Important Changes To The Family Law Act Starting 10 June 2025

Your financial future after separation changes on 10 June 2025. New laws will reshape how property is divided, who keeps the family pet and how Courts view financial abuse.

Are you separating or thinking about it? If so, these changes will directly impact you. Here’s what you need to know.

Financial abuse will have consequences

From 10 June 2025, Courts must consider family violence, economic or financial abuse when dividing property. This is a significant change. If your partner:

• controlled all the money
• prevented you from working, or
• used finances to manipulate you,
• the law finally recognises this harm following your separation.

​Example: Sarah’s husband insisted she quit her job after their child was born. He controlled every dollar and gave her a small ‘allowance’. Under the new laws, the Court will consider how this limited her earning capacity and financial independence when dividing their assets.

Clearer steps for dividing property

The amendments also establish a more straightforward process for property division.

From 10 June 2024, Courts will follow these steps:

1. Identify all property and debts
2. Assess each person’s contributions
3. Consider current and future circumstances
4. Ensure fair outcomes

This clearer approach helps you understand how your assets might be divided and what factors will influence final settlement.

Who keeps the pets?

Your beloved dog, cat or rabbit isn’t just property. The upcoming family law amendment enables consideration of ongoing pet ownership after separation.

Courts will look at:

• who primarily fed, walked and cared for your pets
• who paid vet bills and other expenses
• whether there’s any history of animal abuse

It’s important to note that the Court can’t order ‘shared custody’ of pets. Someone gets full ownership. Documenting your role in your pet’s care during your relationship can help with this.

Hiding assets? Think again

The duty to disclose everything moves from the Family Court Rules into the Family Law Act itself, creating an even great emphasis on the importance of financial disclosure. This means tougher consequences for hiding assets.

The law changes strengthen the penalties for non-disclosure. Key penalties include:

• Adjusted property settlements. Courts will have the power to redistribute assets to disadvantage the non-disclosing party. This can reduce their share.
• Cost orders. The non-compliant party may bear the other side’s legal costs.
• Contempt of Court. Persistent non-disclosure can lead to fines or imprisonment.
• Reopened settlements. Courts will be able to overturn settlements if hidden assets are subsequently discovered.

Do these upcoming changes affect you?

These new laws will apply to all property matters starting after 10 June 2025. They’ll also affect existing cases where the final hearing hasn’t started before that date.

For de facto couples: You only have two years from separation to apply for property settlement. Don’t miss this window.

What to do right now

If you’ve recently separated or are considering separation, here are some things you can start working on now:

1. Gather your financial records. Bank statements, superannuation, investments, debts – collect everything
2. Document any family violence and economic or financial abuse. Keep text messages, emails or records showing control or manipulation
3. Make a list of assets, liabilities and superannuation. Create a complete inventory of what you own together and separately, what debts you have together and in your sole name, and any superannuation interest you may have.
4. Book a consultation with our family lawyers. Get ahead of these changes with expert guidance tailored to your situation

The right legal advice now will protect your financial future when these changes take effect. Our experienced family lawyers can help you navigate these new laws and ensure your interests are protected.

Call us today on (02) 4731 5688 to book your initial consultation.