News & Insights

The Family Law Amendment Act 2024, effective from 10 June 2025, introduces significant changes to how property settlements are handled after relationship breakdowns. Key updates include considering the economic impact of family violence, including financial abuse, and changes in how family pets are treated in property settlements. The law also enhances financial disclosure duties, introduces a less adversarial approach in cases involving family violence, and strengthens court

When a relationship ends, one of the more challenging tasks is deciding how to divide assets. Consent Orders are a specific court order where both parties have agreed to settle their dispute outside of the court system, and are are often the fastest and most efficient way to finalise asset division and move forward.

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.