Although strictly speaking it is not a ‘costs jurisdiction’ Costs Orders are often made where the circumstances warrant doing so, such as where a party’s conduct has lengthened proceedings or a party has continued to
Adoption proceedings are not common. Blended families are very much the ‘norm’ and have been for many years but there can sometimes be compelling reasons for seeking an Order for adoption. However, even where one
Unfortunately, the penchant for appeals is not solely confined to self-represented litigants. Practitioners should not expend costs opposing technical filing arguments where the substantive impact on their client is negligible.
Practitioners and parties must carefully adhere to court-imposed filing deadlines and directions.
The appeal pathway from the FWCA is complex, and depends on the decision maker, the legislation, and whether the order is interlocutory
A conviction for breach of an interim family violence restraining order will constitute “an offence involving violence, or a threat of violence, to the other party” for the purpose of the mandatory cross examination ban
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It is a normal response to stress and can be helpful in some situations. However, anxiety can also be debilitating and interfere with daily life.
Meditation and mindfulness are two practices that have been shown to have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on a single point, such
We spend a great deal of time at work with our colleagues, so we’re in a good position to spot changes in their mood or behavior. If you notice that a colleague seems to be
Trusts are one of the most challenging asset types in family law property matters. Whether it’s a family discretionary trust, a hybrid unit trust, a corporate structure wrapped inside a trust, or an SMSF holding trust assets, practitioners must understand how a trust operates before advising clients or attempting to draft Orders that deal with trust property. This guide breaks down the essentials every lawyer must master.
Family law matters often turn on more than what parties say. They turn on what can be proven. In an era where financial structures are complex, parenting disputes are increasingly nuanced, and digital footprints form part of the evidentiary landscape, forensic evidence has become an essential tool for modern family lawyers.
Family law clients rarely speak in straight lines. Their words are shaped by fear, grief, anger, shame, confusion, or exhaustion — and often all at once. As practitioners, our job is not only to listen to what clients say, but to understand what sits underneath what they say. The ability to spot emotional triggers early is one of the most valuable skills a family lawyer can develop. It informs strategy, improves rapport, reduces conflict, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for clients and matters alike.
