When an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is made during existing or pending family law proceedings, it can raise urgent questions for parents. The short answer: an AVO does not automatically override parenting orders, and the interaction between the two jurisdictions can be complex. What is an AVO? In NSW, an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)…
As of 28 March 2026, Magistrates in the NSW Local Court are now formally known as Judges of the Local Court. You may notice lawyers, court staff and the media using different terminology. But what does this actually mean for you? The short answer: the title has changed, but the Court’s powers and jurisdiction have…
Your employer has just handed you a new contract. Maybe they say it’s routine, or that it simply reflects changes in the law. But before you sign, there are a few things you should know. The short answer: no, you don’t have to sign. A contract is a bilateral agreement. Your employer cannot force you…
Your pet matters in a separation – what the law now says For many people, a pet is part of the family. But when a relationship breaks down, questions about who keeps the pet can quickly become emotional and complicated. As of 10 June 2025, Australian law has started to recognise this reality. The Family…
We weren’t married – are we entitled to a property settlement? Many people assume that because they were never married, they have no legal rights when a relationship ends. That is not the case. If you were in a de facto relationship, Australian law may entitle you to similar property rights as a married couple…
