Step parent adoption in Qld is organised through Adoption Services Queensland. Adopting a step child is a legal process whereby a step parent becomes the permanent adoptive parent of their spouse’s child/children. It is a very serious decision that the courts do not take lightly and can be a complex process. We are going to...
In Australia, a parent that doesn’t reside with their child/ren may be responsible for providing them with financial support, particularly if they are under the age of 18. But what happens when a child turns 18? Can a parent still claim adult child maintenance from their ex spouse? What Does Legislation Say? The Child Support...
Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has affected us all, especially if you are (or you know of someone who is) at risk of domestic and family violence, especially with the need to self-isolate or social-distance, which may increase the risk of abuse. Remember – domestic and family violence is not just “physical.” It can include any of the...
Recent media reports a sudden “rise” in divorced couples seeking quick sales putting downward pressure on property prices during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Splitting couples already account for “1 in 6” Australian home sales per year and the proportion of “divorce-driven sales” is predicted to rise as other sellers withdraw their homes from the current property...
“COVID-19 has forced us to live together so we can’t be separated…” Fact/Myth? Despite popular belief, separation can occur “under the one roof,” even if parties have continued to live in the same residence or that either party has rendered some household services to the other party, such as cooking meals, cleaning the house, doing...
The parenting journey can both be a blessing and a struggle, especially if you are a separated parent. Here are “the Top 3 Tips” to get you through this tumultuous period: Tip 1 – Protect Yourself and Others Practise good hygiene by: covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue; putting used...
Emerson Family Law and Emerson Migration Law are extremely concerned about the possible plight of Domestic and Family Violence victims who are now being forced to spend even more time with their abusive partners as a result of these lockdowns. With all of us urged to stay inside to protect the community from COVID-19, we...
In these unprecedented times, the Coronavirus Pandemic (“COVID-19”) has affected all of us, socially and economically. To ensure that you are getting reliable and most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 including latest case numbers and related information, please refer to this hyperlink from the Australian Government Department of Health From a Family Law perspective, COVID-19 affects...
Children grow up and family circumstances change. That’s the nature of life. Parents may separate while their children are young, and many opt to make parenting arrangements for their children through Parenting Orders. When these parenting orders are made while the children are young, parents have usually done their best to make arrangements based on...
When parents with a young child separate, it is vital to ensure that the children involved receive an appropriate level of financial support. Services Australia has the responsibility to assess the parents based on their income, the amount of time spent with the child and the child’s age, and then make decisions as to how...
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
