Learn about the significant reforms to Australia's parenting laws effective from May 2024, focusing on the best interests of children. Discover how these changes impact parental responsibilities and court proceedings.

On 30 October 2023, the Court expanded the eligibility of parties to the Priority Property Pools (PPP) list by increasing the value of the net property pool to $550,000 (excluding superannuation), making it a cornerstone for those seeking efficient divorce solutions and property division on the Sunshine Coast.

The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ or BOMAD refers to financial support that parents provide to their children, primarily for purchasing a home. With the increasing cost of housing and mortgage rates, it is becoming more and more common for people aged between 25 to 34 to receive assistance from their parents to enter the property market.

In family law proceedings, children can be profoundly affected by decisions made by adults regarding their custody, living arrangements, and general welfare. However, due to their age and vulnerability, children may not always be able to articulate their needs and preferences effectively. This is where an Independent Children’s Lawyer may be appointed by the Court.

In a significant move, on 19 October 2023, the Australian Parliament passed the Family Law Amendment Bill, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of family law. As we delve into this transformative legal landscape, we’ll be exploring what the amendments mean for separating couples, and how Pippa Colman Family Law can guide you through the evolving legal terrain.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has a full-time therapy dog called Poppy working within the Court in the Melbourne Registry. Poppy is a 2-year-old black Labrador, who underwent training with Guide Dogs Australia before being appointed as a therapy dog in October 2023.

The results have been published for the 2024 Doyle’s Guide Accolades and we are excited to announce that the firm, along with our lawyers Pippa Colman, Sarah Quilliam, Samantha Bolton and Jessica Popple have been named in the highly ranked listings.

As of the 1 August 2023, there have been significant changes to the Domestic Violence legislation in Queensland. The major changes to the Domestic and Family Violence Legislation includes amendments to the Criminal Code, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, the Evidence Act 1977, Penalties and Sentences Act 1972 and the Youth Justices Act 1992.

Whilst the Christmas/New Year period is often said to be the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be one of the most difficult for recently separated families navigating their first festive season post-separation. It is important parents know what arrangements are in place for their children over the Christmas and school holiday period.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) has commenced a Critical Incident List for family law applications which are filed in circumstances where there is no parent available to care for a child or children as a result of death (including homicide), critical injury, or incarceration relating to family violence, and orders are sought for parental responsibility to enable appropriate arrangements to be made

We are excited to announce that the firm, along with our lawyers Pippa Colman, Sarah Quilliam, Samantha Bolton and Jessica Popple have been named in the highly ranked listings for the 2022 Doyle’s Guide. The Doyle’s Guide details solicitors practising within the areas of family law, matrimonial, parenting and spousal maintenance matters in the Sunshine Coast area who have been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.

For those who are facing their first Christmas following a separation, it can be a huge reality check in terms of how life may look moving forwards. For others, Christmas can be a painful reminder of a family that once was.

The merger of the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court on 1 September 2021 has seen the implementation of new forms and processes, one of which is the “Genuine Steps Certificate”. This Certificate is required to be filed by both the Applicant and Respondent in Family Law proceedings commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.