New amendments to Australia’s family law come into effect this week seeing changes in how separation disputes are resolved.
These include increased support for victims of domestic violence in property settlements.
The Attorney-General’s Department says reforms will “make Australia’s family law system simpler, safer and fairer for all families.”
Meanwhile, other changes are set to impact how pets, property and finance are mediated between former partners.
The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 introduces a new framework to govern pet ownership, with legislation now recognising pets as “companion animals” instead of property.
But there are limitations to how the court can intervene.
Image: Source: Pexels – KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA
Produced By: Jordan Zerella
Featured In Story: Kylie Burke – Director of Burke-Mangan Lawyers
First aired on The Wire, Thursday 12 June 2025