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Understanding the Family Law Amendment Act 2024: Overhaul to Financial Provisions
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.

Surge Legal
2 days ago3 min read


Unpacking Initial Contributions in Family Law
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.

Surge Legal
Jun 264 min read


Hidden Assets and Forensic Accountants: Tracing the Money in Family Law
In family law proceedings involving property settlement, full and frank financial disclosure is not just a formality – it is a legal...

Surge Legal
Jun 93 min read


Cost Orders in Family Law Proceedings
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.

Surge Legal
Jun 24 min read


Establishing a De Facto Relationship - Case Study
A case study of the recent judgement which examined the issues relating to the existence of a de facto relationship on appeal.

Surge Legal
Mar 164 min read
![Case Study - Marsh v Marsh [2014] FamCAFC 24](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6684f3_04e462302f3b43f896747f27fdb7f7a7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/6684f3_04e462302f3b43f896747f27fdb7f7a7~mv2.webp)
![Case Study - Marsh v Marsh [2014] FamCAFC 24](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6684f3_04e462302f3b43f896747f27fdb7f7a7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/6684f3_04e462302f3b43f896747f27fdb7f7a7~mv2.webp)
Case Study - Marsh v Marsh [2014] FamCAFC 24
Case summary of Marsh v Marsh focusing on the significance of non-financial contributions post separation.

Surge Legal
Oct 7, 20243 min read


Family Law Amendment Bill 2023: Renewing Emphasis on the Best Interests of the Child
We review the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975, Family Law Amendment Bill 2023.

Surge Legal
Nov 4, 20233 min read
![Case Study - Gadhavi & Gadhavi [2023] FedCFamC1A 117](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_7eed4511bbbf42349f7e414fea2ad6f2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/nsplsh_7eed4511bbbf42349f7e414fea2ad6f2~mv2.webp)
![Case Study - Gadhavi & Gadhavi [2023] FedCFamC1A 117](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_7eed4511bbbf42349f7e414fea2ad6f2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/nsplsh_7eed4511bbbf42349f7e414fea2ad6f2~mv2.webp)
Case Study - Gadhavi & Gadhavi [2023] FedCFamC1A 117
Case Study relating to a family law case involving serious family violence.

Surge Legal
Oct 10, 20233 min read


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Family Law Edition 2023
This article provides detailed answers to common questions regarding some Family Law issues.

Surge Legal
Aug 25, 20235 min read


Financial Disclosure in Family Law
This article explores the vital duty of financial disclosure in family law matters.

Surge Legal
Aug 1, 20234 min read
![Long Separation – Case Study of I & I [2005] FamCA 432](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_c7cd32a62d3e4b86989360b78029de29~mv2_d_4272_2848_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/11062b_c7cd32a62d3e4b86989360b78029de29~mv2_d_4272_2848_s_4_2.webp)
![Long Separation – Case Study of I & I [2005] FamCA 432](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_c7cd32a62d3e4b86989360b78029de29~mv2_d_4272_2848_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/11062b_c7cd32a62d3e4b86989360b78029de29~mv2_d_4272_2848_s_4_2.webp)
Long Separation – Case Study of I & I [2005] FamCA 432
We delve into the complexities of family law regarding prolonged separations, highlighting the case of I & I as an example.

Surge Legal
Jul 20, 20233 min read
![Adequacy of Reasons – Case Study of Aitken & Aitken [2023] FedCFamC1A 69](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_335957326a7853626c4538~mv2_d_2048_1536_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/nsplsh_335957326a7853626c4538~mv2_d_2048_1536_s_2.webp)
![Adequacy of Reasons – Case Study of Aitken & Aitken [2023] FedCFamC1A 69](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_335957326a7853626c4538~mv2_d_2048_1536_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/nsplsh_335957326a7853626c4538~mv2_d_2048_1536_s_2.webp)
Adequacy of Reasons – Case Study of Aitken & Aitken [2023] FedCFamC1A 69
This case highlights the importance of assessing financial capacity of the parties and providing clear reasons for judge's decisions.

Surge Legal
Jul 11, 20234 min read


DIY Divorce vs Hiring a Lawyer
DIY divorce, while initially seeming compelling and cost-effective, often leads to unexpected difficulties.

Surge Legal
Jul 4, 20234 min read


Divorce - Dispensing With Rules of Service
This article explores how Dispensation of Service in divorce cases necessitates exhaustive efforts to locate the untraceable spouse.

Surge Legal
Jun 27, 20233 min read


Costs Orders in Family Law - Case Study
This article provides a case study analysis to examine the complexities of obtaining costs orders in family law matters.

Surge Legal
Jun 22, 20233 min read


Family Reports in Parenting 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...

Surge Legal
Jun 15, 20235 min read


Jurisdictional Issues in Parenting Cases
This blog post examines some jurisdictional issues that arise in family law parenting matters involving overseas jurisdictions.

Surge Legal
Jun 6, 20234 min read
![Case Study - Gadzen & Simkin [2018] FamCAFC 218 – Why Limitation Periods Matter](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6241514835335671755463~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/nsplsh_6241514835335671755463~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.webp)
![Case Study - Gadzen & Simkin [2018] FamCAFC 218 – Why Limitation Periods Matter](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6241514835335671755463~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/nsplsh_6241514835335671755463~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.webp)
Case Study - Gadzen & Simkin [2018] FamCAFC 218 – Why Limitation Periods Matter
This article discusses the importance of limitation periods when it comes to Family Law matters using a case study.

Surge Legal
May 31, 20233 min read


Social Media and Family Law: Often A Curse, Not A Blessing
This article explores the issue of social media in family law and provides practical tips to litigants on how to manage social media use.

Surge Legal
May 26, 20234 min read


Grandparents’ Rights to Custody
This article discusses the grandparents' legal rights and options regarding custody of grandchildren under the Family Law Act 1975.

Surge Legal
May 14, 20235 min read
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