Family Law Amendment Bill 2024: Key Changes Taking Effect from 29 May 2025

The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 passed through the Senate on 29 November 2024. The majority of the Amendments will take effect on 29 May 2025.

You can read more about our previous article publishes about the Key Changes and impact, here.

The amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 aim to make family law processes fairer, safer, and easier to navigate. Here’s a quick overview of the amendments:

  • Property Settlements: Clearer steps for dividing property make the process more transparent, helping couples negotiate their own agreements.
  • Family Violence: The impact of family violence will now be directly considered in property settlements and spousal maintenance decisions.
  • Pets in Separation: Special consideration will be given to pets, including their welfare and who has been their primary caregiver.
  • Financial Disclosure: New rules ensure financial information is shared earlier to encourage quicker and fairer resolutions.
  • Support and Safety: Changes include safer children’s contact services and protections for sensitive personal records, like psychologist notes.
  • Less Adversarial Trial: Extended beyond child-focused proceedings to allow the A less formal trial approach will apply to more cases, making the process less intimidating and easier to understand.
  • Simplified Legal Framework: It clarifies arbitration processes, streamlines court costs and divorce applications, and updates superannuation valuation rules. A statutory review is also planned three years after implementation to ensure the changes are effective and fair.

While these changes aim to simplify and clarify processes for non-child-related matters under the Family Law Act 1975, we strongly recommend seeking the guidance of a Specialist Family Lawyer when navigating a property settlement. Contact us today.

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The information in this article is not legal advice and is intended to provide commentary and general information only. It should not be relied upon or used as a definitive or complete statement of the relevant law. You should obtain formal legal advice specific to your particular circumstance. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Author
Associate Solicitor