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What are the most significant changes in family law in Australia this year?

Lori Vyvyan

Hey there!

So, I think one of the most significant changes in family law in Australia this year is the reforms to the family law system. There have been some major changes to how family law cases are managed, with the aim of making the process more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved.

One of the big changes is the introduction of a new online hub for family law matters. This is meant to provide easy access to information and resources for people going through a family law case, and also to streamline the process for professionals like lawyers and judges. The hub includes things like online forms, information about court procedures, and resources for parents to help them navigate the legal process.

Another big change is the increased focus on alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation and arbitration. The government has put more funding into these services, with the aim of reducing the number of family law cases that end up in court. This is seen as beneficial for all parties involved, as it can often be a quicker and less emotionally taxing way to reach a resolution.

There have also been some changes to the way child support is calculated, which has been a contentious issue for many years. Under the new system, parents will be able to use a self-service portal to update their incomes and expenses, which will be used to calculate the appropriate level of child support. This is seen as a more fair and transparent way of working out child support payments, and could reduce some of the conflict that can arise around this issue.

Finally, there have been some changes to the way family violence is dealt with in family law cases. The government has introduced a range of measures aimed at protecting victims of family violence, and ensuring that the legal process doesn't exacerbate the trauma experienced by survivors. This includes things like better training for lawyers, judges, and court staff on how to handle family violence cases, and greater access to support services for victims.

All in all, these changes are aimed at making the family law system more accessible, efficient, and just for everyone involved. It's important to remember that family law cases can be incredibly emotional and difficult, and any efforts to reduce the stress and conflict involved are definitely welcome. Hopefully, these reforms will lead to a better system for all Australians.