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De-Suiting the Law is a video podcast hosted by Aitken Partners Principal Lawyers Susan Ilias and Bao Ngo. The series sets out to demystify the legal profession, with real conversations about what lawyers actually do, and why it matters.

Divorce is often misunderstood as a process that resolves all aspects of the breakdown of a marriage. In reality, divorce is a separate legal step with specific eligibility requirements and important implications for property and parenting matters.

Final parenting orders provide certainty - but circumstances can shift. Relocation, safety concerns, or a child’s changing needs can make once effective orders unworkable.

From June 2025, courts can formally consider “wastage” when dividing property after separation. Learn how excessive spending, gambling and asset dissipation may affect your property settlement.

In some family law cases, especially where the parties are not married, disputes can arise as to whether a de facto relationship existed.

On 10 June 2025 some of the most significant changes to family law in decades came into effect with the commencement of the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth). These reforms reshape how the courts, and family lawyers, deal with property, financial and divorce matters and they place a greater focus on family violence, financial abuse and the welfare of children and even pets.

Long have we surpassed the days where assets the subject of a property division between former partners comprise only ‘physical’ or ‘tangible’ assets.

On 10 December 2024, the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 was passed by the Australian Parliament, with key changes coming into effect on 10 June 2025. One significant amendment was made to section 79 of the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”), which governs property settlements in family law matters.

Over the weekend, our Family Law Partner Dylan Burch made his live national TV debut on Channel 9’s Today Show, joining Clint and Alison to unpack an increasingly relevant topic; Post-Nuptial Financial Agreements.

You may have heard the buzzword “prenup” amongst pop culture involving high profile celebrities – but have you heard of “postnups”?

In family law divorce can be a straightforward process particularly when parenting and property matters have already been finalised. However, divorces can become more complex when you don’t know where your spouse is and personal service seems impossible.

The concept of a child legally separating from their parents may sound unusual, however this process, known as “emancipation”, is sometimes sought by minors wanting more control over their lives. The process of emancipation of minors is not formalised under a single legislative act in Australia, and is instead managed under a range of laws and directions from the court.

When a couple separates, dividing property can be complicated—especially when family members have helped along the way. Whether it was a parent contributing to the deposit or a sibling helping with the mortgage, it’s not always clear how these contributions should be treated.

When a relationship breaks down, the financial aftermath can be just as complex as the emotional one. For those who have experienced family violence, the impact can be long-lasting — particularly when it comes to dividing property.

A key issue that a former couple must determine following separation is the division of their assets and liabilities in law. This process is called a ‘property settlement’. If your marriage or de facto relationship has broken down, it is vital that you are aware of your entitlements to achieve a fair property settlement.

If you're navigating a family law matter, you’re likely to hear the term “full and frank disclosure”. You may be wondering, what does it mean, and why do I have to do it?

Not all separations where there are children involved need to result in lengthy and contentious Court proceedings.

When two people marry, they almost certainly intend for their marriage to last. After all, that is the point of "in sickness and in health", right?

Unfortunately, many people experience incidents of domestic violence which either leads to, or occurs during the breakdown of their marriage.