Domestic violence is in a state of social emergency across Australia. As the pandemic rages and some parts of the country are still in lockdown, many will be isolating with their abusers. Family law expert Anne-Marie Cade explains the warning…
Law Council report says ‘insidious and pervasive’ domestic violence problem
An inquiry into family violence has heard of the insidious and pervasive nature of the problem in Australia, in an opening statement from the peak national body representing the legal profession. The Law Council has told a parliamentary inquiry into…
Divorcing where there’s a UK-based pension? Act now!
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of people moving abroad from the UK, with Australia and New Zealand being the most popular destinations. Whether these expats are motivated by family reasons, a sunnier climate, employment or retirement,…
COVID-19 and Family Law Decision-Making
All aspects of family law have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has posed challenges for the operation of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court, the obtaining of expert reports, the conduct of hearings, the…
Family law judges at breaking point, going from one ‘horrific’ case to the next
Family law judges are buckling under crippling workloads, and ever-increasing wait times are putting the nation’s most vulnerable women and children at risk, a Senate inquiry into Australia’s family law courts has been told. The Senate committee is examining two bills that…
Call for domestic violence to be recognized as a national emergency
A call for domestic violence to be recognised as a “national emergency” is at the heart of this year’s Country Women’s Association of NSW Awareness Week, beginning on Sunday, September 6. This year’s Awareness Week is shining the spotlight on…
How the Courts are dealing with domestic violence cases during COVID-19
With the perennial threat of a ‘second wave’ of the coronavirus exploding at any moment, many people in the community are interested in the way domestic violence cases are being handled by the Courts. During the ‘first wave’ of COVID-19,…
COVID-19 lockdown: A breeding ground for domestic abuse
WHILE SOME of us watched the exponential curve of COVID-19 cases and deaths rising around the world – including Australia – I was keenly aware of other curves also rising. I watched the unintentional adverse impact of keeping people at home….
NEW DEAL: New money for legal assistance
South Australian legal assistance services will receive over $2 million per annum in additional core funding from July this year through a new partnership between the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments. Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said South Australia had signed…
New ‘amica’ online service to assist couples to separate amicably
A ground-breaking new digital service will empower separating couples to resolve their family law disputes online. Suitable for couples whose relationship is relatively amicable, the new ‘amica’ tool enables users to negotiate and communicate online with their former partner at…