There’s a saying in family law – there’s not two, but three certainties in life: divorce, death and taxes. A recent High Court decision however has shed some doubt on the latter when the former is involved (so far as tax responsibility goes). A woman has successfully substituted her bankrupt ex-husband to be liable for…
On 10 December 2018 the Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Act 2018 received Royal Assent. It inserts a new section in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) – section 102NA which bans personal cross-examination in family law proceedings that involve allegations of family violence. Instead, the court will require the cross-examination…
The Civil Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act has been passed by both Houses of Parliament. It received royal assent on 25 October 2018, with the majority already in force. There are a few changes affecting the family law arena to take note of. Bankruptcy: The Bankruptcy Act has now been amended and confirms…
As many who have caught the travel bug know, visiting new countries and expanding your horizons is both a fun and educational experience. The benefits to travel are innumerable, it provides invaluable learning opportunities regarding culture, history, food, people and language, and potential engagement with the children’s cultural heritage. After all, who doesn’t want to…
In 2018 the Australian Government announced major reforms to the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Beginning 1 January 2019, these courts are being merged into one – the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA). The FCFCA will be comprised of two Divisions – the first Division will…
We often see clients who ask us about whether the law draws a line in the sand when it comes to property acquired just before or after separation. A common question that arises is whether an inheritance received by one party either prior to or after separation will be included in the asset pool available…
As anyone who has found and lost love knows, a break-up is never easy. One party will almost always be heartbroken. However, there are some who think they have found the perfect solution to avoid heartbreak. What could this perfect solution be? Well, to pay out your ex-partner of course. A recent article by Kerry…
Litigation is not always the answer. In fact most times, it should be the last resort. It is usually expensive, time consuming, emotionally draining and unpredictable. Mediation on the other hand has proven effective in reducing trials and offers a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to litigation. Mediation is highly successful because the parties are brought…
A short case summary of the High Court decision of Thorne v Kennedy which set aside two Financial Agreements (often colloquially called “”pre-nups”). Imagine uprooting your life for the sake of the one you love only to be told right before the wedding that unless you signed a “prenup” the marriage wouldn’t go ahead. You…
We are very proud to announce that our firm has been identified by fellow family law solicitors and barristers specialising in Family Law as one of the ACT’s Leading Family Law Firms in 2017. Anna and Lucy have also been identified as two of the ACT’s leading family lawyers and Anna has been identified as…
