Self-Managed Superannuation Funds in Family Law Disputes The rules of compliance for self -managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are heavy. Many mums and dads who are members or trustees of such funds, are not aware of what they need to comply with, and can make innocent mistakes that could lead to financial penalty or in some …
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Applying for a passport for a child without both parent’s consent An application for an Australian passport for a child has required the consent of both parents. However, for a variety of reasons, sometimes it is not possible to obtain the consent of both parents (especially if they are separated and not on speaking terms). …

Changing Parenting Orders – how to change custody orders Variation of Parenting Orders- when can you change them? To set aside, cancel or vary any final parenting order, parties must meet the threshold test. This test is set out in the case of Rice v Asplund (1979) FLC 90-725. This case provides that where final …

Forcing a sale of jointly owned property in Victoria What do you do if you want to sell a property and the other owner doesn’t? Can you force a sale of jointly owned property in Victoria? If the parties are married or in a de facto relationship, then the Family Court of Australia will have …

Valuing property in Family Law Settlements Valuing family law assets can be a vague, uncertain and expensive task. There are also different methods to apply depending on the asset e.g for contents of a home you do not rely on the insurance replacement value, but rather second-hand goods value. For superannuation – depending on the …

Social media and family law: The impact on parenting proceedings One increasingly popular form of evidence in parenting proceedings is that which is obtained via social media. Evidence obtained from sources such as Facebook and Twitter can sometimes provide beneficial (and conversely sometimes very damaging) evidence for parents. Social media and family law is …

Pet Custody Laws in Australia Pet custody cases are rare in the family law courts following a break-up – most of the time lawyers warn their clients not to push the point on the issue of with whom the pet will live. Judges, with backlogs of cases and overflowing duty lists, are generally as pleased …

What is a grant of probate? A grant of probate deals with the assets and liabilities of the deceased. But executors and administrators also have duties and rights concerning the deceased’s causes of death and body disposal. The deceased Cause of death- suing for damages and/or defending will challenges It is important to consider whether …

What is probate of a will in Victoria? These are the most common enquiries we receive about Probate: What is Probate? Do I need a grant of probate? What happens If I’m the executor and I can’t afford the funeral expenses? Am I capable of being an executor? What should I do if I’m not? …

Losing a family member or a loved one is an emotionally distressing time for many people; comprehending the thought of never being able to see them again is enough to deal with. When there is a will involved, families can be torn apart in the midst of hurt and pain. Let’s be honest though, sticking …
