How soon is too soon?

Following a separation, a question we are often asked is how soon is too soon? It might be in reference to when arrangements for their children can be put in place, or when a property settlement or divorce might occur, and other times it is about starting a new relationship, or perhaps continuing one which…

Details

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTINE!

We are thrilled to have witnessed Christine take the Oaths of Office as a Justice of the Peace today! Congratulations!

ARE YOU PREPARED? COVID – 19

You may have raided the stores and have your essentials stock-piled at home, but have you considered the importance of having your affairs in order? Estate Planning is often placed in the ‘all too hard basket’, thoughts of ‘I will get around to that one day’ or perhaps it is considered a ‘morbid thought and…

Details

UNTIL TAX DO US PART – HIGH COURT RULING

The High Court of Australia has ruled that a tax debt of one spouse can now become the tax debt of the other spouse during divorce property settlement proceedings. During the marriage the wife accrued a tax debt of $250,000. On separation the wife then applied to the Family Court for Orders that the debt…

Details

FAMILY LAW COURT KEEPING PACE WITH CHANGE

The Family Court of Australia’s Application for Consent Orders Kit information pages have been updated as a result of the Civil Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2018. References to the terms ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ have also been amended to ‘party to a marriage’ and/or ‘party to a de-facto relationship’. The Application for Consent Orders…

Details

TESTATOR FREEDOM | INADEQUATE PROVISION

Freedom to dispose of your property how and to whom you wish upon your death is something Australian Law protects. In the words of Supreme Court Judge, Hallen J. “testamentary disposition is, a prominent feature of the Australian Legal System. Its significance is both practical and symbolic and should not be underestimated.”1 With this freedom,…

Details

A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN FAMILY VIOLENCE MATTERS

From 10 September 2019, personal cross-examination will be banned in family law proceedings in certain circumstances where allegations of family violence have been raised. Prior to this ban, a party to proceedings (who at times is often also the perpetrator) has been able to cross examine the other party (who is often the victim) or…

Details

WILL | Ooo I need one of those!

Time and time again we hear these words. So often we are caught up with our busy lives and the preparation of a Last Will & Testament is pushed to the back burner. You are not alone! It is so important to have a Will in place, particularly when you have little ones and you…

Details

ALL TOO MUCH TO CHEW?

Proceedings have commenced, the Court has ordered the production of 3rd party material, via subpoena…attempts to reconcile ‘may’ have all but passed, or, maybe not… & ‘hatred’ and ‘clouded’ anger have set in for reasons which ring justifiably true to the aggrieved. Material is filed and you are faced with reading a ‘version of your…

Details