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When people first hear about Collaborative Practice, they usually understand the role of the lawyers. Each person has their own lawyer. There may also be a financial neutral to assist with financial information or a child specialist to help keep children’s needs at the centre of decision-making. Then they hear there’s a Collaborative Coach. The […]

When Child Safety becomes involved in a family’s life, it can feel like everything changes very quickly. For many parents, it starts without warning- a phone call, a knock at the door, a request for information, and in some cases, a decision that a child needs to be removed from their care. However it happens, […]

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from clients at Brisbane Family Law Centre, often after some big decisions have already been made. You and your former partner may have separated amicably. You may have had sensible, respectful conversations about property. Perhaps you’ve agreed that each of you will keep a home, or […]

Separation has a way of bringing everything to the surface. Not just questions about your children or your finances, but your sense of fairness, dignity, and truth. For many people, there’s a deep need for the process to reflect what really happened in the relationship. That’s where the idea of a moral victory often comes […]

If you’re navigating a parenting matter through the Family Court, you may have heard terms like Child Impact Report or Family Report thrown around (often without much explanation). And if you’re already feeling overwhelmed (which is very normal), references to reports which involve interviews with you and your kids can feel confusing, intimidating, or even […]

If you have ever watched a family law storyline on television or in a movie, you already know how it usually goes. There is a dramatic courtroom. Lawyers stand up and speak with confidence. A judge delivers a powerful decision. One person walks out feeling vindicated. The other looks crushed. Roll credits. When you are […]

When a relationship breaks down, it can feel as though everything becomes uncertain at once. There are questions about children, finances, housing, and the future — often accompanied by grief, fear, or frustration sitting just beneath the surface. Many people assume that resolving these issues automatically means going to Court. In reality, Court is often […]

You started out hoping for a calm, amicable separation. You wanted to protect the kids, protect your sanity, and keep things as respectful and dignified as possible. You tried. You really did. Maybe you tried mediation. Maybe you had early discussions over coffee or around the kitchen table. Maybe you even signed documents and felt […]

How to separate respectfully, minimise conflict from day one, and set the tone for a peaceful transition You’re not looking to ruin anyone’s life. You’re not trying to take the kids, the house, or the dog and disappear. You just know, in your bones, that it’s time to go—and you want to do it in […]

Navigating boundaries, loyalty conflicts, and parenting dynamics when a new relationship enters the scene. You’ve just started to find your rhythm. The handovers are (mostly) smooth. The kids are adjusting. You’ve managed to communicate without tears or lawyers more than once. And then—bam. There’s someone new. Maybe your ex has introduced a new partner.Maybe you […]

What it is, how it works, and whether it’s a good fit for your co-parenting arrangement When separation happens, one of the biggest worries for parents is how to protect their children’s sense of home. Where will they sleep? Will they have to move back and forth? Will anything feel normal again? That’s where “birdnesting” […]

When a relationship ends, one of the hardest and most overwhelming steps can be working out how to divide your property. Whether you own a home, have superannuation, investments, or simply a few shared assets, the process of “who gets what” can feel daunting, emotional, and at times, incredibly confusing. We understand that the thought […]

Parenting across borders can be a beautiful thing, giving children the chance to connect with culture, family, and experiences in different parts of the world. But sometimes, life doesn’t go to plan, and when parents live in different countries, disagreements about children’s living arrangements can become complicated. One of the hardest situations a parent can […]

You’ve Googled “Should I leave my relationship?” more times than you care to admit.You’ve gone from “I can’t do this anymore” to “Maybe it’s not that bad” and back again—all in one week.You’ve had moments of absolute clarity followed by waves of guilt, fear, and doubt. If you’re stuck in this space—the ache of not […]

One of the most common questions parents ask me after separation is: “How are we meant to raise our children now that we’re no longer together?” It’s a big and often overwhelming question. Separation can turn your world upside down, and it’s natural to worry about how your children will cope with moving between two […]

Separation is one of life’s most unsettling transitions. It can leave you feeling unsteady, like the ground beneath you has shifted. You might be experiencing sadness, relief, fear, or even a swirl of all these emotions at once. If you’re walking through separation right now, it’s likely that your mind is racing with “what ifs,” […]

When you’re facing separation or divorce, navigating decisions around children, money, and property can feel overwhelming. In the midst of so much change, the last thing most people want is a long, expensive, and emotionally draining court battle. Thankfully, there are kinder, more respectful ways to resolve disputes – ways that keep you out of […]

If you’re separated—or thinking about separating—there’s a moment where it hits you: you’re going to have to sort out the finances. Who keeps the house? What happens to super? What if the car is in your name, but they paid for it? Do you need to get a lawyer right now, or can you work […]

