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.

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.

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.

A case study of the recent judgement which examined the issues relating to the existence of a de facto relationship on appeal.

Case summary of Marsh v Marsh focusing on the significance of non-financial contributions post separation.

We review the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975, Family Law Amendment Bill 2023.

Case Study relating to a family law case involving serious family violence.

This article provides detailed answers to common questions regarding some Family Law issues.

This article explores the vital duty of financial disclosure in family law matters.

We delve into the complexities of family law regarding prolonged separations, highlighting the case of I & I as an example.

This case highlights the importance of assessing financial capacity of the parties and providing clear reasons for judge's decisions.

DIY divorce, while initially seeming compelling and cost-effective, often leads to unexpected difficulties.

This article explores how Dispensation of Service in divorce cases necessitates exhaustive efforts to locate the untraceable spouse.

This article provides a case study analysis to examine the complexities of obtaining costs orders in family law matters.

When it comes to family law parenting disputes, the court's primary concern is the best interests of the child/children. To make informed...