Family Law

Recent cases in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia have again emphasised the importance of formalising a division of property as soon as possible after a marriage has ended.

In the making of any Parenting Orders, including Orders which prescribe who a child lives with, who a child spends time with, communicates with, the Court must regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.

Parties separate when at least one of the spouses forms the intention to end the relationship and then acts upon it, usually when one party moves out of the matrimonial home.

As a parent, you have responsibilities and rights. You also have choices in arranging your child support in a way that works for both parents.

Spousal maintenance is a payment made by one spouse to their former spouse in order to assist them support themselves after separation. Spousal maintenance can be paid either as a weekly amount for a certain period of time (eg. 6 months, 1 year, 3 years) or it can be paid as a lump sum.

Financial issues can be a source of stress and tension in a marriage or relationship, particularly where there is a significant difference in contributions or extended families are involved.

Collaborative law is focused on a non-adversarial approach to managing conflict and resolving disputes.