Property settlements, pets and children’s arrangements in the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

A wrath of changes will be imposed upon Queensland legal practitioners, real estate agents, landlords, and mortgagees when the Property Law Act 2023 comes into effect on 1 August 2025. According to Tara Cush, College of Law lecturer Queensland, there will be the need to use specific forms to meet obligations under the new Act.

Learn how Jess Grumelart forged a career in family law through a chance encounter at a careers fair - and an LLM in Applied Law (Family Law). We spoke to Jess about her road to family law, how her LLM helped her connect to a community of supportive family lawyers, and what advice she might have for lawyers wondering to align their legal career with their interests and passions.

The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 10 December 2024. These amendments are a result of recommendations made by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review of the family law system as well as feedback from stakeholders. These recommendations include changes to provisions concerning companion animals, taking a less adversarial approach, disclosure, divorce, protected confidences, and costs orders.

It’s a common question: how do you become an in-house lawyer? Is there a good time to make the move? How do you prepare, via secondments or other relevant experience? What qualities make a great in-house lawyer?

In-house is a very different environment to a law firm, especially as most in-house teams are still relatively small – often between three to six lawyers.

Family law matters are deeply personal and may be emotionally charged. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, these challenges can be compounded by cultural considerations and historical disadvantage.

What’s the difference between management and leadership? This subject is a road map to understanding the complexities and motivations of individuals and teams, and how to lead them to success.

Significant reforms to Family Law have just passed parliament on 19 October 2023.The Family Law Act (1975) is impacted by these Bills - the Family Law Amendment Bill and Family Law (Information Sharing) Bill. We spoke to Family Lawyer and College of Law Adjunct Lecturer Kathryn Kearley about what these reforms involve and what lawyers need to know.

Navigating the legal world requires a sharp mind and empathy – especially in matters of succession law. Krystal Bellamy, a Special Counsel at HopgoodGanim Lawyers and College of Law LLM graduate, naturally embodies these traits, which have served her well as a Wills and Estates lawyer. Krystal shares the key to thriving in what some would consider a ‘morbid’ field.

Jess Popple, Senior Associate at Pippa Colman Family Law, has become something of a rising star in her field. Since completing her PLT and a postgraduate qualification at the College, Jess has won the Queensland Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year Award – and served on numerous boards and associations.

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC is no stranger to conflict. Having served for nearly sixteen years as a judge on the Family Court of Australia, Robert has also been a Commissioner for Tasmania’s Inquiry into Government Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings. It’s a career that has seen him navigate the complex human dynamics of the courtroom. Robert shares his practical framework to navigate tricky conversations, specifically designed to help lawyers deliver unwelcome news to clients.

Linda Kochanski AM is a key figure in the transition from the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) to the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). Linda sheds light on these significant accreditation changes and Jeffrey Roth, Head of Short Courses at the College, discusses the new Lawyer Mediation Accreditation (LMA) Scheme recently announced by the Law Society of NSW.

A recent case before the New South Wales Court of Appeal, Gan v Xie [2023] NSWCA 163, resurfaced issues regarding direct speech, and how it ought to appear in an affidavit. Barrister Jonathan Tsang, a College of Law graduate, spoke to us about the key implications following this decision, and what lawyers need to know moving forward.

Family Law is undergoing a series of major reforms to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) which involves proposed changes as set out in the Family Law Amendment Bill (No. 2). Family lawyer and College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley provides an overview of the second tranche of reforms which have been moving through a consultation process, this ended on 10 November 2023. Here is a brief covering the Consultation on the Family Law Amendment Bill (No.2) 2023.

Amid the AI hype and calls for a halt to AI, we examined how ChatGPT is used in law and its future impact.

Fiona Kirkman, family lawyer and co-founder of FamilyProperty, has been an early adopter, using ChatGPT for research, reviews, and summaries. We spoke with her to gain insights into its strengths and limitations in daily legal work.

Family lawyers must be aware of how violence can affect their clients, their client’s case and so be able to identify domestic violence. On 22 September 2023 the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence were released by the Attorney-General’s Department (‘A-G’).

We shed light on the significant changes coming to off-the-plan contract legislation is property specialist and College of Law adjunct lecturer, Greg Stilianou. Greg explains the key details around the proposed reforms, how they aim to rebalance power between developers and purchasers, and offers practical advice for legal practitioners and consumers.

Australia's new tort of privacy, which came into effect in June 2025, will impact 90% of Australian businesses previously exempt from privacy regulation. The tort introduces new requirements around the "serious invasion" test, journalism defences, and a challenging one-year limitation period. We spoke to Matthew Hodgkinson, Managing Partner of Papillon Technology and Privacy Lawyers, who breaks down the five core elements lawyers must prove under the new tort.

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.

