Changes to the Family Law Act start today to enable de facto couples (including same sex couples) to obtain property settlement rights in the Family Court and Federal Magistrates Court.
The changes apply in all states and territories except Western Australia and South Australia, but even there they apply to a limited degree.
Australia is approaching an important moment for family and fertility law. By the end of July 2026 and during August 2026, the Australian Law Reform Commission, or ALRC, is expected to deliver two major reports to Commonwealth Attorney General Michelle Rowland. One report will address surrogacy law. The other will examine Australia’s human tissue laws.… Read More »Surrogacy lawyer explains upcoming ALRC reports
For years, the recognition of parents through overseas surrogacy has been unnecessarily uncertain. Australian intended parents could return home with a child, a foreign birth certificate and a foreign court order, yet still face questions about whether Australian law recognised them as parents. That position changed on 1 April 2025. It may be April Fool’s… Read More »Overseas surrogacy births now recognised in Australia
In Australian parenting cases, children can have a say. That much is clear. But the more accurate answer is that yes, children’s views matter, but the weight given to those views depends on the individual child and the circumstances of the case. That is often where confusion starts. Many parents assume a child can simply… Read More »Do children have a say in parenting cases? Lawyer explains
