-
FAQs: Merger of Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia
September 7th, 2021 | by newwaylawyersThe Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia have merged. Let’s navigate the family law court merger together with some FAQs:
Q: When did the merger take effect?
A From 1 September 2021
Q: What will the new Court be called?
A The amalgamated new court will be known as Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA).
Q: What is the reason for this merger?
The main reason for the merger is :-
- to reduce costs and delay in family litigation and to encourage proceedings to be conducted in a more calm and civil manner
- to facilitate the fair resolution of disputes as quickly, inexpensively, and efficiently as possible
Q: How will delays and backlogs be reduced?
A: The FCFCA will place greater emphasis on encouraging parties to settle their matters, where it is safe to do so through dispute resolution. This means there will be less final hearings and Court events, reducing the Court’s workload.
Q: What protection will be afforded to children?
A: The FCFCA will place emphasis on the need to protect the rights of children, promote their welfare and protect them from family violence.
Q: Will there only be one Court after the family law court merger?
A There will be one court, but two divisions of that court. The Family Court of Australia will become the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia (Division 1). The Federal Circuit Court of Australia will become the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
Q: What is the difference between Division 1 and Division 2?
Essentially, applications will be filed in Division 2 and appeals will be heard in Division 1.
Q: Will the current Court forms still apply?
A Yes and no. The FCFCA has streamlined its procedures and new forms are now available on the new FCFCA website. The FCFCA will accept the old forms for a grace period of 90 days from 1 September 2021. After this time, the new forms must be used when applying to the Court.
Q: What is the new FCFCA website address?
A: https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/
Q: What does this mean for my family law proceedings?
A: You will not be required to do anything if your matter is already in the court system. If your matter was previously in the Family Court of Australia, it will now be listed in Division 1. If your matter was previously in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, it will now be listed in Division 2.
Q What forms am I required to file if I want to commence a financial or parenting application in Court?
A If you are filing an application in the new Court, you can look at their website to find a list of the forms you will be required to file in support of that application.
The Court’s information about required documents for applications can be found here: https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/ss-overview
If you require any assistance in your family law matter please call us on 07 3548 5850 or contact us here.
-
Family Law Property Terminology 102 – The Basics
February 26th, 2021 | by carolyn.newwaylawyersIn our previous blog ‘ Family Law Parenting Terminology 101 – The Basics’ we shared that learning about family law parenting terminology can feel similar to learning a foreign language. It can be confusing and overwhelming. Unfortunately the terminology used in family law property and financial settlement matters isn’t much easier.
There are lots of acronyms and legal jargon and people often feel like they need a linguistics degree or like they need to constantly look up words in a dictionary or thesaurus. At New Way Lawyers our caring team of family lawyers take the time to explain not only all the unfamiliar terminology but also the processes and procedures of the family law system, meaning everything feels less overwhelming.
Many people still however find it useful to have a ‘cheat sheet’ or a reference point to remind them of the meaning of some of the commonly used words. We have therefore put together this helpful summary of commonly used terms in family law property and finance matters.
Binding Financial Agreement
A private agreement, under the Family Law Act, that sets out how the parties to a marriage or defacto relationship will distribute their property and finances in the event of separation or divorce. These agreements can be made before, during or after a defacto relationship or marriage. Certain requirements must be met for the agreements to be legally binding – for example the agreement must be in writing, signed by both parties and independent legal advice must have been received by each person prior to signing.
Caveat
A caveat is a formal notice or warning attached to the title of a property that stops the registered owner and other people from dealing with the property.
Conciliation Conference
A conciliation conference is a court ordered mediation between the parties to a property / financial dispute which is facilitated by a Registrar of the Court. The conciliation conference provides an opportunity for the parties to reach agreement and resolve their dispute.
Enforcement Order
A further order made by a Court to make a party comply with a previous order. In addition to enforcing an order, the family courts can also punish the non complying party.
Financial Disclosure
The exchange of financial information and documentation between the parties to a property / financial matter to provide evidence of past and future financial circumstances. The financial information and documentation exchanged depends on the individual circumstances of the matter but can include payslips, tax returns, bank statements, superannuation statements, loan documents, credit card statements, financial statements for business etc.