Kiarah embodies the archetype of a lifelong learner – and she’s kindly shared her career tips from a serial student

Adeline Schiralli, Consulting Principal at Keypoint Law (NSW), is a master of Wills and Estates law. Literally. Adeline traces her journey to specialisation, highlighting the College of Law’s LLM as a crucial step to accreditation.

Download the Property Law Postgraduate Course Guide and discover how our specialised program can help you build expertise and thrive in this dynamic field.

How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want? We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights on getting the career you want informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership.

Following a series of reviews of the family law system, on 22 August 2024 the Australian Government introduced the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 into the Commonwealth Parliament. The Bill sets out very significant amendments, including those relating to property settlements, pet custody and children’s arrangements, which aim to modernise and improve the family law system in Australia.

LLM graduate Ilvana Nanic shares why she finds family law so rewarding, and her advice to lawyers interested in studying The College of Law LLM.

Explore how an LLM helped best graduating student (commercial litigation) Dominique Mayo advance her career.

Jo Bragg, a solicitor in regional Tasmania, started as a generalist lawyer. Her personal experience of separation, along with increasing client demand, prompted her to move into family law. Insights spoke to Jo about what attracted her to family law, what her day-to-day life looks like in practice, and her advice for lawyers looking to move into the area.

For legal practitioners in Wills & Estates, finding clear ways to consider and assess mental capacity in a variety of situations is crucial. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates. Josephine shares key elements from the Law Council of Australia’s Best Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners on Assessing Mental Capacity or ‘the BPG’.

The law concerning off-the-plan purchases can be complex. However, as buyers seek affordable entry points into the property market, this kind of purchase has become more and more common. To help demystify this area of law, we spoke to property lawyer Jane Macdonnell, who is a College of Law lecturer in our popular LLM program. 

Recently, the Supreme Court of New South Wales introduced combined Succession & Probate Lists, applicable to family provision claims and contested probate applications. Queensland is also trialling a Wills and Estates List and there are likely to be further implications for other jurisdictions. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, about what you need to know and how this will impact your practice.

We caught up with Jonathon Naef, co-founder of multi-award winning boutique firm, Balance Family Law, to find out how he built the firm’s Wills & Estates team in response to both current and coming client demand in the space. It turns out family law and wills and estates can make the winning service combination…

Restrictive covenants on property titles can become outdated relics that hinder development and create unnecessary burdens for owners. Here to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of property law is property specialist and College of Law adjunct lecturer, Greg Stilianou. Greg explains the common types of obsolete covenants, legal pathways for their removal, and potential reforms that could streamline the process for property owners.

In this article, we outline five simple strategies to help you choose your postgraduate subjects wisely. So your study pathway supports your career, your lifestyle – and your future.

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Major changes are coming that will impact the family law system and the way practitioners operate in Australia. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 is currently under debate in parliament and after its third reading, it is now under review with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The College of Law will provide legal training support when the Family Law Amendment Bill commences, but in the meantime, we spoke with College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley to find out about the most important changes.  

The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August. These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP).

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

To understand where legal AI use cases are showing up within family law, the College spoke with two highly experienced practitioners who have incorporated AI into their legal practice in different ways. Fiona Kirkman, principal at Kirkman Family Law, embraced ChatGPT early on in her practice, while Jenna Downy, solicitor at Family Law Matters, helped train LawY, an AI legal research assistant.

In this webinar, three Accredited Specialists in Wills and Estates, Max Williams, Natalie Silvester, and Rachael Hocking, will provide key updates on wills and estates law across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. They will share their experiences and motivations for pursuing specialisation, and explore how the College of Law’s postgraduate program can help advance your career and education in this field.

Resolution Institute and The College of Law are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at establishing a symbiotic cooperation which will maximise the resources of both organisations through mutual collaboration and the sharing of expertise and efforts in education and training.

Rick Christie, owner of ChristieLaw and committee member of STEP NSW, had always been attracted to the personal side of wills and estates. Insights spoke to Rick about how he came to specialise in wills and estates, what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into the area, and what role industry organisation STEP can play for lawyers keen to become specialists.

Refine your family law advocacy skills with a flexible, cost-effective digital certificate. Practical, industry-recognised – and career-enhancing. Enrol today.

Graduates and prize winners celebrated their achievements, received their awards and honours remotely due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

Throughout the 2023 referendum, some have expressed uncertainty over the legal impact and implications of the Voice. We spoke to Associate Professors Elisa Arcioni and Andrew Edgar of the University of Sydney Law School to gain clarity over how the Voice came about, what it can (and can’t) do, and what legal practitioners need to know about the Voice.

While lawyers possess an impressive arsenal of skills those required in mediation aren’t necessarily what you think. We spoke to Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Alternative Dispute Resolution Academic of the Year, the College of Law’s Linda Kochanski, on what makes for a great mediator, the skills you need, and personalities that fit - and, at times, don’t naturally fit - mediation. 

