways: Even amicable divorces involve complexities, especially with significant assets. Expert advice is essential for handling complex asset divisions in high-net-worth divorces. Formal legal agreements are crucial to ensure that all decisions made during the divorce are binding and clear ..read more

Key Takeaways To apply for a divorce in Australia, individuals must be citizens, legal residents for 12 months, or consider Australia their home indefinitely, and they must have been separated for at least 12 months and a day. Applicants require various documents to apply for a divorce, including a marriage certificate or an affidavit if unavailable, family court forms, and additional supporting documents to eFile via the Commonwealth Courts Portal. While legal representation is not mandatory for completing divorce documents, a lawyer can provide valuable guidance through the process, ensurin ..read more

Key Takeaways In Australian family law, while “Decree Nisi” and “Decree Absolute” terms are no longer used, the divorce process inherently includes similar stages—initial approval and finalisation— the decree nisi is the initial approval and the decree absolute is the final decree ending the marriage legally. The initial divorce application, akin to a Decree Nisi, requires demonstrating a 12-month separation, marking the beginning of formal proceedings. The final divorce order, similar to a Decree Absolute, occurs automatically after a waiting period of one month and one day, officially disso ..read more

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Key Takeaways In Australian family law, the child’s best interests are paramount, leading to a shift from “custody and contact” to “parental responsibility” and “time spent with” arrangements, highlighting shared decision-making. Child custody determinations weigh multiple factors, emphasising the child’s well-being and protection from harm. Parenting arrangements can be flexible to allow for changes that may occur as your child’s needs change too ..read more

Key Takeaways A divorce certificate is the official record that your marriage has been legally terminated. The divorce certificate is distinct from a decree nisi, which is a provisional order, and a decree absolute, which is the final court order ending the marriage. The certificate serves as proof for legal and administrative purposes post-divorce, such as remarrying or reverting to a maiden name. Obtaining a divorce certificate can involve counselling (if married less than two years), fees, and potential delays caused by court proceedings or procedural issues ..read more

Every family’s dynamics and circumstances are different, and whether due to parental neglect, abuse, or the heartbreaking absence of the parents, grandparents are sometimes the best option for providing a loving and stable home for children. Parenting and child custody matters are challenging on both a personal and legal level, and in this article, our child custody lawyers Sydney are going to discuss the legal justifications and scenarios where grandparents have the right to step in, paving the way for a secure future for their loved ones. Key Takeaways Under the Family Law Act 1975, grandpa ..read more

At Unified Lawyers, we understand that financial pressures not only strain family relationships, they can also make separation more challenging and engaging family lawyers more difficult. Our mission is to provide family and property legal services that help clients through complex and stressful circumstances. We strive to give straightforward legal support that resolves conflict, reduces stress and reinforces cost efficiency. We also aim to make the legal experience as smooth and stress-free as possible ..read more

Key Takeaways Separation marks the beginning of the end of a marital relationship but does not legally end the marriage. It requires no legal process but is crucial for applying for divorce after a 12-month period. Achieving financial independence is key, involving gathering financial documents, opening a separate bank account, and managing joint finances. Early legal advice is vital for understanding rights, handling parenting arrangements, child support, and navigating potential disputes, ensuring a smoother separation process ..read more