Financial Statement
A prescribed court form setting out details of a parties current income, expenses, assets, liabilities and financial resources. A financial statement must be filed with the Court in property settlement and spousal support matters.
Financial Resources
A future expectation or interest to income, assets or finances, for example distributions under a will or a trust, long service leave entitlements, or a pending personal injury claim.
Forensic Accountant
A specialist accountant who examines and investigates the finances of an individual or a company for possible fraudulent activity or to trace funds or assets.
Property Orders
A legally binding declaration made by the Court regarding the distribution of assets and liabilities between the parties to a marriage or defacto relationship. Property Orders can be made as consent orders, meaning the parties have agreed to the orders and the Court has reviewed and approved them. Alternatively the orders can be made by the Court following a hearing. Property orders can be either interim orders or final orders.
Property Pool
All the assets and liabilities to be distributed and divided between parties to a property dispute.
Property proceedings
A court matter regarding issues and disputes about how the assets and liabilities of the parties to a de facto relationship or marriage are to be divided. The Court adopts a five step process that is used to determine each parties entitlement to property / financial settlement. Briefly the five steps are as follows:
- (1) Determine whether it is just and equitable to adjust the existing property / financial interests of the parties.
- (2) Determine the assets and liabilities of the parties (including assets and liabilities in the sole names of the parties, the joint names of the parties of the joint names of one or the parties and a third party).
- (3) Assess the contributions made to the assets and the relationship by each party. These contributions include initial contributions, financial contributions, non financial contributions and post separation contributions.
- (4) Assess the future needs of the parties such as their age and state of health, income and earning capacity, care of children of the relationship, length of the relationship and how that has impacted on a party’s earning capacity etc.
- (5) Assess whether the outcome is fair and just. At the end of this five step process the parties entitlements to property settlement are determined as a % division of available net property pool.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is the payment of financial support by one party to the other party of a marriage or de-facto relationship in the event that they are unable to financially support themselves. Spousal maintenance can be paid as either periodic maintenance on either a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis, or as a lump sum payment or even by way of payment to third parties, such as payment of rent or mortgage payments.
Superannuation Information Form
A prescribed court form used in property / financial matters where there are superannuation interests being considered as part of the property settlement or division. The form is issued to the trustee of the superannuation fund and requires the release of information about the superannuation fund to a party or parties.
Superannuation Splitting Order
An Order of the Court to the Trustee of a Superannuation Fund for the split of a membership superannuation interest as part of property settlement.
Valuation
An expert report providing a professional opinion on the value of an asset such as real property, motor vehicles or business interests
-
Changes to Our JP Service
November 27th, 2020 | by carolyn.newwaylawyersOver the past 8 years our Capalaba office has really enjoyed providing our Justice of the Peace Service in partnership with Capalaba Park Shopping Centre. During that time we have witnessed more than 20,000 documents (that’s a whole lot of documents ?) and we have gotten to meet and chat with lots of the wonderful locals who live and work in the Redlands community.
Due to increased demand for our legal services, which we provide on a non profit basis, we have made the difficult decision to wind up our partnership with Capalaba Park Shopping Centre. The Justice of the Peace service has been a such a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the local community and we thank the community for their support of this service. We also thank Capalaba Park Shopping Centre Management for their long-term partnership and our dedicated team members and volunteers over the years who have made this service available week in and week out.
Moving forward, from Thursday 29 October 2020 Capalaba Park will partner with the Queensland Government JPs in the Community Program to continue to provide an onsite Justice of the Peace Service.
-
Family Law Parenting Terminology 101 – The Basics
November 2nd, 2020 | by carolyn.newwaylawyersA few months ago, a recently separated parent came to us for help with family law parenting arrangements for their young children. When we asked how everyone was adjusting and coping we smiled at the response that was provided. They said, ‘ you know, I never knew that going through separation and divorce was so much like traveling to a foreign country.’ When we prompted them to elaborate they continued, ‘well, like traveling to a foreign country, separation and divorce involves a long and exhausting journey, much like a long haul flight. Everything also feels really different, much like when you are trying to find your bearings in an unfamiliar overseas environment. And finally, when reading and talking about anything to do with separation and divorce the terminology is so confusing, much like trying to understand and communicate in another language.’
