All publications relating to ‘Caroline Bass’
Family Law Publication Restrictions: What’s private and what can be posted?
Parties to Family Law proceedings often confide in their loved ones for comfort and support during what is a stressful and emotionally charged time. Whilst the warmth and empathy of family and friends is invaluable in managing the challenges of a family breakdown, parties to Family Law proceedings should be aware that…
Is it okay to let your former spouse travel overseas with the children?
The short answer is no. Once a parent has left the jurisdiction of Australia with the children, the children may become the centre of an international child abduction and never be returned to Australia. International child abduction is a parent’s worst nightmare and causes severe psychological trauma to the children and the…
If you have signed a prenup and no longer agree to the terms, what can you do?
In brief — Your rights are limitedIf you have previously signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement and no longer agree to its terms, your rights are very limited.Binding Financial Agreements Pre or postnuptial agreements are known as Binding Financial Agreements. Binding Financial Agreements allow parties to contract out of the Family Law Act and…
Preventing International Parental Child Abduction
Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of international parental child abduction in the world? Once a parent has taken their children out of Australia without the permission of the other parent or retained a child overseas outside of an agreement reached with the other parent, it may be…
Relationship breakdown checklist — what should you do if you separate?
Financial steps to consider Check all joint accounts and home loan redraws. Change PINs and passwords. Withdraw surplus funds or restrict access. Speak to your bank. Check all joint credit accounts, including credit cards, store cards and overdrafts. Restrict access or cancel cards and get new ones. If you do not have a bank…
What happens regarding child visitation rights when blended families divorce?
The blended family (step-family) In a blended family, commonly known as a step-family, one or both partners have children from previous relationships. So what happens if the blended family then breaks down? Does the stepparent have visitation rights with their stepchild? Step-parents have rights Under the Family Law Act (Cth), children have a right to…
What prevents people from being able to reach an out of court settlement?
In Brief — Why are people unable to reach an out of court settlement? The two main reasons why separating couples are unable to reach an out of court settlement are unrealistic expectations and decision making being clouded by emotions. Unrealistic expectations When one party has unrealistic expectations about their entitlements, responsibilities…
The three most important things you should do when first separating
In brief — What to do when you’ve just separated The three most important things to do are see a family lawyer, look after yourself and keep communication with your spouse friendly. See a lawyer Make an appointment to see a family lawyer. The best way to get the answers that you need is to…
Guardianship Tribunal Applications — What you need to know
The Tribunal Pursuant to the Guardianship Act NSW 1987, the Guardianship Tribunal has the authority to appoint both Financial Managers and Guardians for people with decision-making disabilities. Prior to making any order in relation to Financial Management or Guardianship, the Tribunal will conduct a hearing. The hearing is an opportunity for the…
Family trusts after Bamford
On 30 March this year, the High Court dismissed the appeal by the Commissioner of Taxation against the decision of the Full Federal Court in the Bamford case. This is a landmark decision for trust law in Australia. This was the first time that the High Court had been approached to consider…