Brid Heffernan has grown through legal recruitment, litigation ops and support, and legaltech - the quintessential business of law. We caught up with Brid to trace her unlikely and impressive trajectory and experience with The College of Law.

Max recounts his path to discovering his passion in Wills and Estates – and how the College of Law helped him along the way.

Learn how Carmel Morrison returned to study with an LLM, and Specialist Accreditation.

To mark our 40th anniversary, The College of Law recently ran a survey asking for your view on the top 10 most influential High Court of Australia cases over the last 40 years. The responses you provided us showcased a range of landmark cases, spanning from Indigenous land rights, to clashes between territory and Commonwealth, to the David-vs-Goliath legal struggles of refugees.

Priority Notices are a relatively new feature in Real Property that property lawyers need to work with, and as such, they are not always well understood. Here to demystify how Priority Notices work, how they came about, and when and how to use them is property lawyer Greg Stilianou.

We congratulate and celebrate the success of the most recent graduates of our Postgraduate Specialisation Programs. These achievements demonstrate the culmination of hard work, diligence and commitment to mastery of their chosen area of law.

  Major reforms to South Australia’s succession laws came into force on 1 January 2025. The new year saw the repeal of three Acts (the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA), the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972 (SA) and the Wills Act 1936 (SA)), replacing these with a single Succession Act 2023. These are the most significant changes to be made in 30 years, Lawyer Megan Horsell outlines what you need to know.    

How did principal of Divorce Legal and College of Law lecturer, Selina Nikoloudakis, open her practice doors with a full client roster? She credits consistent networking and the power of authentic connection. We spoke to Selina to learn more about her journey, and her advice for lawyers navigating their mid-career years.

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC has been a leading light in the Australian family legal system for decades. In his roles as Judge, Commissioner, President of the New South Wales Law Society, Chair of the College of Law, practitioner and meditator – Robert has had a profound impact on many areas of the law and continues to do so today. We asked the former Justice of the Family Court of Australia for insights into his extraordinary career and today’s family law practices.

Learn why senior associate Alexandra Brand studied legal business subjects to improve her knowledge of marketing, pricing, strategy, and client service.

The mediation profession in Australia has changed. For the first time, experienced mediators can gain formal recognition beyond initial accreditation. This article unpacks the new AMDRAS framework, what it means for your career, and how the College of Law’s Advanced Mediator Practicum Certificate can help you step up with confidence.

Have you thought about postgraduate studies? Not sure what it's like, what it takes, and the positive impact it could have on your career? This webinar recording was presented by Tatiana Rabaeva, Head of Postgraduate Programs. It will offer you the opportunity to hear live and gain more insight from the College program Lecturers and Alumni, Adeline Shiralli and Crispian Carlowe.

Learn how to align workforce planning and strategy in an ever-evolving workplace. Using a wide range of case studies and resources, you’ll consider the practical challenges of a multi-generational workforce, the paradox of being both profitable today and ready for tomorrow and the different ways to communicate your insights to stakeholders.

Nothing captures the public’s imagination quite like a great court case. From Trump’s declaration that he is a “very innocent person” to Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation-chasing criminal trial, watching people have their day in court is oddly compelling. The College decided it was high time we looked at the headline-making trials from the 21st century and the flow-on effects these rulings had. Here are the top ten court cases that have held Australia’s collective attention.

Every conveyancer and property lawyer has become a master of an ELNO - or Electronic Lodgment Network Operator. PEXA was the first ELNO allowed to operate in Australia, its stronghold, however, looks set to change with updates to the Operating Requirements and Participation Rules introducing interoperability provisions. Competitors like Sympli will be able to compete more meaningfully. We spoke to experienced property lawyer and college lecturer Greg Stilianou to find out what property lawyers and conveyancers need to know. 

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia recently announced an expansion of its innovative Court Dog Program, with three new facility dogs set to join the Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle registries early this year. This expansion, funded by the Law Society of New South Wales, builds upon the program's remarkable success in Melbourne and Hobart.

Learn what it’s like to work in criminal and domestic violence law with Belinda Robinson, who runs her own practice on the Sunshine Coast.

It is time for Australian lawyers to become better connected with our regional neighbours, says Diligent Corporation's Asia Pacific Legal Counsel, Haylen Pong. Her role at Diligent, a modern governance company, requires frequent interaction with stakeholders, legal counterparts and other commercial interests across in APAC region.

Queensland is on track to require a stronger duty of disclosure upon Sellers, bringing them in greater alignment with Australia’s southern states. These reforms come as part of a proposed Property Law Bill 2023, which, if passed, is likely to have significant implications for property lawyers practising in Queensland. We spoke to College of Law lecturer Tara Cush on the implications of these reforms, what they involve, and what lawyers need to know.

