Changes will come into effect on 10 June 2025 including:
- Easing of the requirements to attend a Court hearing if you are filing a sole application for Divorce;
- Removing the requirement to attend counselling if you have been married for less than two years and are seeking a Divorce;
- Changes to the way that family violence is considered by the Court and the impact this has on property settlement;
- Family pets are now defined as “companion animals” and the Court can make Orders in relation to the ownership of your family pet; and
- The Court will now consider the issue of “wastage” which occurs when one party intentionally or recklessly reduces the property pool prior to distribution.
These changes will apply to all new and existing proceedings (except where a final hearing has commenced) even if your application was filed prior to 10 June 2025.
It is important you seek expert legal advice to understand how these changes will impact you.
