During National Children's Week, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia launched two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at placing children at the heart of family law processes. We spoke to family lawyer and College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley, to guide us through these important changes.
For a couple who've signed a financial agreement, whether before marriage or relationship, during a relationship, or on the way out, enforceability can mean the difference between financial security and a brutal property battle. Here to help us unpack financial agreements, with a review of recent cases, is Kathryn Kearley, College of Law lecturer, family law specialist, and our regular Family Law contributor.
In the era of late-night Tinder swipes and situationship TikToks, Australia’s family law courts are playing referee in disputes where the label of “de facto” is anything but straightforward. To explore how the Family Law Act and recent cases determine whether you’re de facto, is Kathryn Kearley, College of Law lecturer, family law specialist, and our regular Family Law contributor.
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 transformed how property matters are handled in family law proceedings as it took effect on 10 June 2025. These amendments represent the most significant changes to property settlement, introducing new considerations to property adjustment framework. We caught up with family lawyer Kathryn Kearley to discuss these changes, particularly the amendments in property adjustment and financial cases.
From 10 June 2025, major changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (‘the Act’) took effect across Australia. The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 introduced sweeping reforms to property settlement, following on from amendments regarding parenting arrangements and information sharing (which commenced in May 2024 under the Family Law Amendment Act 2023).
Family law practitioners may be well acquainted with the significance of the Rice and Asplund case when seeking to vary parenting orders. Mark Youssef, partner at Unified Lawyers and Accredited Specialist in Family Law, provides valuable insights into this fundamental threshold test, its practical application, and considerations for legal practitioners navigating this complex area.