In an article in the last issue of this Journal, we reported on a study of parents' and children's views about whether they would like judges to talk with children in chambers. This article reports on a related study of the views of Australian judges concerning the issue. It explores the reasons...

Judicial interviews with children in contested parenting proceedings are an uncommon and contentious practice in Australia and many other common law jurisdictions. While there has been some debate about the merits and risks of such a practice among professionals and academic commentators, there...

This article examines the limitations on the powers of courts exercising jurisdiction under the Family Law Act to affect third parties who are entitled to be considered for distributions from a discretionary trust, or who exercise the responsibilities of trusteeship. These issues are explored in...

In determining what outcome is likely to be in the best interests of children, it is necessary to try to predict how each of the parents and the children, will respond to, and cope with, the decision that is made. That is particularly difficult in relocation cases. This article reports on the...

Family Relationship Centres formed the centrepiece of major reforms to the family law system in Australia which were introduced from 2006 onwards. They were established all over the country between 2006 and 2008, providing information and advice and offering free or heavily subsidised mediation...