All Articles From Joanne Cliff
Family Law Act Amendments Concerning Parenting Matters
Parenting matters Significant amendments to the Family Law Act (FLA) came into effect on 6 May 2024. The new amendments are making it safer and simpler for separating families to navigate and ensure…
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is the financial support given by one spouse/partner to a former spouse in circumstances where they are not able to support themselves due to factors such as age, illness or…
Parenting Matters Now Firmly Focused on Child’s Best Interests
In 2006, the Family Law Act (1975) (Act) was amended to introduce the presumption of parents having equal and shared parental responsibility for children. It was often argued that the amendment meant…
Proposed Amendments Incorporating Domestic Violence Factors into Financial Settlements in Family Law Matters
To continue with changes recommended in 2021 by the Australian Law Reform Commission review into Family Law in Australia, the Federal Government published, on 18 September 2023, draft amendments to…
Guidelines: Telehealth Consultations With Patients
From 1 September 2023, the Medical Board of Australia Guidelines setting out its expectations of medical practitioners undertaking all forms of telehealth consultation are available, replacing…
Navigating Separation: A 5-Step Guide to Successful Mediation in Family Law
As a result of a change to the rules of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in 2021,[1] parties are now required to take genuine steps to settle parenting and financial disputes before…
Family Courts Look to Arbitration to Streamline Resolutions
On 1 September 2021, significant changes to Family Law were implemented. These changes required separating couples to undertake “genuine steps” to resolve their issues before issuing court…
4 Things to Know About Separation/Divorce and Wills
It’s understandable that when you are focusing on sorting out a property settlement with your former spouse or partner, your attention may not turn to how and in what way the separation and…
11 Practical Ways to Save Money on Family Law Matters
Family law matters are often emotionally draining and stressful, and that’s before you even consider the financial costs. Your family is your top priority, and you want to achieve the best outcome,…
How to Avoid Court - Five Alternative Ways to Resolve Parenting and Financial Matters
It’s accepted that lawyers and court proceedings are expensive, time-consuming and stressful. There are, however, several options you can consider that will keep you out of a courtroom. These…
DWFT Report
The DWFT Report is a comprehensive publication containing news, commentary and analysis of significant contemporary legal issues impacting the Australian business community.
