The family dog is often more than property — but in family law, that is exactly what it is. Here's how the court decided who keeps the pets after separation in a case of Arwen & Arwen.

A summary of a recent case where a husband concealed a real estate appraisal and quietly arranged to sell the family's commercial units to gain advantage over his ex-partner. The Court set those orders aside and ordered him to pay the wife's full legal costs. Your duty to disclose in family law is not optional.

In a high-stakes decision by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, vendors were awarded $5.2 million after a purchaser failed to complete a contract for a luxury Vaucluse residence. This article dives into the technical breakdown of how damages are calculated, from the $5.888 million deficiency on resale to 10% contractual interest and the "rounding" principles applied by the court.

Can a simple caveat cost you a house? In the recent NSW Supreme Court case of Lee v Lee [2022] NSWSC 181, the answer was a resounding "yes". Discover how an "essential" no-caveat clause turned a standard property purchase into a legal nightmare, and why a vendor who isn't ready to settle can still legally walk away if you breach the wrong term.

Why was a 15-year-old prenup thrown out? Explore the Zella & Canino case to learn how technical errors and pressure can void a Financial Agreement in Australia.

Grief, trauma, and a "special disadvantage" were at the heart of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia's decision in Cotsis & Cotsis [2021] FCCA 673. The ruling serves as a profound legal lesson that timing, emotional capacity, and the specific circumstances of a signatory can invalidate even a seemingly standard financial agreement.

This guide provides clear, practical advice to help you navigate the process of managing deceased estates efficiently and with confidence.

Sorting out finances after a breakup is a major life transition. From the family home in Pymble to superannuation and even the family pet, understanding how property is divided in 2026 is vital. This guide breaks down the four-step legal process used in NSW and explains how Surge Legal helps clients in Parramatta and the North Shore achieve a fair and equitable outcome.

Who gets the dog after separation? Discover how new Australian family law rules help courts decide pet ownership disputes during property settlements.

In NSW, “post and boast” laws mean your social media upload can do more than identify you — it can increase your legal exposure. Section 154K targets “performance crime”, where a person commits a motor theft or break-and-enter offence and then disseminates footage to advertise it. In plain terms: if you steal a car and film yourself for TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram, you may be handing police a clean brief of evidence — and facing a higher maximum penalty than you would have

A lapsing ADVO is usually made for a set period (usually 6 months). If the defendant complies with all conditions and no breaches occur during that time, the police or the applicant will normally withdraw the application, and the court will dismiss the matter at the next mention.

If you plead guilty without correcting the Facts Sheet, you are admitting to the police’s version of the story, and the Court makes a finding of fact as per the Facts Sheet.

Case Study: Surge Legal secures a non-conviction result for a Domestic Violence AOABH charge via Severity Appeal. Read how we overturned the conviction.

Whether you are dealing with a personal matter, business issue, or criminal case, knowing how to navigate the legal system is essential. This guide will provide clear, practical information to help you understand the basics of obtaining free legal advice, depending on your eligibility, and how to access the right legal services. How can I get free legal advice in Australia? Accessing free legal advice is possible through several channels, especially if you have limited financ

On 23 July 2025, the Full Court of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia made an important ruling in Shinohara & Shinohara. [2025] FedCFamC1A 126 which ends the long-standing practice of adding back disposed or spent assets to the property pool.

The new amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 represent a marked shift toward legislative clarity. Family violence is no longer a peripheral factor—it is central to the analysis in both contribution and needs-based assessments.

A crucial, and often contentious, factor the Family Court considers is what each partner brought into the relationship. These are known as "initial contributions," and understanding their significance can dramatically impact the outcome of your property settlement.

In family law proceedings involving property settlement, full and frank financial disclosure is not just a formality – it is a legal...

When deciding on a costs order, the court must consider whether any party made a reasonable offer to settle and the terms of such offers.

Purchasing a home marks one of the biggest decisions in life and is often seen as a dream coming true. If you're in NSW and looking to step into the world of real estate, you’re in for an exciting ride! From signing the contract to that thrilling moment of settlement, the journey can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, our team at Surge Legal is here to guide you every step of the way.