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.
The Family Court of Western Australia dismissed a mother’s application to have parenting proceedings determined in a non-Convention country, finding the children remained habitually resident in Australia and that jurisdiction under the Family Law Act
By majority, the Court of Appeal of Western Australia held that provisions of the Surrogacy Act 2008 (WA) excluding same-sex couples from eligibility for a parentage order were inconsistent with the Sex Discrimination Act 1984
Parenting proceedings listed for a 7-day trial before Justice O’Brien in the Family Court of Western Australia. Between them, the parties sought to call evidence from 25 witnesses.
Emotional Toll and Vicarious Trauma: Family lawyers frequently deal with emotionally charged cases that can have a profound impact on their mental health. The exposure to intense emotions and traumatic experiences may lead to compassion
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can occur in any occupation, but it is most common in high-stress jobs, such as healthcare, law, and
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for lawyers to take a well-earned break from the intensity of legal practice. The pressures of deadlines, demanding clients, and complex cases can take a toll on even the most resilient professionals. Taking time to reset, recharge, and re-energise over Christmas is not just beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success and well-being. Here are some effective ways to make the most of your break and return to work refreshed and ready to take on the new year.
In the high-pressure world of family law, practitioner wellness is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. The emotional intensity of legal matters, long hours, and the complexities of client cases can take a toll on even the most resilient professionals. As leaders in law firms, it is crucial to recognise when an employee or colleague may need additional support before burnout or mental health concerns escalate. Here are key signs to watch for and how to address them effectively.
Family violence is a significant issue with profound implications for individuals and families navigating the family law system. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), family violence is recognised as any violent, threatening, or coercive behaviour that controls or intimidates.
