The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) was amended on 10 June 2025. If your family law matter began before that date, you may be wondering how the changes relate to your case. This article gives general information about the major changes and how they may apply to new and existing proceedings.
Key takeaways
Family Law Act amendment from 10 June 2025
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) was passed by the Australian Parliament on 10 December 2024 and commenced on 10 June 2025. For a full breakdown, see the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) information at fcfcoa.gov.au and the Attorney-General’s Department professionals information page.
Some of the key changes include:
The definition of family violence has been expanded to expressly recognise economic or financial abuse under section 4AB of the Family Law Act. This includes dowry abuse as a specific example.
Courts now follow a codified framework for property and financial matters. The Family Law Act sets out the approach courts must take, which broadly includes:
identifying the property and liabilities of both parties
assessing each party’s financial and non-financial contributions to the relationship, including contributions to the welfare of the family (the economic effect of family violence may be relevant here)
considering each party’s current and future circumstances, such as the economic effect of family violence, outstanding liabilities, and the housing needs of any child under 18
determining what outcome would be just and equitable in all the circumstances.
Each case is assessed on its own facts, there are no automatic percentages or formulas that apply. For more information about property division, see our guide on how to split assets during divorce.
Companion animals are now specifically addressed in the legislation. The Family Law Act defines a “companion animal” as an animal kept mainly for companionship, and gives courts separate powers to make orders about these animals in financial proceedings.
Financial disclosure obligations are now written into the Act. Sections 71B and 90RI of the Family Law Act codify the duty to disclose financial circumstances in property and financial proceedings. Legal practitioners must inform their clients about this duty. Read more about financial disclosure requirements on the Federal Circuit and Family Court website.
Courts can use a less adversarial approach in more cases. This approach is available in certain child-related proceedings, and in other proceedings where the parties consent or the Court considers it appropriate. Understanding your options for resolving disputes through family dispute resolution can help you navigate this process.
How the transitional rules generally work
According to the Attorney-General’s Department, the property reforms generally apply to:
- proceedings instituted on or after 10 June 2025; and
- proceedings instituted before 10 June 2025 that have not yet been finally determined, except where the final hearing was already underway before that date.
Whether the changes apply in a specific matter depends on the procedural history of that case. You should obtain legal advice about your own circumstances.
If you are in the middle of a matter
If proceedings in your matter began before 10 June 2025 and have not finalised, the following general points may be relevant. They are not legal advice.
The Court may apply the updated property framework to your matter. A family lawyer can review whether, and how, the changes affect your case.
The duty of financial disclosure now sits in the Family Law Act itself. If disclosure is outstanding in your case, a family lawyer can advise on what is required.
Family violence including economic or financial abuse may be relevant to how the Court considers contributions and current and future circumstances. If safety is a concern, speak with a domestic violence lawyer and consider contacting a specialist family violence service. In Queensland, the relevant protective order is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO). For immediate support, contact DVConnect on 1800 811 811 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Before signing any agreement or consent order, it is generally a good idea to obtain legal advice about how the updated framework may apply. Learn more about consent orders and when they might be appropriate for your situation.
Conclusion
The 2025 amendments introduced significant changes to the property and financial aspects of the Family Law Act, along with related changes to family violence considerations, companion animals, financial disclosure and court procedure. How the changes may affect any particular matter depends on the facts and procedural history of that case.
Speak with a family lawyer on the Sunshine Coast
Ferrall & Co. assists families across Caloundra and the broader Sunshine Coast with family law matters, including property settlements, parenting arrangements and family violence matters. If you would like to discuss how the 2025 changes may apply to your situation, contact our office to arrange a confidential consultation.
