Szabo & Associates News & Updates

While married and de facto relationships have largely equal standing before the law, there are differences that can prove important. The main difference from a legal perspective is a de facto relationship has to prove the relationship exists beyond producing a marriage certificate.  

The law in Australia recognises the benefit of children having a meaningful relationship with both parents, and normally the aim is to allow children to see both parents. Generally speaking, an ex-partner cannot deny their former partner access to their children unless there are concerns over the safety of the children, and it would not be in the children’s best interests.

Will disputes often arise over when and how a deceased's estate is to be divided. Below we explore some of the types of disputes that arise and how they might be resolved.

What is coercive control?

The term coercive control refers to a range of repeated patterns of family and domestic violence. These behaviours can include emotional, financial and psychological abuse used to gain control over an individual. Examples include restricting activities and access to bank accounts, insults, humiliation, and threats to take away the children or harm themselves. By having their independence and autonomy removed in this way, the individual can feel trapped in a cycle of abuse.

New rules, which took effect on 3^rd April 2023, have been introduced by the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Conflict of Interest) Regulation 2022, affecting council-related development applications on land under the 'control' of a local council.