At New Way Lawyers our experienced family lawyers are akin to tour guides for people who are journeying through the process of separation and divorce.
They can provide strategies and techniques that will make the journey feel a little less overwhelming and exhausting and layout a tailored plan so you feel more confident and secure about the future. In addition, our family law team are great interpreters and they can explain any confusing legal terms to you in plain English. We have however also put together the following translation guide to explain commonly used terminology in family law parenting matters.
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
The Family Law Act is federal piece of legislation that covers the main issues that arise from separation, for example parenting arrangements, property division, spousal support and divorce. This legislation covers all states and territories except for Western Australia.
Federal Circuit and Family Law Court of Australia
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is a federal court that hears and deals with family law matters relating to parenting arrangements, property division, spousal support and divorce. There are two divisions within the court. Applications will be filed in Division 2 and appeals or referred matters will be heard in Division 1.
Family dispute resolution
Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a term used in the Family Law Act to describe processes such as mediation and conciliation which provide a forum for people who have separated to resolve their disputes with one another. It is a requirement of the Family Law Act that parties attend family dispute resolution before applying to the Court for orders relating to children, subject to certain limited exceptions.
GET A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
Family dispute resolution practitioner
A family dispute resolution practitioner (FDRP) is a person who has completed the required training by the Federal Attorney Generals Department and who is registered to conduct family dispute resolution.
Section 60I certificate
A section 60I certificate is a certificate issued by a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) pursuant to the Family Law Act. The certificate demonstrates to the Federal Circuit Court of Family Court that the parties attempted to resolve their dispute prior to commencing court proceedings. There are 5 different section 60I certificates that can be issued by a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP):
- The person did not attend FDR due to the refusal of the other person or people to attend;
- The person did not attend FDR because the practitioner did not consider it would be appropriate to conduct FDR;
- The parties attended FDR, conducted by the practitioner, and all people made a genuine effort to resolve the issue or issues in dispute;
- The parties attended FDR, conducted by the practitioner, but one or more of them did not make a genuine effort to resolve the issue or issues in dispute; or
- The parties began FDR, but part way through the practitioner decided it was not appropriate to continue.
A section 60I certificate can only be used for 12 months from the date it was issued.
Verbal Parenting Arrangement
A verbal parenting arrangement is an undocumented agreement between separated parents regarding where children will live and arrangements for them to spend time with the other parent. The agreement can also cover things such as education, health and religious arrangements for the children. A verbal parenting arrangement is not legally binding or enforceable.
Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is a written agreement regarding matters for the children that is dated and signed by separated parents. It can cover a broad range of matters relating to children. A parenting plan is not legally enforceable or binding.
Consent Parenting Order
A consent parenting order is where separated parents reach an agreement about parenting matters and then make an application to the Court to have the agreement recognised as a formal court order. Consent orders are legally binding and enforceable.
Parenting Order
A parenting order is a decision about parenting matters for the children that has been made by the Court. The parenting order will cover who makes decisions about the welfare of the children and where they live. A parenting order is legally binding and enforceable.
Parental Responsibility
The term parental responsibility is defined in section 61B of the Family Law Act as ‘all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which, by law, parents have in relation to children’. Prior to any consent parenting order or parenting order being made, each parent of a minor child has parental responsibility for the Child, regardless of whether the parents are separated on in a relationship.
GET A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
Custody
Custody is an old term that is no longer used under the Family Law Act. Instead, the terms parental responsibility and lives with and spends time with have replaced the term of custody.
Contravention Proceedings
Contravention proceedings are proceedings that are made to the Court where one party claims the other party is not complying with the terms of a Court Order. When hearing contravention proceedings the Court has the power to enforce compliance with the orders through various measures such as varying the orders, imposing counselling or imposing fines.
-
Practical tips to empower you after a separation
October 30th, 2020 | by carolyn.newwaylawyers‘When will this get better?’ you may ask yourself just after a separation. It’s often a time of feeling overwhelmed. Even if things are amicable with your ex, there are many (sometimes contradictory) emotions to deal with, ranging from relief to heartbreak.