You know your ex. You know how they move, how they spin things, how they quietly shift numbers around when no one’s looking.And something about the way they’ve handled the finances since separation — or in the lead-up to it— just doesn’t sit right. Maybe they’ve suddenly stopped sharing account information.Maybe their income has mysteriously […]

How to navigate parallel parenting, protect your peace, and focus on your kids when cooperation just isn’t possible You had hopes for something amicable. Even if the relationship didn’t work out, you thought you could at least co-parent with some level of respect. Maybe even teamwork. At the very least, basic decency. But here you […]

How to navigate co-existing under one roof after separation—boundaries, bills, and emotional survival while you sort the next steps. Separation is hard enough when you’ve got your own space to process it in. But what happens when you’re still living together? Maybe you’re waiting for a property to settle. Maybe you’re figuring out the parenting […]

You’re doing the work. You’re going to therapy. You’re journalling, breathing, reflecting. You’re trying to show up for your kids and your job and your future. But every time you start to feel even a little steadier—another email lands. Another court date. Another text from your ex that sends your nervous system into overdrive. If […]

What to do when money worries hit after separation—and how to take back control, even if you don’t know where to start There’s nothing like a separation to make your finances feel fragile. Even if you earned your own income. Even if things were relatively equal. Even if you’re the one who initiated the separation—the […]

So, you’ve done it. You’ve moved out. Maybe it was planned for months, maybe it happened suddenly. Maybe you feel relief, maybe you’re a mess. Or maybe it’s both—because that’s how separation goes. It’s rarely neat. It’s rarely clear. And the moment you physically leave—the moment you walk out of the shared house, or your […]

When parenting orders are in place, they’re legally binding—which means both parents are expected to follow them. But what happens if circumstances change and the current arrangements no longer work? Many parents assume that once orders are made, they can be changed easily if the situation shifts. However, a recent court decision has reaffirmed that […]

Exploring what it takes to retain the family home in a property settlement—and how to make informed decisions without emotional burnout It’s not just a house. It’s where you brought your babies home. Where the school bags hit the floor. Where the dog curls up by the front door and the veggie patch never quite […]

If you’re reading this, you’re likely going through one of the most challenging periods in your life: separating from a partner. Along with the emotional strain that separation brings, there’s also the practical matter of untangling your financial ties and dividing your assets—otherwise known as a property settlement. Whether you’re looking to negotiate a fair […]

What is a Prenuptial Agreement? A Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup)—also known as a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) under the Family Law Act 1975—is a legal contract that couples can enter into before or during marriage, or before or during a de facto relationship. It sets out who owns what, how assets and debts will be divided […]

Separation is rarely easy, and when you add pregnancy into the equation, things can feel even more uncertain. You may be wondering how separation will affect parenting plans when the baby hasn’t even arrived yet. Can you make arrangements before birth? What rights do each of you have? And how do you set up a […]

Child support is an important consideration for separated parents. It provides financial support to meet your children’s needs and ensures both parents contribute to their wellbeing. While many parents rely on assessments from Services Australia, others prefer a more tailored approach through a Binding Child Support Agreement. If you’re thinking about making a Binding Child […]

When separating, working out how to divide property is a big step—and getting an accurate valuation is key to a fair outcome. But with so many options, you might be wondering: Why do I need a valuation? What kind of valuation should I get? Who pays for it? How long is a valuation valid for? […]

Relocation after separation is one of the most complex and emotionally charged issues in family law. Whether you’re considering a move for a fresh start, a new job, or to be closer to family, relocating with your children isn’t just a personal decision—it has legal implications. If you’re thinking about relocating with your children, it’s […]

Parenting orders are designed to provide structure, stability, and clarity after separation, ensuring your children spend meaningful time with both parents. But what happens when your children refuse—or struggle—to follow the arrangements? It’s an incredibly challenging situation. You might feel caught between wanting to respect your children’s feelings and needing to comply with legally binding […]

If you’re trying to communicate with your ex, but it feels impossible, you’re not alone. Whether it’s constant conflict, misunderstandings, or just an emotional rollercoaster, navigating conversations—especially when co-parenting—can be one of the hardest parts of separation. The good news? You don’t have to like each other to communicate effectively. The goal isn’t to “win” […]

When it comes to property settlements after a separation or divorce, there’s no denying that the family home, cars, and bank accounts are often top of mind. But let’s not forget one of the most important assets that can be easily overlooked in the emotional turmoil of divorce: superannuation. Superannuation may not be something you […]

Separation or divorce can feel overwhelming, and one of the first questions many people ask themselves is: “Do I need a lawyer?” It’s not always an easy decision. You might wonder whether you can handle things on your own, if a lawyer is worth the cost, or if legal advice will make the process more […]

