Australia Enacts Major Family Law Reforms

Australia implemented significant changes to its family law system with the commencement of the Family Law Amendment Act 2024. The reforms overhaul how property settlements are determined for separating couples, introducing a clearer framework for courts and negotiators. Key changes include an expanded definition of family violence to explicitly cover economic and financial abuse, such as dowry-related abuse, and requiring courts to consider the economic impact of such violence when dividing assets. 

The legislation also introduces a novel framework for determining the ownership of pets, now defined as "companion animals," allowing courts to consider factors beyond monetary value. Additionally, the duty of financial disclosure has been elevated from court rules into the main Act to improve compliance, and procedural hurdles, such as the requirement for couples married less than two years to attend counseling before filing for divorce, have been removed. 

Source: FCFCOA