Are intervention orders the same as restraining orders? The Magistrates Court of Victoria would seem to suggest that the answer is ‘yes’. In fact the Magistrates Court of Victoria points out that...
The Influence of American Culture on Australian Family Law The notion of alimony in Australia is another example of the Americanisation (or ‘Americanization‘) of our culture. Alimony vs. Spousal...
Unfortunately, the words that Family Law lawyers use can be confusing to members of the public. This is not helped by the fact that legislation changes, and with these changes in the law come...
Separated parents often ask when their child can decide where they want to live. This usually happens when teenage children are involved. There is no ‘magic age’ when a child can decide where they...
What is ‘high conflict’ separation? Some people presume that high conflict applies to marriages or relationships that have had, or continue to have, an element of family violence. Others assume that...
Some confusion exists as to whether godparents have legal rights; they do not. The role of the godparent is a spiritual one, without any legal obligations, responsibilities or rights. A parent may...
A sperm donor will normally be presumed not to be the legal father of any resulting children. As such, a donor would not usually be able to seek a Parenting Order in respect to the child born of...
Should I have a Prenup? People would be forgiven for thinking that Australia is a nation of divorcees – there seems to be so much in the media about it. However, the actual position is somewhat...
Definition of Spousal Maintenance The Family Law Courts define Spousal Maintenance as: ‘Financial support paid by a party to a marriage to their husband or wife (or their former husband or wife) in...
