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If you have just separated, the amount of advice suddenly available to you can feel like its own kind of overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion about what you should do first, and a lot of it contradicts itself. The truth is calmer than it feels right now: you do not need to solve everything in the first month, and trying to will usually do more harm than good. What you do need is a sensible order of priorities, so you are not making decisions under pressure that you will need

If you have ever tried to work out what child support you will pay or receive, you have probably found two things at once: the formula is genuinely logical once you see how it fits together, and almost nobody explains it in a way that makes sense the first time. Services Australia's calculator will spit out a number, but it will not tell you why that number is what it is, and that gap is usually where the frustration lives. This guide walks through the actual formula used to

If you've just separated, there's a good chance someone has already told you, with total confidence, that you'll each walk away with half of everything. It's one of the most repeated pieces of separation folklore in Australia, and it isn't true. There is no rule in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), or anywhere else, that says a property settlement must be split 50/50. The legal test is whether a division is "just and equitable," and just and equitable very often looks like 60/40

If you are heading towards a dispute with your ex about the kids, the house, or both, someone has probably already told you that you need to "do mediation first." It is common advice, and it is also only half the story. Whether you are legally required to attempt family dispute resolution before you can ask a court to step in depends on w hat kind of dispute you actually have, and there are real exceptions built into the law for situations where mediation is not safe or not a

Married or de facto? Here's what actually changes, and what doesn't, about property, parenting and time limits when you separate in Australia.

Wondering how long does a divorce take in Australia? Here's a realistic, stage-by-stage timeline, from the 12-month separation rule to your final order.

If you've reached the point of knowing you want to separate, the next hurdle is often the hardest one: actually saying it out loud. Plenty of people spend longer working up to the conversation than they spent deciding the relationship was over. That's normal. Telling someone you've shared a life with that you want to end the relationship is one of the more difficult conversations most people ever have, and there's no script that makes it painless. This guide isn't about wheth

If you've separated and you and your ex are on reasonably good terms about the kids, you've probably heard two very different pieces of advice: write up a parenting plan, or get parenting orders. They sound similar. They are not the same thing, and picking the wrong one for your situation can leave you without the protection you thought you had. This guide explains what each one actually is, how a parenting plan vs parenting order comparison plays out in practice, and how to

Property Settlement in Australia: The Complete Guide If you've separated from your partner, married or de facto, one of the first practical questions you'll face is what happens to everything you own together, and everything you owe. That process, formally, is called property settlement. It covers the family home, superannuation, savings, debts, businesses, and increasingly, even pets. What Is a Property Settlement, and Do You Need One? A property settlement is the legal proc

If you've reached the point of actually applying for divorce, you've probably already done the hardest part. The emotional decision is usually behind you by the time the paperwork starts. What's left is a process that is more administrative than most people expect, but one that still trips people up in small, avoidable ways: a missed date, an unclear answer about the kids, a marriage certificate nobody can find. This guide walks through how to apply for a divorce in Australia

If you're starting to think seriously about separating, there's a good chance one of your first questions is a practical one: do you actually need a lawyer to do this? It's a fair question, and a common one. Separation already feels like a legal minefield before you've done anything at all, so it helps to know, plainly, what the law does and doesn't require of you. Here's the short answer: no, you do not need a lawyer to separate in Australia. Separation isn't something you a

There's a particular kind of tired that comes from wondering whether your relationship is over. It's not just the late nights lying awake running through old arguments, or the exhaustion of trying to fix something you can't quite name. It's the mental load of not knowing, of feeling like you should have an answer by now and not having one. If you're here because you've typed some version of “how do I know if it's time to separate” into a search bar late at night, you're not a

Navigating legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves family disputes. One tool that can help bring clarity and finality to these situations is a consent order. If you’re dealing with family issues in Australia, understanding how consent orders work can make a significant difference. This post will walk you through the essentials of consent orders, how they relate to family dispute resolution, and what you need to know to feel more in control. What Are C

When it comes to ending a marriage, there are many misconceptions about the legal processes involved. One of the most common is the...

Consent orders are a vital tool for couples in South Australia looking to amicably resolve their separation agreements. They ensure that...

In a significant move, the Malinauskas Labor Government has recently passed reforms to strengthen the laws surrounding Advance Care...

Explore the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023, reshaping Australia's family law, prioritising children's welfare, and enhancing legal clarity.

Explore probate in South Australia with our guide. Learn the legal process, estate administration, and how KD & Co Lawyers can assist.

What is Full and Frank Disclosure in Family Law Property Settlement Matters? Read our blog to find out more.

The Critical Incident List has been created by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Find out more about how it works.