Separation and divorce brings many challenges, especially when there are children involved. The Australian child support system is designed to facilitate appropriate contributions from both parents towards their children’s everyday expenses. Set formulas are used to determine how much child support a person will pay, based on several key variables. What is Child Support? Child support is a financial obligation paid by one parent to the other, aimed at contributing to the everyday living expenses of their children following separation or divorce. Its core purpose is to ensure that children ..read more

Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) offer couples and separated couples a sense of certainty and control over their financial matters. These agreements, often set up before or during a marriage, as well as after separation, can regulate finances during the relationship and/or outline the distribution of assets and financial resources, among other things, in the event of separation or divorce. Designed to provide clarity and prevent disputes, BFAs are essential for some in planning the financial aspects of the breakdown of a relationship.  What is a Binding Financial Agreement? A Bind ..read more

Questions around the process of child custody mediation are often asked by our clients. We all know that going through a divorce is tough – for you, your ex-partner, for the children and wider family. When emotions are high and the future is uncertain, there can be a significant amount of conflict that arises in the decision making process, leading one or both partners to find themselves unable to compromise or reach a decision in the best interests of the children. In Australia, as discussed in our recent child custody blog, the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) suggests first and foremost that cou ..read more

Navigating family disputes can be overwhelming, with emotions and legal complexities making the journey challenging. However, family law is not only about legal battles; it’s also about preserving relationships while addressing concerns and goals, and this is where collaborative practice can help.  Collaborative practice is a process of dealing with these complex issues in a way that focuses on co-operating towards a desired outcome. It really shines when it comes to family law, as it values empathy, understanding, and mutual respect over adversarial interactions. What is Collaborative ..read more

On October 11 2023, the Queensland Government, under the leadership of the Palaszczuk administration, marked a significant milestone in the battle against domestic, family, and sexual violence by introducing landmark legislation that will make coercive control a criminal act in Queensland.  The bill, known as the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, comes in the wake of recommendations from Queensland’s Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.   In a public statement, the Queensland Government stated that the offence o ..read more

In this article, we look at how long it takes to get divorced in Australia.  Divorce can be a complicated process to navigate as it requires legal procedures and paperwork. While the standard divorce process in Australia usually takes a few months to be finalised after submitting an application, the total duration of divorce proceedings and everything that they entail can vary significantly as there are many factors that come into play. Factors That Influence the Duration of a Divorce The legal framework in Australia provides certain guidelines and timelines for divorce, but individua ..read more

In this article, we look at how assets are divided in a divorce in Australia.  Navigating the challenging path of divorce is difficult enough without the added worry of how assets will be divided, which can be a mystery for many. This crucial process, often marred by emotional turmoil and tension, is of immense importance as it can significantly impact the financial stability of each party involved.  In Australia, the law provides specific guidelines in essence on asset division in the event of divorce or de facto separation. It’s a fairly complex process, more complex than many th ..read more

Navigating the often subtle and insidious landscape of coercive control is not only challenging but can be vital for the wellbeing of individuals and families.  This form of abuse, often hidden beneath the surface, can have profound and lasting effects on those subjected to it. As leading family law experts, we want to shed light on this all-too pervasive issue.  In this article, we delve into what can constitute coercive control, the signs to look out for, and the legal avenues available in Australia to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. By raising awareness and understanding ..read more

Divorce or separation can be a challenging time for anyone, especially when it comes to dividing property and finances. As one of the most significant issues to consider during the legal process, property settlement after divorce can cause a great deal of stress and uncertainty. However, understanding the ins and outs of divorce property settlements can help you achieve the best possible outcome for yourself and your family. In this article, we cover some handy things to know about property settlement after divorce including the legal framework, the factors that influence property division ..read more

Domestic or family violence can be an extremely distressing and challenging issue for anyone to deal with. Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected in their own home, around their loved ones and in their lives. Unfortunately, domestic or family violence is all too common, and its impact can be far-reaching, affecting not only the victim but also their family and community.  In Queensland, a protection order is one way to protect yourself or someone close to you from domestic or family violence. In this article, we will explore what a protection order is, who can apply for one, and h ..read more