The Family Law Amendment Act 2024, passed on 10 December 2024, introduces significant changes to how property and financial matters are handled in family law proceedings. These changes come into effect on 10 June 2025, and will impact separating couples whether they are negotiating privately or seeking orders from the court.

It’s important you understand how these reforms may affect your rights and obligations during a property settlement.

What’s Changing?

The amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 modernise the property settlement framework with a focus on fairness, safety, and financial transparency. Key changes include:

  • Family Violence as a Relevant Factor: Courts must now consider the economic effects of family violence when determining property division. This explicitly includes economic and financial abuse, such as controlling access to finances or dowry abuse.

  • Ownership of Pets: The court can now make specific decisions about who keeps the family pet following separation.

  • Less Adversarial Court Approach: Courts will have increased discretion to manage property cases in a less adversarial way, especially where family violence is present. This is aimed at reducing conflict and improving outcomes.

  • Elevated Financial Disclosure Obligations: Financial disclosure duties are now enshrined in the Family Law Act (rather than only the court rules), requiring parties to be more transparent about their financial situation and encouraging compliance.

  • Clearer Decision-Making Framework: A new structured approach will guide courts when determining how to divide property, aiming to increase predictability and fairness.

When Do the Changes Take Effect?

The main property and financial changes commence on 10 June 2025 and apply to both new and existing proceedings — unless a final hearing has already commenced before that date.

Other procedural updates have already taken effect, including changes to court rules and superannuation splitting frameworks.

What does this mean for you?

Whether you’re considering separation, currently in property negotiations, or have an upcoming court date, these changes could significantly influence how your matter is assessed.

At Reid Legal Group, we are prepared to guide our clients through these reforms with clarity and care. If you need advice about your property rights, family violence protections, or financial obligations under the new legislation, our experienced family law team is here to help.