Common questions answered about family law. Find links here to useful information. [...]

It’s not unusual for parties who have separated to make their own private parenting arrangements in relation to their child. Private parenting arrangements are an attractive option because they are cost effective and relatively easy to produce. They may also be less emotionally intensive than dealing with the formal legal system.

For parties to a marriage who have made the decision to separate, there are a number of conditions that must be met in order to establish separation.

Andrew Davies examines the tensions that can arise between administrative tribunals and family courts in incapacity matters.

The unique role played by an Independent Children’s Lawyer (“ICL”) (particularly when both parents are self-represented), and the ongoing developments in information sharing protocols between agencies, appear to have contributed to some confusion as to the obligations on ICLs to keep confidential information which they obtain in that role.

There is a distinction between Family Reports and Expert Reports in Family Law proceedings.

Family members commonly help out their adult children or grandchildren through the provision of financial assistance, and this is likely to continue during fraught economic times.

When the Court has made a parenting order, there are certain criteria the Court must consider before deciding to make any changes.

Where a spouse passes away before property proceedings have concluded, the proceedings can be continued by the legal personal representative of the deceased party under s.79(8) of the Family Law Act 1975.

J and S are happily married. They each sign a Will that benefits the other. They also enter into an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG) appointing each other to these important positions. All is good on the home front! What could possibly go wrong?