Latest News and Resources

Consent Orders – Everything You Need To Know

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 25/03/2019, Last Updated on 19/01/2022

Consent Orders – Is my Agreement Final? Family Law is often in the headlines for all the wrong reasons: the cost of legal representation, month upon month of delay, the uncertainty of outcomes, etc. But it isn’t generally highlighted just how often separating couples manage to resolve their property and parenting disputes without recourse to … Continue reading “Consent Orders – Everything You Need To Know”


Thorne & Kennedy – A caution on Binding Financial Agreements in Australia

Greg Martinovich
Associate

Posted on 16/01/2019, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

60-Second Summary: Thorne & Kennedy is a recent High Court decision that has changed the legal landscape in Australia when dealing with “prenups” and Financial Agreements. This case has changed the way lawyers approach such Agreements and unconscionable conduct is now at the forefront of legal discussion across the country. Don’t leave it until the … Continue reading “Thorne & Kennedy – A caution on Binding Financial Agreements in Australia”


“But we broke up years ago…” – The Impact of Delay in Family Court Settlements

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 20/12/2018, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

There appears to be a significant degree of misunderstanding amongst the public surrounding the issue of inheritances in Family Law property settlements, and how they should be treated. This is especially so when the inheritance is received after the parties have been separated, often for quite lengthy periods. Two relatively recent cases re-affirm the danger … Continue reading ““But we broke up years ago…” – The Impact of Delay in Family Court Settlements”


No Property Settlement Orders – Even After 27 Years…

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 02/03/2018, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

Many people assume that the breakdown of a legally recognised relationship, be it a marriage or a de facto relationship, will automatically result in a property settlement occurring. Whilst this is true in the majority, some relationships have unique details and peculiarities that differentiate them from the norm. Below is an example of one such … Continue reading “No Property Settlement Orders – Even After 27 Years…”


Renaming A Child – Can I Change My Child’s Name After Separation?

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 28/02/2018, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

Family Lawyers are often asked by parents (usually, the primary caregiver for a child) about their ability to change their child’s surname, after separation or divorce.  That parent might have reverted to using their maiden name, or might ultimately be re-marrying a new partner with an entirely different surname. Occasionally, there may be several children … Continue reading “Renaming A Child – Can I Change My Child’s Name After Separation?”


17 Things You Need To Know About The Divorce Process

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 15/01/2018, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

The Divorce Process in Australia Clients often come to an initial consultation with us stating that they “want a divorce” when what they really mean is that they want to resolve a property settlement dispute with the other party or to sort out their parenting arrangements following separation. Whilst many clients genuinely believe the term “divorce” … Continue reading “17 Things You Need To Know About The Divorce Process”


Want to Excel in your Family Law Case?

Rodney Worth
Barrister and Solicitor

Posted on 08/01/2018, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

I’m talking about Microsoft Excel, and I’m going to convince you that spreadsheets are your best friend in any property settlement case. Here’s why: Disclosure Why not use an Excel spreadsheet to list your disclosure documents (and the other party’s!), rather than doing it in Word? The benefit of preparing the List in Excel is … Continue reading “Want to Excel in your Family Law Case?”


Take Control of Child Support

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 05/01/2018, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

Child support can be defined as: ongoing financial assistance made by one parent to the other to assist with the costs of raising the children of the former relationship. Parties will often rely upon the Child Support Agency to make “administrative assessment” of the parties’ incomes in order to determine the precise sum payable. In … Continue reading “Take Control of Child Support”


Merry Christmas! And Office Closure Hours

Milos Supljeglav
Managing Director
Accredited Family Law Specialist

Posted on 22/12/2017, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

The Team as DS Family Law wish you a joyous Christmas and a wonderful, safe and prosperous New Year. For your convenience, please note that our office will be closed from 12pm on Friday, 22 December 2017, and will reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday, 2 January 2018. If you wish to make an enquiry over … Continue reading “Merry Christmas! And Office Closure Hours”


Shivon Smilovitis joins DS Family Law

Milos Supljeglav
Managing Director
Accredited Family Law Specialist

Posted on 30/11/2017, Last Updated on 28/11/2019

We are pleased to announce that Shivon Smilovitis has joined the firm, as Managing Solicitor of the Mandurah Office. Shivon started working in family law in Mandurah in 2001, and having lived in the area since 1998 she has developed a strong understanding of the local community and its needs. Shivon spent many years operating her law … Continue reading “Shivon Smilovitis joins DS Family Law”