FLP11 Advanced Issues in Marriage and Children

What is this subject about?

This subject provides an in-depth and practical study of the complex and emerging issues relating to validity of marriage, nullity, determining parenthood, parenting after separation and child protection.

At the end of this subject you will be equipped to confidently advise your clients on the more complex issues impacting marriage and children.

What will I learn while studying this subject?

At the end of this subject you will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced and in-depth knowledge of the substantive law in regard to validity of marriage, nullity, determining parenthood, parenting after separation, child protection
• identify best practice in representing children and how to manage expert evidence in children’s cases
• draft orders in regard to specific issues such as education, religious upbringing and children’s surnames
• identify and resolve ethical and professional practice issues which arise in the conduct of family law matters

Topics in this subject will include:

• Validity of marriage and nullity
• Division 12A proceedings
• The law of evidence in children’s cases
• Orders in regard to specific issues
• Grandparents and other relatives in family law disputes
• DNA testing and determining paternity
• The case law on Hague Convention cases
• Best practice in the representation of children
• Expert evidence in children’s matters
• State child protection proceedings

How will I be assessed?

This subject has the following assessments:

• preparing for child related proceedings (20%)
• expert evidence in children's matters (20%)
• take-home examination (60%)

If you enrol in this as a single subject on a non-award basis then you do not have to complete the assessment.