There is also the prospect of having to deal with change itself. Finding your routines changed and having ‘what-do-I-do-now?’ questions is very common. When you are separating or getting a divorce, your cognitive abilities and attention span can also take a real hit.
So it helps to know some of the things which have helped many others just like you. It’s a heartening reminder that, bit by bit, you can get through the upheavals you’re experiencing.Empower yourself with these practical tips to get you through.
1. Connecting to others
Even if you are a private person, making connections with others is vital. People are by nature social beings—connecting with others will help get you through a tough period.
Reach out and open up to family, friends or colleagues you feel comfortable with and trust. Share what you are going through and how you are feeling. ‘Divorce is awful and just plain heartbreaking. But I must say it has made me see who my true friends are. Despite being shy and private, I let my guard down and discovered some really wonderful people I can talk to and trust.’ said a recently divorced teacher. ‘You never know who will step up and support you in unexpected ways’. Booking time with a good counsellor is also useful. A counsellor will help you untangle the difficulties coursing through your mind and offer you helpful coping strategies. And while face-to-face interactions are ideal, you may also find solace in reading books which touch on what you are going through. Or you can join online forums like Facebook groups for people in your situation who can understand your pain. It makes you realise you are not alone.
Spending time with animals is also soothing. Pets often connect to your emotions and give you their unjudgmental, loving presence.
2. The body-mind connection
Because there’s so much going on in your mind at the moment, moving your body is great for dispersing your mental energy. You can adapt the level of activity to where you are at right now. Going outside for fresh air and walking or running around the block may help to shift things. If you would like to be among people, an exercise class (perhaps yoga, dancing or an intense gym workout) could be for you. Or join a bush hiking group and enjoy being with others while letting nature soothe you as you walk things off.
A stroll on the beach where you can take in a sunrise or sunsest can also be comforting—and a metaphor for new life opportunities that lay before you.
3. Keeping Records
With so much change happening at once, it’s good to keep a diary or record of important events—such as the date of separation, and when expenses are paid for the children or the property.
You may want to use the notes facility on your phone or tablet or computer, or just use a paper notepad. As well as this, hold on to your receipts and place them in one designated jar. This will save you the stress of fumbling around for crumpled bits of paper later.
4. Reaching agreement
If you have children or property with your former partner, there are many practicalities to consider. These include new living arrangements and where the children will live in the short term and long term.
It’s great if you are able to come to your own arrangements about these matters. But be aware that the agreements you make with your ex work only if you are both willing to abide by them. Any private agreements you reach generally won’t be legally binding if one of you retracts. Having your agreement legally formalised requires a different process and approach.
When parenting or property matters are involved, amica.gov.au is a handy online tool which may help you and your ex reach agreement.
5. Legal advice
Speculating and not knowing where you stand can be stressful. And well-meaning friends may not necessarily give you correct advice about legalities. So inform yourself about your legal standing on property division and arrangements for children – at least the bare basics for now.
Having the correct knowledge about what may be coming up is empowering. Coming back to connecting to others who can help, you may want to seek out legal representation for the near future. The people you surround yourself with for the challenging time ahead can make all the difference to your experience. Find out about the approach of different lawyers—are they clear, calm and do they empower you with knowledge in a way you understand? Do they set realistic expectations?
Do they have value-added services? What is their fee structure? And importantly, do they feel like they’re the right person to have by your side?
These are all empowering options to give you some respite from the challenges you may be feeling and get you through to the other side. As a divorced father says, ‘I still have some down moments here and there but I am able to snap out of them rather quickly now. I just remind myself that my future is wide open and there is a whole new world to explore.
I accept the past for what it is, the good and the bad, and remind myself that through all the pain and heartache, I found out things about myself that I didn’t like and took the steps to change them.’
So rest assured that you will get through it. Just take things day by day.
Do you have any questions?
New Way Lawyers, Australia’s first non profit law firm, are family lawyers in Brisbane and the South East Queensland region. We provide a free ‘Lunch with a Lawyer’ Facebook group with live sessions between 12-1pm each weekday. Here you can ask your questions anonymously if you wish. Or contact us to book a free phone consultation.
If you become a client, you will be invited to become part of our complimentary Client Care Program. Our Client Care Program has been designed to provide you with extra support, encouragement and a listening ear with initiatives including extra support when attending Court, weekly uplifting blogs and heartfelt personal messages. We also have a client lounge in each of our offices (Brisbane, Burleigh, Capalaba and Indooroopilly) where you can relax with a cuppa, access referral services such as counselling, browse through our resource library and even keep the book of your choice.
Disclaimer
The above information is intended as general legal information only for people living in Queensland and is not a substitute for individual legal advice. -
Separation, divorce and property settlement: 7 common myths
February 12th, 2020 | by carolyn.newwaylawyersSeparation, divorce and property settlement can be very difficult and challenging. It is no wonder then, that when faced with these situations, individuals often seek support, counsel and advice from family and friends. While family and friends provide a valuable support network, often their understanding of the family law system is incorrect and misinformed. Although family members and friends who have personally been through their own separation, divorce or property settlement are well intentioned in sharing their own experience and outcome, there is no one size fits all approach; rather, each separation, divorce and property settlement is different. It is therefore beneficial for anyone facing these situations to seek personalised legal advice from an expert family lawyer.
Set our below are some of the most common myths regarding these matters and some practical legal information and pointers.
1. We only need to divide the house
When our family lawyers meet with a client who has separated and is considering property settlement one of the first questions that we ask is what assets and liabilities are owned by each party to the relationship. We often hear clients respond with, “We have nothing, just the house with a mortgage.” Half an hour into the appointment, we typically identify several other assets, in addition to the family home.
In a property settlement, all assets and liabilities, either in sole or joint names are included for division, not just the family home and mortgage. These assets can include, but are not limited to:
- Furniture, jewellery and collectables;
- Cars, caravans, boats and motorbikes;
- Savings in bank accounts or term deposits;
- Shares;
- Life insurance policies; and
On the other hand liabilities can include, but are not limited to:
- Mortgages;
- Car loans;
- Personal loans and lines of credit;
- Credit cards; and
- Tax debts.
Practical pointer:
When first considering a property settlement, make a specific list of assets and liabilities noting who is the registered owner or owners, the kind of ownership (e.g. sole or joint) and the estimated value of the asset or liability. The categories of assets and liabilities listed in this article can be used as a starting point. This list will enable you to understand the value of the assets and liabilities available for property settlement and will prepare you to seek initial advice from a family lawyer.
2. Each person takes out the same assets and liabilities as they brought into the relationship
When our lawyers first meet with a client they often hear the belief that each person should be placed in the same financial position at the end of the relationship as they were at the start and should therefore take out the same assets and liabilities that they brought into the relationship. This myth is attractive because of its simplicity, however, separation, divorce and property settlement is rarely this simple.
Over the course of a relationship, particularly long relationships, the initial assets that were brought into the relationship may be sold for a profit or loss, with the sale proceeds applied to purchase new assets. Additionally, original debts and loans may have been paid out or paid down or alternatively increased and new debts and loans may have been incurred. In fact, there are many things that can occur during a relationship that may result in a change in the makeup of the original assets and liabilities.
While there is no rule that each person takes out the same assets and liabilities as they brought into the relationship, there is a recognised legal principle that considers the contributions that each party has made to the assets, liabilities and the relationship generally. These contributions include initial contributions, contributions during the relationship and contributions following separation. The contributions may take the form of financial contributions but they can also take the form of non-financial contributions which include contributions in the role of homemaker and parent.
Practical pointer:
In the event of separation, it is useful to have evidence of any contributions that you have made to the assets and liabilities of the relationship and the relationship generally. The evidence required will depend on the type of contribution. For example, in a situation where an individual has received an inheritance from a family member and used this inheritance to pay down the mortgage over the family home the evidence to support this contribution would be a copy of the will showing details of the inheritance and a copy of the bank statement showing the deposit of the funds from the inheritance into the mortgage account.
3. My partner had an affair so they should get less of the property
There are times where separation or divorce occurs because of infidelity. In such situations, the aggrieved partner or spouse often believes that the property settlement is a means for holding their partner to account or punishing them for their behaviour.
