Practical Family Law Drafting: Stephen Page’s Legalwise Intensive Paper
Stephen Page, Director at Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers, presented at the Legalwise Practical Family Law Drafting Intensive on 25 February 2026, delivering expert guidance on drafting interim property and maintenance applications.
As Australia’s leading surrogacy lawyer and an Accredited Family Law Specialist since 1996, Stephen brings decades of frontline experience to family law practice. A Fellow of both the International Academy of Family Lawyers and the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, he was awarded the Queensland Law Society President’s Medal in 2023.
What’s Covered in This Paper
This comprehensive paper tackles the critical aspects of drafting effective interim applications in family law, drawing on Stephen’s extensive courtroom and advisory experience. It’s designed for practitioners who need practical, case-backed guidance on navigating complex procedural and strategic challenges.
Key topics include:
- Pre-action procedures and compliance – Understanding your obligations under the Family Law Rules and avoiding costly procedural missteps
- Full and frank disclosure – What you must disclose, when, and how to protect your client’s interests while meeting court expectations
- Strategic affidavit drafting – Structuring persuasive, compliant affidavits with proper formatting, exhibit management, and evidentiary standards
- Interim spousal maintenance applications – When to apply, how to frame urgency, and what financial evidence the court expects
- Costs applications and notice to admit procedures – Tactical considerations for interim costs orders and streamlining evidence through admissions
The paper also addresses common drafting traps, formatting pitfalls, and strategic considerations that can make or break an interim application—whether you’re seeking urgent property preservation orders, interim maintenance, or costs protection for your client.
Download the full paper (PDF)
Whether you’re a junior practitioner building foundational skills, an experienced solicitor managing complex property disputes, or a barrister refining your interlocutory strategy, this paper offers actionable insights to strengthen your drafting, improve client outcomes, and navigate interim applications with confidence.
