What happens when there is a marriage breakdown and grandparents are prevented from seeing their grandchildren? The Family Law Act recognises that children have a right to spend time with significant persons in their lives which include: both of their parents, regardless of whether the parents are living together or not step-parents siblings half-siblings step-siblings […]

Unlike a marriage, which comes with a party and a certificate, de facto relationships often have no fanfare to announce their beginning. You probably assume that you have to share a house, or bedroom, before you will be in a de facto relationship. The reality is that sharing a common residence is not necessary before […]

The rise in divorce rates and blended families has resulted in changes in family dynamics and has added complexity to the way in which people view their estate planning needs.  In some circumstances, it has generated expectations on step-parents to make provision in their Will and in other circumstances, it has resulted in contested estate […]

I’ve separated from my partner. Should I attend mediation regarding my children and how do I prepare for mediation? When parents separate, one of the key areas they need to consider is what arrangements should be put in place for the children.  This can include time the children spend with each parent, where and how handover […]

Many people put off making a valid Will because they are too busy dealing with the mundane aspects of life or they think they are bulletproof. However, as we know, death can sneak up unexpectedly with sometimes devastating financial consequences, particularly in the case of blended families. A person who dies without a Will dies […]