Unlike the family law systems in some countries, Australia has a no-fault family law system. This means that moral considerations such as who decided to end the relationship or infidelity are not relevant and will not impact the division of assets and liabilities. The no fault family law system means that your property settlement will not resemble a controversial episode of the Jerry Springer Show with both parties airing their dirty laundry, instead focus is placed on the contributions that the parties have made to the relationship and also the future needs of the parties.
Although it can be difficult for an aggrieved spouse to learn that the property settlement process operates on a no-fault basis, accepting this reality will minimise the time, expense and stress of the process. In general, the most lengthy, expensive and stressful property settlements that we see are those where clients conduct their property settlement driven by emotion rather than logic and typically in these cases neither party to the relationship ever walks away satisfied.
Practical pointer:
Although the reasons for the breakdown of your relationship may not be relevant to the legal processes associated with separation, divorce or property settlement this does not mean that you should suppress or ignore the emotions that you are feeling. Consider seeking support from a health professional such as a counsellor or psychologist who can provide guidance on managing and processing the emotions and stress arising from your situation. There is no shame in seeking extra help; everyone needs help from time to time.
4. Everything is split 50 / 50
Ever since we were children, we have always been told to share and our instincts seem to tell us that the fairest way to share is equally. A very common myth about property settlement is that assets and debts are automatically divided 50/50 following separation or divorce. While this may be the case for some relationships, it does not apply across the board. There is no legal presumption that the Court will equally divide the assets and liabilities of your relationship. Although there have been some interesting recent cases from the Courts regarding property settlement it is still generally accepted that when determining the division of assets and liabilities the following five step approach should be followed:
- All the assets and liabilities held by the individuals to the relationship are identified and valued;
- Consideration is given as to whether it is ‘just and equitable’ to make any adjustment to the existing property interests of the individuals
- The contributions that each individual made to the assets and liabilities and to the relationship are considered. Contributions are defined broadly and include initial contributions, contributions during the relationship and contributions following separation. Contributions may take the form of financial and also non-financial contributions which include contributions in the role of homemaker and parent.
- The future needs of both individuals to the relationship are then considered, such as the age of the parties, the health of the parties, the income and earning capacity of the parties and care arrangements for any children of the relationship.
- The outcome is then further considered and if necessary adjusted to ensure that it is fair and just.
After following this approach the entitlement of each party to the assets and liabilities can be ascertained.
Practical pointer:
Following separation or divorce you may be able to reach an agreement with your partner or spouse about how the assets and liabilities are to be divided. While it is positive if you can reach an agreement, you may benefit from receiving legal advice about your entitlements and rights from a family lawyer prior to reaching any agreement.
5. We can write an agreement between ourselves to formalise property settlement
Sometimes, couples decide to separate or divorce on mutual terms and remain cordial. While this is easier than the alternative, it does not mean that a property settlement should then become a D-I-Y project. An agreement regarding property settlement must comply with the requirements of the Family Law Act in order to be binding and enforceable. Most often, agreements that are written by the parties themselves do not meet the requirements of the Family Law Act and are not binding, even if they have been signed by both parties and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace.
When an agreement does not meet the requirements of the Family Law Act, and is not binding, the effectiveness of the agreement is based solely on the ongoing good faith of both parties. If one party subsequently decides that they are no longer satisfied with the agreement they can simply ignore the agreement and make an application to the Court for alternative property settlement arrangements. Many people have learned the hard way that the agreement that they reached with their former partner or spouse was not worth the paper it was written on. It can be particularly stressful for someone to learn that an agreement is not binding and that their partner or spouse may have a claim on assets attained post separation, for example, an inheritance from a family member, a redundancy payout or a personal injury claim.
The Family Law Act provides two pathways for separated or divorced parties who have agreed about property settlement to formalise their agreement. The first option is Consent Orders, which involves the parties making an application to the Court to have their agreement made into a court order. This process is done administratively by submitting paperwork to the Court and no one is required to go to Court. The second option is a Binding Financial Agreement, which is essentially a private contract between the parties.
Practical pointer:
Seek legal advice from an experienced family lawyer about the different types of agreements available and which type of agreement would best suit your individual situation. A lawyer can advise about which type of agreement (e.g. a binding financial agreement or consent orders) may be easier and more cost effective.
