The peak body for Australian legal professions has lambasted a proposed shake-up of the country’s family courts, warning the restructure could make a system that is already in crisis even worse. The federal government intends to merge the Family and…
Lawyers pan radical Family Court changes
New Family Court Chief describes merger as enormous challenge and calls on legal community to …
By political reporter Matthew Doran The man tasked with steering the most significant reform of the family law system in 40 years has described the task as an enormous challenge, at his swearing in ceremony in Melbourne. William Alstergren has…
Government reveals sweeping changes to boost women’s economic security
Women fleeing domestic violence to get early access to superannuation, no-interest loans and may no longer have to face alleged perpetrators Women fleeing domestic and family abuse situations will have early access to their superannuation, be eligible for no-interest loans…
Courts merger to put more pressure on ‘workhorse’, says Law Council
The planned merger of the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court will do nothing to cut waiting times of up to three years unless the government puts more money into the family law system, according to the nation’s peak…
As it stands, merging courts unlikely to alleviate family law crisis
The proposed merging of the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court is unlikely to alleviate the crisis in the family law court system and may place significant extra pressure on already overburdened Federal Circuit Court Judges, the Law Council…
What the Family Court shakeup really means for families
The disputes are acrimonious, often drawn out and, in many cases, financially crippling. And that’s just for starters. The family law system in Australia is groaning under the weight of a vast backlog of more than 20,000 cases and families…
Lawyer’s React to New Prime Minister
Legal professionals have offered up their perspective on the news of Scott Morrison taking over the role of Australia’s next Prime Minister. On Friday, 24 August, it was confirmed that federal Treasurer Scott Morrison will be Australia’s next Prime Minister,…
Sydney mum’s protracted fight in family law system
For one Sydney mother, battling her violent ex partner in court has been a protracted nightmare. Christine, not her real name, “first stood up to the violence” about three years ago. She has two small children with her former partner…
Family law advice to aid indigenous families
In an Australian first, Aboriginal families in the East Pilbara will soon be able to seek family law advice and get a family court hearing without leaving Newman. From Monday, July 30, to Friday, August 3, the Family Court of…
Children taken from mothers unable to escape violent relationships – Advocates to meet in Adelaide to discuss support
INCREASING numbers of children are being taken away from their mothers because they are unable to escape violent relationships, prompting calls for more family support. The problem will be among concerns raised by more than 40 advocates at a Government-organised…