Category: Family Law

Surrogacy act QLD: Are Surrogacy Arrangements Legal In Queensland? Prior to the 1st of June, 2010, the surrogacy act QLD was illegal. Since that date the laws have changed, leaving couples who can’t conceive free to source a willing surrogate mother to carry their child full term. However, there is one key condition. The surrogate mother cannot receive payment for performing the surrogacy service. This is known as the altruistic arrangements of the surrogacy act QLD. Where payment for services...

Some Common Family law Misconceptions Family law covers a whole spectrum of situations and legalities, and everyone’s circumstance is a little different. While there are definite laws in place, there are variations on these laws depending on the particular situation they are being applied to. Because the area of family law is so vast, many people harbor some common misconceptions about how family law works, and in many cases believe certain outcomes are rigid when they’re not. Let’s take a...

When a relationship ends there is a lot of focus on the pain and strain of separation and divorce, as well as negotiating parenting plans, child visitation rights, and the division of property, assets, and liabilities. Of course, all of these things are extremely important, but what about the pets law? Who gets to keep the family’s beloved cat or dog? Many people these days think of their pets as furry little children. They are just as important as any...

The term lifestyle clause has grown in popularity over recent years. It’s something that is trending with first-time newlyweds; as well as those who have walked down the aisle before. So what is a “lifestyle clause”? It’s about locking in a variety of terms and conditions before the big day in an attempt to avoid misunderstandings and conflict of interest down the track. These clauses are often added as addendums in a prenuptial agreement and are in addition to things...

How to find the best Family Lawyer for you With so many law firms to choose from it can be a difficult process to choose just the right lawyer for your needs. In this post, we’ll note a few things to be mindful of when deciding on the best family law firm for you. Do They Specialise In Family Law? Some law firms are highly specialized, while others seem to try to cover virtually every possible aspect of the law....

How to protect yourself after separation? Separating after a long-term romantic relationship can be tough to deal with on an emotional level, but dealing with the pain is only a part of what has to be done. Now is the time to also tidy up some loose ends and protect yourself now that the relationship or marriage is over. To protect yourself after separation, there are a number of things you should be doing, including the following: 1. Change Your...

Preparing For A Conciliation Conference? For a conciliation conference, you must exchange information with each other and provide information to the Court before the conference. So that you and your former partner make the best possible use of the conference, In a case about financial issues, each party must have exchanged copies of relevant financial documents with the other parties at least two days before the Case Assessment Conference. If the following documents were not exchanged prior to that conference,...

What the statistics tell us about the likely success of the “marriages” in the hugely popular Married at First Sight television program. Married at First Sight purports to marry individuals “scientifically” matched by relationship experts, who meet for the first time at the altar. Most of us know that the wedding ceremonies occurring in front of the cameras are not legally binding, but the program’s focus on the institution of marriage raises interesting questions about the legalities of marriage as...

TAKING IT TO COURT? CONGRATULATIONS! YOU AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR A FAMILY REPORT. It is inevitable that parents who institute proceedings in the family court involving their children, will if the parenting issues relating to the children are not resolved, be required to attend a conference and consult with initially a family consultant attached to the court, and if the matter proceeds further in the court process with a family report writer. Family reports by a family consultant and a family...

Top 10 Matters to think about when separating Seek advice from your accountant or financial adviser on the financial consequences arising from a separation. Work out a budget for your essential living expenses, not only for yourself but your children. List all your expenses. Download a financial statement from the Family Court website which will give a good guide to the expenses which you should consider. Do you have enough income to pay for your expenses and those of your...

Lengthy Battles It has long been recognised that the present litigious proceedings in the Family Court have not been the most appropriate means of dealing with children’s issues. The Federal Government established a review committee to advise on a system that would best deal with parenting issues. As a result of the input of this committee, the Federal Government introduced a bill into parliament called the Family Law Amendment Bill (Parenting Management Hearings) Bill 2017. This legislation provides for the...

What is The Parenting Bill? A proposed new forum for resolving family law disputes relating to children. The parenting bill proposes to establish a new statutory authority to offer self-litigants (parents who do not have legal representation) an alternative to having their matters heard in the Family or Federal Circuit Courts (The Family Courts). A vast majority of matters heard in the Family Courts involve unrepresented parties. They do not, in the main, have the knowledge or ability to fully...

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of togetherness and joy. In particular, children are able to experience the wonderment of the Christmas celebrations in a way that is very unique. However, since family members may not always get along, holiday family gatherings can bring out conflict, stress and even more tension. When splitting the responsibility of parenting it is important to minimise conflict. Here’s some well-intended advice on getting through this holiday season if you share parenting...

The principals in the legislation QLD are summarised as follows: “The law will take the view that parenting is a responsibility which should be shared and, in most cases, parents will need to consult and agree on the major of issues affecting their children.” “Where both parents share responsibility, consideration will also be given to the children spending equal or at least substantial time with both parents providing that this is practical and not contrary to the best interests of...

Family Law Act amendments from Federal Government The Family Law Act amendments occurred in 2002 to deal with superannuation. It gave power to the Court to deal with superannuation entitlements.   The amendments allowed the Court to transfer entitlements in the fund of one of the parties to the other.  The person receiving the benefit of the entitlement in the other party’s fund would keep that entitlement in the fund or roll the entitlement out into a fund of that party’s...

If the marriage separation process does occur. What should you do? A marriage separation process has three elements; Either party or both intend to end the relationship; Either party indicates that intention to the other party and; One of the parties or both parties act upon that intention to end the relationship and lead separate lives There are important things that you should consider if marriage separation is inevitable. If there are difficulties in your relationship look for a solution....

“Why should I support my wife/partner after we separate when I actually supported her and provided all our assets throughout our entire relationship.” Unfortunately, you may have a continuing financial obligation to your former partner. The Family Law legislation provides the basis for a Court determining the financial relationship of parties after separation. The relevant factors taken into account are: Length of relationship The longer the relationship the greater the interest of the other party in the assets acquired during...

Is there family violence in your relationship? Are the stresses in your life caused by family violence, drugs or alcohol abuse by your partner? Family violence takes many forms. It is not necessarily verbal or physical violence. Many forms of violence are considered family violence under the legislation: It could be withholding financial support; Preventing you from socialising with your friends and associates; It could involve constant texting or emailing you with issues concerning your family. There are many forms...

James Noble Family Law - A Brisbane Law firm Welcome to Brisbane law firm with more experience than just about any other. Accredited Specialist James Noble has been practicing in the Family Law field for about 40 years.  What he doesn’t know about family law in Brisbane and Australia is not worth knowing. The James Noble Family Law name is changing to reflect the new direction the firm is taking in expanding its law services. Combined with the introduction of...

Is Private Arbitration law for you? Did you know that you can get an impartial, independent decision regarding the division of your relationship property (and even your child custody matters) from an experienced Brisbane family lawyer who can make, essentially, the same decision as a Judge so you can move on quickly? How is Private Arbitration law? Not many people know that there are some very experienced family lawyers in Brisbane (make sure you get an Accredited  Specialist Family Lawyer...