6. We can just transfer the property title between ourselves to resolve property settlement
There is nothing to prevent parties who have separated or divorced from transferring the names on the title deed of a property between themselves following the breakdown of the relationship. However, the mere act of transferring the title of the property between themselves does not meet the requirements of the Family Law Act and therefore does not constitute a binding and enforceable property settlement arrangement. If an agreement is not recognised under the Family Law Act then the agreement is based solely on the goodwill of both parties and at any time either party can ignore the agreement and make an application to the Court for alternative property settlement arrangements.
There are also further reasons why parties to a relationship shouldn’t simply transfer the property title between themselves by way of property settlement. Individuals who transfer property title between themselves will be faced with having to pay stamp duty on the transfer of the property. However, if the parties enter into a recognised property settlement arrangement under the Family Law Act, the transfer of the property would then be subject to a stamp duty exemption and no stamp duty would be payable. The cost of having a family lawyer prepare a property settlement arrangement by way of consent orders or a binding financial agreement is almost always much less than paying the stamp duty on the transfer of title of a property.
Practical pointer:
Seek an estimate from a lawyer who practices exclusively in family law about what it would cost for you to complete a formal property settlement as it may be more affordable than you think and within your budget. While it may seem cheaper not to seek assistance from a lawyer and instead do things yourself, the ultimate costs could end up much higher if there are subsequently problems with your do it yourself approach.
7. I need to be separated for 12 months before I can do a property settlement
A lot of people think that they have to wait until they have been separated for 12 months before they can take any steps toward property settlement. This is incorrect – there is no waiting period that must run before starting the property settlement process. Property settlement can in fact be started as soon as separation occurs.
There are however some deadlines to be aware of for the completion of property settlement. For individuals who were in a de facto relationship the deadline for completing property settlement is two years from the date of separation. For couples who were married the deadline is twelve months from the date of divorce. If property settlement has not been finalized by these deadlines it may be necessary to make an application to the Court for property settlement. It is critical that this deadline is not missed as although permission may be granted by the Court for an application to be made out of time there is no guarantee that permission will be granted and the costs associated with making an application out of time are much higher than making an application within the required time frame.
Practical pointer:
Make a note of your deadline for commencing property settlement proceedings in your calendar and put some reminders about this date in your calendar in the lead up to your deadline. If you are within two months of your deadline, then you should seek legal advice from a family lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected.
Disclaimer
The above information is intended as general legal information only for people living in Queensland and is not a substitute for individual legal advice. -
Domestic Violence: 8 Myths Part 1
October 16th, 2019 | by carolyn.newwaylawyersWelcome to the first instalment of our two-part series on domestic violence myths.
Domestic violence is a sensitive topic, but it is still one that needs to be talked about openly and candidly. Domestic violence occurs far too frequently. According to the 2016 Personal Safety Survey completed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 17% of women and 6% of men had experienced physical and / or sexual abuse by a current or former partner from the age of 15. Further, 23% of women and 16% of men had experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner from the same age. During this 8 part series we will discuss domestic violence and in the process dispel some common myths and provide helpful information if you are facing this very difficult situation.
Myth 1: Domestic Violence is only Physical Violence
The definition of domestic violence is broad and covers a range of different behaviours that occur within the context of a relevant domestic relationship. These behaviours are not just limited to physical violence. Domestic violence is defined in section 8 of Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld as behaviour that is
- (a) physically or sexually abusive, or
- (b) emotionally or psychologically abusive, or
- (c) economically abusive, or
- (d) threatening, or
- (e) coercive, or
- (f) in any other way controls or dominates a person and causes the person to fear for their safety or wellbeing.
In the same section of the Act some specific examples are provided of behaviour that is domestic violence. Some of these examples include
- (a) causing personal injury to a person or threatening to do so
- (b) damaging a person’s property or threatening to do so
- (c) threatening to commit suicide or self harm so as to torment intimidate or frighten
- (d) causing or threatening death or injury to an animal.
- (e) stalking
Practical Pointer: Get to Safety and Seek Support
If you find yourself in a situation of domestic violence call the Police and get to safety immediately. Once you are safe, seek support and assistance from family and friends. You should also seek professional advice and information about the legal options for protecting yourself.
