Family Law Articles

Key Takeaways A fair and equitable property settlement doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split—outcomes depend on each party’s contributions (both financial and non-financial) and their future needs. The Family Law Act 1975 outlines a four-step process to determine a just and equitable division of assets. All assets, liabilities,…

At Conditsis Lawyers, we understand how crucial the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can be. While the law doesn’t grant grandparents automatic rights to see or care for their grandchildren, we’re here to explain how you can seek legal help to maintain or strengthen that vital connection. Do…

In Australian family law, mediation plays a crucial role in resolving disputes, especially in cases involving separation or divorce. But what exactly does mediation involve, and why is it so important? Understanding Pre-Action Procedures Before initiating court proceedings in family law matters, the Family Law Act 1975 mandates…

Blended families—those with stepchildren, multiple partners, or previous marriages—present unique challenges in estate planning. Ensuring that all family members are treated fairly while respecting the complex dynamics of such households requires careful and strategic planning. Here’s how you can approach estate planning for blended families to achieve fairness…

Choosing the right family lawyer can be one of the most difficult decisions to make. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, dealing with child custody issues, or facing the complexities of domestic violence during a family dispute, it’s essential to have a lawyer who genuinely understands and supports you.…

Earlier this year, I celebrated my wedding abroad. While it was a joyous occasion, it didn’t hold any legal weight in Australia. So, how can you make your marriage official in Australia? There are two primary options: hosting a ceremony that adheres to the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)…

Navigating the legal landscape surrounding parental disputes over the medical treatment of transgender children can be complex and challenging. In Australia, several landmark cases have shaped the framework within which these sensitive and important decisions are made. Understanding these cases can help parents, guardians, and legal practitioners better…

As family lawyers we often encounter situations where one parent seeks to make significant decisions regarding their child without the consent of the other parent. This can include changing the child’s surname, obtaining a passport, or making other major decisions. It’s crucial for parents in these situations to…

Although you may know them as “pre-nups”, Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) serve as useful instruments for individuals aiming to safeguard their assets in the event of a relationship breakdown. BFAs provide couples with a structured framework to delineate how their finances and property will be managed. BFAs can…

Navigating the complexities of parenting arrangements after separation or divorce can be challenging for many families. As family lawyers with extensive experience in this field, we often assist clients in drafting parenting plans—a crucial tool in ensuring the welfare of children and how parenting will be managed. What…

In the realm of family law, particularly in cases involving assisted reproduction technology (ART), the issue of embryo disputes can be legally and emotionally complex. When couples who have undergone fertility treatments face separation or divorce, determining the ownership and future use of embryos becomes a critical concern.…

In the dynamic landscape of Australian family law, it’s essential to understand how legal procedures apply specifically to individuals and couples within the LGBQTIA+ community, whether they are in de-facto relationships or marriages. So often information is lacking for LGBTQIA+ people and the family law process is a…

In Australian family law, the question of pet ownership can be as emotionally charged as disputes over property or child custody. For many families, pets like dogs and cats are cherished members, making it crucial to understand how they are treated in legal proceedings during separation or divorce.…

With a seasoned team of family lawyers, Conditsis Lawyers frequently guide clients through the intricate legal process of family law disputes. One pivotal milestone in this journey is the first court date, formally known as the first return hearing, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.…

Our Family Law Solicitor, Caitlin Jones, recently acted for a client, a father of two (2) children aged 11 and 9. Our client initially engaged and instructed our office as the mother had withheld the children from spending time with our client for a period of 2 months…

With the festive season upon us, you may be wondering about the care arrangements available for Christmas Day and the holiday period for your children. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to children’s care arrangements. That said, whether by agreement (parenting plan or consent…

‘If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all’ In today’s society, social media is used, in varying degrees, by most adults. For many people social media is used to update friends and family about major life events and day to day events. Social…

The Conditsis Lawyers Newcastle team recently attended the High tea with Friends event run by Friends with Dignity at Merewether Surfhouse in Newcastle. The team had a great afternoon filled with inspiring speakers, good food, great company, a personal & mesmerising Story by My Other Closet – The Cabaret , Raffles with epic…

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen society as a whole change over the last two (2) years. Since the introduction of a vaccine for COVID-19, the Family Law System has seen an influx of parents disagreeing as to whether to get their child/ren vaccinated. There is a presumption under…

Both the Federal Circuit Court (“FCC”) and the Family Court of Australia (“FCoA”) hear family law cases. The objective of the FCC was to create a more accessible alternative to and relieve the workload of the FCoA and for many years the FCC has been known for hearing…

A de facto relationship can exist between two (2) people of the same or opposite sex. A de facto relationship can also exist even if one or both of the parties are legally married to someone else, or, in another de facto relationship. The Family Law Act provides…

In 1997, the Family Court in the matter Kennon v Kennon (“Kennon”) considered whether family violence could be relevant to and alter the outcome of a property settlement. The Court considered the impact of family violence on the contributions of the wife during the relationship, in the face…

As of Saturday, 26 June 2021, people in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong entered a COVID-19 lockdown providing that you must stay at home and only leave if you have a reasonable excuse. Is it a reasonable excuse to leave home to facilitate a…

If you have existing parenting arrangements/parenting orders that are not being complied with as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, you may be able to file an application in the national COVID-19 list. The COVID-19 list provides a “fast-tracked” list that is dedicated to dealing with urgent family…

The end of a relationship can be an emotionally draining time, especially when children are involved. Amid the upset and turmoil, a number of big questions need to be answered. Who will the children live with? How much time will they spend with each parent? What will be…

Separation and divorce is tough on families, especially children. Even when both parents want the best for their children, it can be difficult when emotions are running high and finances are involved. If you can reach an agreement with the other parent about parenting arrangements, a Parenting Plan…