Family lawyers face the unenviable task of helping families navigate some of the most emotionally charged and difficult situations they may ever encounter in their lives. Whether it's a contested property settlement matter, a dispute over parental arrangements, or a disagreement over financial support, family lawyers play a critical role in ensuring that their clients' rights are protected and that their interests are represented effectively.

This year’s conference examines these key issues and provides family lawyers with the latest insights, strategies, and best practices to help them successfully navigate these complex legal matters. Dedicated sessions include the assessment of initial contributions, running interim spousal maintenance claims, as well as contravention applications in the FCFCOA. It also includes dedicated sessions on the new Family Law Amendment Bill 2023, as well as how to manage valuation issues in a volatile market.

Property Settlement Matters

• From Erosion to Springboards: The Assessment of Initial Contributions Over Time
• The Role of Kennon in Property Settlements: Is it Time to Move On?
• Defences to Equitable Claims in Family Property Disputes: Time for the Strategy
• Trusts in Family Law – A Trustee’s Perspective
• Show Me the [Interim] Money: Running Interim Spousal Maintenance Claims in FCFCOA

Parenting Matters

• I fought the law and….I won?: Contravention applications in the FCFCoA
• Safety Concerns and Parental Capacity: Revisiting ‘Re Andrews’ in Light of Keane

Courtroom Procedures

• Saying Goodbye to ‘Shared Parental Responsibility’: Are Better Days Ahead?
• How Late is Too Late? Managing Limitation Periods and Applications to Proceed out of Time

• Managing and Responding to Defective Applications in Family Law Proceedings

Challenges in Practice

• A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Implementing Financial Agreements
• When the Price is not Right: Managing Valuation Issues in a Volatile Market

The Honourable Rodney K Burr AM, Retired Justice, Family Court of Australia, Adelaide, SA

Phillip Sorensen, Barrister, Brisbane, Qld

Justine Woods, