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Latest Family Law Changes

The latest Family Law update from Rafton Family Lawyers contains information on:

Rafton Newsletters:

• Rafton Family Lawyers Newsletter - Winter 2010 (PDF)
• Rafton Family Lawyers Newsletter - Spring 2009 (PDF)

• Legislation concerning de-facto relationships
• Child support reform reminder
• Birth Certificate regulations – same sex couples
• Family Dispute Resolution

De-facto update

We are pleased to announce that as of the 1st of March 2009, any de-facto couples that separate after that date (who meet the criteria set out in the legislation) will now fall under the family law umbrella. 

This is exciting news as it means that people who have responsibility for the care and control of young children, have significant health needs, or who have small superannuation entitlements and need a splitting order can now seek assistance and relief under the Family Law Act.

This is a long awaited update to the legislation that greatly assists de-facto couples in working out their disputes and recognises that a de-facto relationship has as much significance in modern society as a traditional marriage.

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Child Support Reform – A Reminder

As you may have heard, there have been a number of significant changes to Child Support Legislation which have been progressively implemented over that last couple of years.  The most recent changes came into force in July 2008. 

Among the changes were adjustments for payers and payees (persons receiving child support). 
If you are paying or receiving child support you will probably be aware of the changes to your assessment, but if you would more information on the legislation as it now stands, please refer to our child support fact sheet on this website.

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Birth Certificates

Following major changes to the regulations concerning birth certificates, the office of Birth Deaths and Marriages can now take applications for any couples in relationships to be recognised as parents.

This means that women in same-sex relationships, who have conceived children via IVF with their partner, can now be noted as parents on the child’s birth certificate.

These changes do not, however, remove the father’s name from the certificate, nor do they prevent a father from being noted on a child’s birth certificate.

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Family Dispute Resolution

If you are experiencing a family dispute or breakdown and need to arrange a mediation session there may be a significant waiting period involved.  We would like to remind our clients that the Family Relationship Centre at Blacktown currently has much shorter waiting times than the Penrith Centre and we recommend that you contact both centres when looking to make an appointment to determine first availability.

We can also recommend a number of excellent practitioners who are available for privately funded mediations and can usually accommodate parties within 14 days.  If you have any queries regarding family dispute resolution, or would like further information, please email or phone our office on 02 4578 5611.

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