In May 2026, the Full Court in Caldwell & Caldwell [2026] FedCFamC1A 81 (Caldwell) revisited the issue of discretionary family trusts, overturning the trial judge’s decision and refocusing the enquiry...
There are several ways family law issues can be resolved outside of court, and these are often used in combination, depending on the circumstances.
When couples separate, most want to avoid conflict, save money and keep things amicable. This often leads to “handshake agreements”- informal arrangements about finances that aren’t documented or legally formalised.
If you are separating from your former partner, it is important to be aware of the time limits that may apply to you. Whilst failing to comply with a time...
When couples separate, dividing assets is rarely straightforward. Complications arise when one party has used, disposed of, or hidden assets before a settlement has been reached. The legal concept 'add-backs'...
When a child’s time with a parent needs to be supervised, it can be hard to know how to explain what’s happening — and why. Whether the visits are in...
For the first time, the law will recognise 'companion animals' as a unique type of property, giving the courts more guidance as to where pets will live after separation if...
Subpoenas are an important part of many legal processes, including family law.
Two recent Full Court cases highlight the practical implications of the 2021 court merger for family law cases.