On 5 January 1976, the Family Court of Australia opened its doors for the first time and was promptly swamped post the Whitlam Government’s reforming zeal. Marking 50 years of that quiet revolution, and reflecting on just how dramatically it reshaped Australian law and society, is Kathryn Kearley, College of Law lecturer, family law specialist, and our regular Family Law contributor.

High-conflict family separations don't end when court orders are made. For many families, the real challenge begins afterwards and this is where Parenting Coordination comes in. It is a structured, child-focused intervention that's gaining recognition as a powerful alternative to repeated litigation.

Discover how parenting coordination can reduce conflict, prevent re-litigation and support high-conflict families beyond court.

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.

Read how postgraduate study helped emerging family lawyer Cody McFarlane build practical expertise, confidence and professional judgement through a Master of Laws.

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.

Family law is in high demand, but the career path isn’t always clear. This article maps out your options – from CPD to postgraduate study and mediation – so you can see which step matches your stage and goals.

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).