Key takeaway: Recent reforms to the Family Law Act have codified the property settlement process, expressly required family violence (including economic abuse) to be considered in property matters, introduced specific provisions for companion animals (pets), and reinforced a child's best interests as paramount in parenting. The changes make outcomes clearer and bring the law closer to how families actually experience separation.
Overview of the reforms
The Family Law Act 1975 has been substantially updated, with reforms progressively taking effect through 2024 and 2025 (see the Attorney-General's Department). The thrust of the changes is to make the law clearer, fairer and more reflective of modern families — particularly around property division, family violence, and the recognition of pets. If you're separating now, these are the rules that apply to you.
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Book a free consultation →A clearer property framework
One of the most significant changes codifies the property settlement process — writing the long-established four-step approach more explicitly into the legislation. This brings greater clarity and predictability to how assets are divided, helping separating couples (and mediators) understand the framework that applies. The fundamentals — contributions, future needs, and a just and equitable outcome — remain, but are now set out more clearly. See property settlement →
Family violence front and centre
The reforms expressly require the financial impact of family violence to be considered in property settlements. This is a major step: it recognises that abuse — including economic and financial abuse — can affect a person's contributions and future needs, and that the law should account for it. It's a significant protection for survivors. See family violence and family law →
Pets recognised
The reforms introduce specific provisions for companion animals, directing courts to consider relevant factors — including who cares for the animal and any family violence involving it — rather than treating pets as ordinary property. It's a welcome, very human update. See pets and family law →
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Book a free consultation →Duty of disclosure strengthened
Another important thread in the reforms is a clearer, elevated duty of disclosure in financial matters. Both parties to a property settlement have always been required to give full and frank disclosure of their financial circumstances, but the reforms make this obligation more explicit within the legislation itself. In practical terms, this means each person must be open about their assets, income, and liabilities — and there are consequences for those who try to hide or understate what they have. For anyone resolving a property matter, this is reassuring: it reinforces that a fair settlement rests on honest information. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sets out what disclosure involves, and a mediator will expect both parties to come to the table having met it. See how disclosure works in a settlement →
Parenting law changes
Recent reforms also reshaped the parenting provisions, reinforcing that the best interests of the child are paramount and simplifying how those interests are assessed. Changes in this area have adjusted how parental responsibility and time are approached, always centring the child. See parenting plans → and child custody mediation →
Make sure your approach reflects the current law. We stay across the reforms so you don't have to.
Book a free consultation →The changes at a glance
The reforms are wide-ranging, but the practical effect for most separating couples comes down to a handful of themes. The table below summarises what changed and why it matters.
| Area | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Property | Four-step approach codified in legislation | Clearer, more predictable outcomes |
| Family violence | Financial impact (including economic abuse) must be considered | Stronger protection for survivors |
| Pets | Specific factors for companion animals introduced | Pets no longer treated as ordinary property |
| Disclosure | Duty of full and frank disclosure made more explicit | Settlements rest on honest information |
| Parenting | Best interests reinforced; assessment simplified | Clearer, child-focused decisions |
A clearer law makes agreement easier. Let us help you resolve things under the current framework. Book a consultation.
Book a free consultation →What it means for you
If you're separating, the practical upshot is positive: a clearer property framework, stronger recognition of family violence (including economic abuse), humane treatment of pets, and a continued focus on children's best interests. These changes make outcomes more predictable — which is exactly what makes mediation work even better, since both parties can negotiate against a clearer set of rules. See how mediation works →
Family law is subject to ongoing reform. For advice specific to your circumstances and the current law, speak with a qualified professional.