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...
Planning to Fail or Failing To Plan?
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...
How to Successfully Obtain Spousal Maintenance
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...
0-4 Year Olds and Overnight Stays – What Does the Law Say?
There is a lot of debate around and research into when overnight stays for 0-4 years olds should commence, or at least when this should happen with regularity. The Importance of Early Childhood...
Proving Parentage
Parentage issues may arise in family law matters concerning the parenting of children, or in deceased estate matters where biological children of the deceased stand to inherit a legacy. Why is...