Child Support or Maintenance
Generally, Child Support is money paid by one partner to the partner who is primarily supporting the care of the child.
It is important to note that both parents are responsible for financially supporting the child.
Divorce
A divorce legally constitutes the end of a marriage, and generally requires certain things.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is a financial obligation payable by one spouse to support their other spouse following a breakdown of a marriage or de-facto relationship.
How parenting orders are determined prior to final orders being made
The leading authority on how a Court will determine what is in the best interests of the children at an interim hearing is Goode v Goode.[1]
When parenting orders don’t work: The Rice v Asplund rule
If you are thinking about varying your existing parenting orders, it is important to first consider the legal principles surrounding whether or not a final order can be changed, and whether the Court would entertain such a change.
New Federal Circuit and Family Court
September has been a significant month for anyone involved in the family law systems. Previously family law matters were heard either in the Federal Circuit Court or Family Court of Australia based on their complexity. The Federal Circuit Court and Family Court are now merged and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (as one court) has commenced operation on 1 September 2021.