Myth 2: Only the Police Can Apply for a Domestic Violence Order
It is not only the Police who can apply for a domestic violence order.
Section 25 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld provides that an application for a domestic violence order may be made personally by the victim. If, however the victim feels apprehensive or overwhelmed by the application process it is also possible for them to authorise a person to make the application on their behalf. It is also recognised that a person acting as a guardian or attorney can make an application for a domestic violence order on behalf the victim. In these circumstances the application process would involve attending a Police Station or Court House to obtain an application form, then filling out the form and filing it with the Court.
An alternative approach is for the victim to make a complaint of domestic violence to the Police. The Police will then determine whether to make an application for a domestic violence order and bring any criminal charges if appropriate. In this situation any application form would be completed and filed with the Court by the Police.
There is no fee to pay when filing an application for a protection order with the Court.
Practical Pointer: Detailed Information
When completing an application for protection order you should provide as much information as possible about any incidents of domestic violence that have occurred including the dates and times of the incidents as well as any injuries sustained. In addition, details regarding the reporting of any domestic violence to authorities or medical services should be provided.
Myth 3: A domestic violence order can only protect the victim
The protection provided by a domestic violence order isn’t just limited to the victim of the domestic violence. Section 24 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld provides that a domestic violence order can also cover other ‘named people’ who have been affected or impacted by the violence, namely:
- a child of the aggrieved (including an unborn child) or a child who usually lives with the aggrieved;
- a relative of the aggrieved;
- an associate of the aggrieved (e.g. their new partner, a flat mate or a work colleague)
A court can name a child of the aggrieved or a child who usually lives with the aggrieved on a domestic violence order to protect the child from associated domestic violence or being exposed to domestic violence. A child is considered to have been exposed to domestic violence if the child has:
- seen or heard an assault;
- overheard threats of physical abuse;
- overheard repeated denigration;
- comforts someone who has been abused;
- seen bruises or injuries to another person;
- is present when police respond to a domestic violence incident.
The court must consider naming a child on a domestic violence order even if the application does not specifically request that the children be named. A relative or associate of the aggrieved may be named on a domestic violence order if the Court is satisfied that naming the person is ‘necessary or desirable’ to protect that person from domestic violence.
When a person is named on a domestic violence order the conditions that apply to protect the aggrieved will also apply to the people who are named on the order.
Practical Pointer
If you are making an application for a protection order and you are seeking to name other people on the order make sure you include their full names, date of birth and addresses on the application form.
Myth 4: A domestic order only prevents physical violence
A domestic violence order protects the victim of domestic violence by restraining the behaviour of the perpetrator.
Section 54 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld provides that certain standard conditions that must be included in all domestic violence orders. These standard conditions are that the perpetrator must be of good behaviour and must not commit domestic violence towards the victim. In circumstances where another adult is named on the domestic violence order the perpetrator must also be of good behaviour and not commit associated domestic violence against that person. If a child is named on the domestic violence order, then the perpetrator must be of good behaviour and not commit associated domestic violence and not expose the child to domestic violence.
In addition to the standard conditions, a domestic violence order can also include extra conditions if the court considers it necessary and desirable in the circumstances to protect the victim or a named person. Examples of the types of the conditions that can be included in a domestic violence order are (according to the DFVP Act):
- prohibiting the perpetrator from approaching, contacting or locating the victim or named person or attempting to do any of these things
- prohibiting the perpetrator from being present at a certain location where the victim or named child may be present or attend frequently (e.g. workplace, school or kindergarten)
- prohibiting the perpetrator from remaining at a premises where the perpetrator and victim live or previously lived
If a domestic violence order is made, the perpetrator is not allowed to possess a weapon or a weapon’s licence under the Weapons Act 1990 Qld. The domestic violence order will note that any license held by the perpetrator is revoked and provide information about the surrender of their weapons – this applies even if the perpetrator has a profession that involves working with a weapon.
Practical Pointer: Detailed Information
If you are making an application for a protection order and are requesting that additional conditions be made as well as the standard conditions you will need to outline reasons in support. Carefully read each of the additional conditions set out in the application form and provide the additional information and reasons that has been requested.This information is intended as general legal information only for people living in Queensland and is not a substitute for individual legal advice.
