What's New

^{Tuesday 10 June 2025}

Family Law changes commence from 10 June

Further important changes to Australia’s family law system have come into effect as of 10 June.

These include greater recognition of the financial impact of domestic violence, clarity as to the orders that may be made about family pets, and removal of the requirement that people married less than two years seeking a divorce must attend marriage counselling.

These changes will apply to all family law proceedings, whether commenced before, on or after 10 June 2025, unless the final hearing has already commenced. Existing family law orders are unaffected.

A new version of Legal Services’ Family Law and you booklet is now available to view and download from our website via the Publications page.

The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department has also prepared information for family law professionals and a factsheet for separating couples.

For more information about these changes and how they might affect you, call our free Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424.

Media contact: Simon Halliwell – 0421 611 856