Family Law Act changes, from May 6th, 2024.
Changes to the Australian Family Law Act come into effect from May 6th, 2024 - does this affect you?
For many separated parents they are able to resolve issues between themselves (still with significant effort) without having to go to Court. From May 6th, 2024 amendments will be made that make the “best interests of children” principles clearer. A fact sheet for parents and other adults can be found at: Family Law Amendment Act 2023: Factsheet for parents (ag.gov.au)
It is important to read the fact sheet carefully. People can be confused by what they are told. For example, the fact sheet quotes the following:
Decisions about how much time a child spends with each parent depends on what is in the best interests of the individual child. While many people believe that parents are entitled to spend equal time with their child, this has never been the case under Australian law.
The above point of clarification is a common misunderstanding, and the amendments are designed to lessen confusion around such matters.
If you are a professional in law, then a factsheet is available and can be found at: Family Law Amendment Act 2023: Factsheet for family law professionals (ag.gov.au). These factsheets provide relevant information which are legal information which explains general legal information. Legal advice needs to be obtained from a lawyer where advice will be given as to how it applies to your circumstances. You can see the article for tips for obtaining legal advice on our website at: Tips+for+maximising+your+legal+advice+options+March+2023.pdf (squarespace.com)
For legal advice options, you can look at: Legal+Advice+and+Legal+Information+in+Australia-1.pdf (squarespace.com)
Often people who enter the Court are referred to a Post Separation parenting course to assist them. Our Finding a Hope Filled Story Webinar Post separation parent support — Best Life Counselling and also our extensive 40 Segments of Hope course can provide great assistance to parents of faith or those interested in faith: The separated parent support system: The Complete Workbook 1 to 4 Package — Best Life Counselling (these are also available in 10 segment blocks).
If you have any queries please contact us.