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.