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is often the first step for parents trying to resolve disputes about parenting arrangements after separation. It’s a structured process where a neutral Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) helps you and the other parent work toward an agreement. If you’re about to attend an FDR session, you might be feeling a […]

Separation doesn’t have to mean courtroom battles and high-stakes drama. If you’re looking for a way to resolve family law issues without going to court, collaborative family law might be the right approach for you. Collaborative family law focuses on working together, not against each other, to reach solutions that benefit the whole family. Let’s […]

Parenting after separation can feel like navigating uncharted waters. How do you make sure your kids feel supported? How do you manage the logistics? And how do you minimise conflict while still meeting everyone’s needs? This is where a parenting plan comes in. Think of it as a roadmap to help you and your ex-partner […]

Deciding to get a divorce is never easy. Whether it’s been a long time coming or a sudden shift, the process can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about—your finances, your children, your property—and, of course, the legal steps to finalise your separation. The good news? Divorce doesn’t have to be as daunting as […]

You may have heard whispers about the new family law changes coming to the Family Law Act. If you have, you’re absolutely right! If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, then you’re in the right place. We’re here to bring you up to speed. Separation is never easy. There’s the emotional side, […]

If you have a pending case of domestic violence, it is important that you know how you can prove domestic violence in court.  The law in Queensland takes issues on domestic violence very seriously. As such, there are measures in place to protect those who have experienced  domestic violence and ensure that perpetrators are held […]

Going through a divorce or de facto relationship breakdown is hard enough, without the added stress of the legal procedures that go with it. There are many benefits of collaborative practice and it can be used in just about every area of family law.  The biggest benefit of collaborative practice (or collaborative divorce as it […]

Need help or advice on how to introduce your kids to your new partner? At the very beginning of your separation journey, you wouldn’t have been able to even imagine taking the plunge and trying your hand at love again. We told you at the beginning of your family law matter that we believe there […]

The experience of separation is a stressful one, it makes us do all kinds of wacky things. I see so often two people who could once talk about anything and, in the blink of an eye (and understandably), their communication becomes either combative, overly formal, a mixture of both or there’s no communication at all. […]

Do you want to know how to co-parent the right way? I heard a Father say the other day that the worry that comes with being a parent has only increased for them as their child was getting older. As children grow, the things they have to tackle and the decisions they have to make […]

What do you do once you’ve reached a financial agreement with your ex? I’ve jumped on today to share a story about a couple that I recently spoke with. This couple had reached agreement as to their financial matters, were completely amicable and wanted to know what they needed to do next. These two just […]

There’s every chance that you’ve never been to see a lawyer before. Maybe your have, but maybe it was to help you with a single transaction or to help you write your Will, I hope you’ve never had to see a Lawyer about a dispute before, especially one as personal as your Family Law matter. […]

As Family Lawyers we meet people at all stages of their Family Law matters; some come sure that their matter won’t be able to resolve without lawyers getting involved, some need guidance to help them DIY their family law matter. If you’re in the camp that’s looking for a nudge in the right direction but […]

In my work as a Family Lawyer, one of the things that I see most worry parents when they have separated is the prospect of their child going overseas with their former partner. Coming up to Christmas school holidays and the opportunity they create for children to spend longer blocks of time with their parents, […]

When a relationship comes to an end, often one of the most important issues to resolve between the two people involved is how to divide their property. Some ex-partners come to an agreement about how to divide their property and superannuation without ever needing the assistance of a lawyer, some seek the assistance of lawyers […]

BFLC’s Educational Series: How Can I Reach An Agreement? Part 1: Our Top 4 Tips To Help You Reach An Agreement At Mediation In family law land, reaching an agreement about your finances and your children is one of the trickiest parts in resolving matters and moving on. With emotions running high from the loss […]

So You Are Going To Court? As Most Of You Know, I Heavily Advocate For Families Who Are Experiencing Separation And Divorce To Do Everything They Can To Stay Away From The Family Court Process. After 14 Years Working In The Family Law System, I Have Experienced Firsthand The Difficulties Faced By Families Who Find […]

10 Things You Will Need – to Survive Your Divorce with Dignity and Grace Divorce is one of the most significant grief events many of us will ever suffer. Is it any wonder then, that during divorce, good people suddenly seem to be mad? As a Divorce Lawyer I have seen it all. People who […]

Now Any Family Lawyer Will Know Well That This Can Be One Of The Most Hard Fought Areas Of Family Law And One Of The Trickiest To Advise On. The Desire For One Parent To Move After Separation Can Raise So Many Questions And Sometimes Even More Hurdles So That It May Seem Out Of […]

Debunking The Myths – De Facto Relationships! I have had a long running debate with a friend over what constitutes a ‘Defacto Relationship’. Now I am a family lawyer who works with relationships of all kinds day in and day out so I would like to think that I know the answer, but this friend […]