Since the Family Law Act (FLA) came into operation, divorce has been a relatively straight forward process. Sometimes, however, one of the parties might refuse to sign divorce papers. It is...
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Joint Custody – What Is Shared Parenting?
After parents separate, they need to find a new way of parenting that works for them and their children. Some divorced/separated couples continue to share parenting, while others choose to continue...
Intervention Orders, Restraining Orders and AVOs: Same But Different
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...
Alimony in Australia?; Spousal Support and Spousal Maintenance – The Deception of American Television
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...
Family Law Custody In Australia – Confusing Terminology
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...
When Can A Child Decide Which Parent They Want To Live With
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...
High Conflict Separation – The very pointy end of Family Law
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...
Do Godparents have any rights?
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...
Sperm Donor or Father?
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...