Family law is an area where a client may have expectations that a lawyer can do or take action against the other party which may not be appropriate. In this area of practice, being an ethical lawyer is more important than ever. We spoke to family lawyer and College of Law lecturer Kathryn Kearley to explore the critical connection between legal expertise and professional conduct. We explore the ethical challenges that family lawyers encounter.

Barrister and international arbitrator Martin Polaine has worked in over 80 countries. Learn how you can qualify as an international arbitrator with this College of Law pathways to CIArb membership.

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.

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).

In this subject, you’ll uncover insights into the client buying process and experience, for the purpose of growing your targeted customer base and accelerating your business growth.

Kristen Wallwork is a highly experienced social justice specialist dedicating more than 20 years to serving local communities. In her role as Executive Director of the South-East Monash Legal Centre (SMLS), Kristen is at the coalface of emerging social justice issues. In good news, a national review is underway looking at improving funding for the Australian legal assistance sector, and first-of-its-kind grants, such as the SMLS team’s climate change grant into the legal implications of climate change disaster and day-to-day impact, are emerging.

The Succession Act 2023, assented on 28 September 2023, makes significant reforms to South Australia’s succession laws. When it comes into effect - on a date yet to be set - it will repeal three Acts (the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA), the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972 (SA) and the Wills Act 1936 (SA)) and amend several others that impact this area of law. We spoke with DBH Lawyers partner and Estates lawyer and College of Law Adjunct Lecturer, Megan Horsell, about what practitioners need to know about the new Act.

Mediator and former family lawyer Renee Toy knows human conflict does not pause, even during the Great Pause of 2020. Renee was recently recognised as the College’s best graduating student of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP), a prize generously sponsored by Barry.Nilsson.Lawyers

Considering a career in dispute resolution? You’re onto something. Helping people find resolutions to their problems – strategically and cost-effectively – is stimulating and rewarding work. But how do you get into the field?

There are several different pathways available to you, each requiring specific training and experience. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the two different specialisms.

It’s no secret that the legal profession has been undergoing a paradigm shift. Factors such as the Global Financial Crisis, the advancement of technology and the growing number of law students have led to the streamlining of many law firms, the automation of many tasks and fierce competition between a larger pool of lawyers for a smaller range of roles. What are the implications? What will the legal profession look like in fifty years?

The REIQ contract for houses and residential land and REIQ contract for residential lots in a community title scheme have been amended as of 7 June 2024. Tara Cush, lecturer at the College of Law Queensland, provides an overview of how these amendments will impact REIQ contracts. 

While divorce and separation are difficult for any child, for children with neurodivergent needs, these transitions can present their own set of challenges. The College sat down with Kathryn Schuck, Principal of Inclusive Family Law and Mediation, to delve into effective strategies family lawyers can employ to advocate for these children and navigate the complexities of custody agreements.

To navigate a rapidly changing sector, the role of Head of Legal Operations has sprung into life. 

Insights spoke to Andrew Boog about how he came to be a business law expert, what he enjoys most about the field, and what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into business law.

The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 seeks to modernise and improve Australia's family law system, focusing on the key areas of property division and family violence. According to Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC, these reforms are intended “to make the division of property and finances safer, simpler, and fairer for separating families, especially where family violence is present.

Mediation techniques can help lawyers move beyond legal entitlements to understand what clients really want—often leading to faster, more durable outcomes.

Learn how Sian Ogge was promoted to Senior Associate after completing an LLM in Applied Law (Wills & Estates), in which she was recently named Best Graduating Student.

David Peaston has done it all: co-owned a Perisher Valley ski lodge, expanded the family electrical manufacturing business which was then sold to a public company, serving as COO to the purchasing company. In 2008, he returned to the law, and in 2016, established his own practice focussing on wills and estates, property and commercial law.

Looking to boost your legal career but not ready to dive into a full-on Master of Laws (LLM)? The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law might be the answer. Offering a flexible and affordable way to upskill, the Graduate Certificate is perfect for busy legal professionals who want to sharpen their skills or master a particular field.

Tasman Ash Fleming, a barrister and accredited mediator (NMAS), highlights the importance of considering what is the purpose of the order sought. This article looks at the recent decision in Re Estate of Hagendorfer (Injunction) [2024] VSC 482 (‘Hagendorfer’) and addresses potential risks and provides guidance for practitioners to mitigate these risks.

The High Court has clarified the relationship between successive trustees in the recent decision of Naaman v Jaken Properties. Tasman Fleming, barrister and nationally accredited mediator (NMAS) and adjunct lecturer at the College of Law, reviews this significant case which addresses whether a successor trustee owes fiduciary obligations to a former trustee in respect of that former trustee's right of indemnity.