For some parents, their post-separation parenting arrangements means they aren't with their children during our culture's designated "family occasions" such as Easter and the school holidays. A different approach can make all the difference.
Read MoreFamily law matters involving children are understandably emotional and everyone wants to help by offering advice. Much of this advice is in the form of misinformation about the age where children can decide for themselves the parenting arrangements they want.
Read MoreToday's technologies tie us together in ways that couldn't have been imagined 10 years ago. When a relationship ends there can be significant work needed to untie our digital knots and create a new level of privacy.
Read MoreIt is common in property settlements for one party to transfer at least some of their assets to the other. At times, in very specific circumstances, the courts may order otherwise.
Read MoreNot all relationships that end are destined for the courtroom and lawyers are involved only in the drawing up of agreements. Sometimes a court is required to reach a resolution.
Read MoreMost people put off making a will, because they are waiting for an event which will prompt them to complete the task. Entering into a relationship would be a good time to make a will. Ending a relationship is absolutely the best time to make a new will or update an existing will.
Read MoreThe recent case of a breastfeeding tattooed mother highlights the difficult balancing act that a Court must go through when making a decision in a short time frame.
Read MoreWould you be more careful posting on Facebook if you knew what you shared with the world was also shared in the Family Court?
Read MoreIf the Internet is good for anything it is good for spreading the word. And if the word is bad and subsequently judged defamatory your quick status update may cost you more than the satisfaction derived from posting it online.
Read MoreOur clients are increasingly experiencing the impact of the Internet on their legal matters. Understanding the Law means keeping up to date with the latest developments both in technology and the law.
We asked each of our lawyers to write a piece describing how the Internet effects their clients. This series is titled Internet and the Law.
Read MoreFormalising your amicable property settlement is protection against a future where situations may make you, or your ex-partner, think differently.
Read MoreWhen your children have spent time with your ex-partner, they are not returned to you as agreed, and you cannot resolve the situation yourself, you may need to seek a recovery order from the court. In this article Marika McMahon explains the process to be followed by you and your lawyer to recover your children as soon as possible.
Read MoreMarika's Summer reading had an unexpected cross into her professional life and she shares a number of book recommendations related to Family Law that will be of interest to non-lawyers and lawyers alike.
Read MoreIt's a wonderful time of year... so the saying goes but in the world of family law Christmas can often be one of the hardest times. Whether a relationship is on its last legs, or the split is new or it is one of many Christmas seasons you have spent apart arrangements can often still be difficult.
Read MoreEvery now and then there is a news story of someone who has taken their children out of the country, never to return. Because of this risk leaving the country for a legitimate overseas holiday can require permission of the other parent and the Family Court. It's best to get everything in order before you book that non-refundable flight.
Read MoreOffering a PlayStation to your child might sway them to want to come and live with you, but before you do remember the court has jurisdiction to make orders regarding living arrangements. A child's view will be considered if it is compelling and not just a result of the "PlayStation" factor.
Read MoreAustralian Family Law Courts have recognised agreements about what is to happen with married couples' property in the event of marriage breakdown for the last 14 years, and for de facto relationships (including those of same sex couples) since 2009.
Read MoreThe sense of ownership we have over the goods and personal belongings in our homes can be a great source of stress when dividing it all up as part of a property settlement. Marika McMahon has seen this many times and has some advice for how to avoid getting the lawyers involved with this part of the process.
Read MoreWhen dividing assets in a family law case, the court considered many factors including the "future needs" of each party. This article highlights some of the more common areas of consideration.
Read MoreBeing a family lawyer as well as a keen punter, Marika's mind often turns to how a big win or a big loss at the track can pan out in later family law proceedings. There's not too many things more tragic than when a relationship fails due to tensions arising out of one party's gambling problems. Sadly, it is something she see's happen all to often in practice, although more commonly from pokies than ponies.
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