Family Law

Does the Family Court always split superannuation 50/50?

Although superannuation usually cannot be accessed until retirement, it is important for separating couples to remember that superannuation is considered by the Family Law Act as property available for division between parties.[1] Unless there are specific reasons not...

Powers of the court in contempt cases

In December 2018, Judge Salvatore Vasta sentenced a man involved in a property dispute with his former wife to 12 months imprisonment for contempt of court as a result of failing to disclose financial documents on time. The decision of Judge Vasta in the Federal...

How can I avoid Family Court delays?

Family Court appeal judges have declined a request by Chief Justice William Alstergren that they preside over trials as well as appeals in an attempt to reduce the Court’s backlog, according to an article published by The Australian on 30 April 2019. Due to a...

What rights do grandparents have to see their grandchildren?

Separations and divorces can be highly stressful when there are young children involved, not only for the parents and the children themselves, but also for the wider family unit. Grandparents often play a significant role in the early years of their grandchildren’s...

Common misconceptions of divorce property settlements

After five years of marriage and what appeared to be an amicable separation, Renee Catt was “blindsided” when her former partner commenced property settlement negotiations just days after the pair’s separation. Ms Catt has described how she lost almost $100,000.00 as...