Family Law (property) Changes from 10 June 2025 –What this means and how will it affect your Family Law Matter?
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 was passed by the Australia Parliament on 10 December 2024.
From 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act 1975 includes to the law in relation to:
- How the Court will determine a property settlement.
- What the Courts will consider when determining a property settlement. This includes the economic effect any family violence, where relevant has had.
For individuals navigating the end of a marriage or de facto relationship, understanding these reforms is crucial for making informed decisions and protecting their rights.
The Economic Impact of Family Violence
An important and progressive change by the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 is the formal recognition of the economic impact of family violence on property settlements. Until now, courts have acknowledged the existence of family violence but did not always account for its financial effects it has had on the victim.
Under the new legislation, judges will be required to consider how financial abuse, coercive control, or violence may have eroded a person’s financial security or reduced their earning capacity.
This shift acknowledges that family violence often leaves lasting scars not just emotionally, but economically.
A New framework for the ownership of Family Pets in property settlements
Another notable and long-awaited reform is the treatment of family pets during separation and divorce proceedings.
Traditionally, pets have been regarded as mere property, akin to household furniture or vehicles, leading to decisions that felt cold and detached from the emotional bonds people share with their animals.
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 changes this approach. Courts will now have the discretion to treat pets differently from other assets, with factors such as consideration being given to factors such as who the primary caregiver of the pets, who can meet the pet’s needs, and what arrangement serves the best interests of the pet.
For many Australians, pets are cherished family members, and this reform brings compassion and common sense into the property settlement process.
Elevates and Strengthened the Duties Financial Disclosure
Financial transparency has always been critical during separation, but the 2024 reforms take disclosure obligations a step further.
Under the new laws, the duty to provide full and frank disclosure of financial circumstances will be elevated from court rules into the Family Law Act itself.
This change means that providing accurate and complete information about assets, liabilities, incomes, and expenses is no longer just a procedural expectation—it becomes a legal obligation with serious consequences for parties that do not comply with the obligation.
For individuals who are entering negotiations or have a matter that is proceeding through the court system, the reform ensures a more level playing field and reinforces the importance of honesty from both parties.
What These Reforms Mean for You
If you are going through, or considering, separation or divorce, the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 could significantly impact your financial settlement and property division process.
Survivors of family violence may be entitled to a greater share of the asset pool in recognition of economic harm suffered during the relationship.
Pet lovers will have new pathways to keep their beloved pets with them, based on more humane criteria.
A across all divorces, stronger disclosure rules will help foster fairer negotiations and outcomes.
It’s important to note that these reforms apply to proceedings initiated after the Act’s commencement on 10 June 2025. However, if you are currently negotiating a settlement or preparing for a property dispute, it is important and beneficial to discuss with your lawyer how the upcoming changes might influence your family law matter.
Want To Know More
If you would like to learn more about how the upcoming reforms could affect you, or if you need legal assistance to support you every step of the way contact us at N & C Legal Group.