News & Insights

Family breakdowns are never easy. Whether you’ve experienced one personally or know someone who has, separation and divorce bring emotional, financial, and legal challenges. Unfortunately, in the world of online content at our fingertips, misinformation about property settlements is widespread and often causes unnecessary stress and confusion.

Relationships come in all shapes and sizes. While you may think of your relationship one way, remember that relationships, and the types that can exist under the law, are clearly defined. They carry certain rights and responsibilities you should consider as you move through life. In this article, we're taking a look at 'de facto' relationships. De facto couples have many of the same rights as married couples, particularly in areas like property settlement, spousal maintenance

Earlier this year, His Honour Chief Justice Alstergren of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) introduced a process of "Judicial Mediation". Parties to family law proceedings may now ask for their matter to be referred to a Judge to conduct mediation in an attempt to settle all or some disputed issues without a trial.

When litigation spans both Queensland State courts and Federal jurisdictions, determining the correct forum is critical. Under the Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-vesting) Act 1987 (Qld), parties can transfer proceedings between the Supreme Court of Queensland and Federal courts to ensure justice is served efficiently. Whether you are managing overlapping property disputes or family law proceedings, choosing the right venue directly impacts costs, timeframes and outcomes.