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This article outlines the 2025 changes to the Family Law Act, covering changes to property division, maintenance, family violence definitions, divorce processes, parenting proceedings and companion animals - with practical insights for separating couples and those navigating family law.
One of the most difficult parts of a relationship breakdown is to decide who keeps the family pet. Traditionally, Courts have treated pets as “property” in the same way as a home, car or bank account. From 10 June 2025, there will be changes to the Family Law Act 1975 which will mean that pets are treated as a particular kind of property, known as “companion animals”.
Here are some tips and a checklist to make sure you get the most out of the experience, that the Family Lawyer gets the information he or she needs, and you get the advice you are after.
On 1 December 2020, South Australian Parliament passed legislation to abolish the common law defence of provocation. But what is provocation, and what does its abolition mean for accused persons and criminal trials in South Australia?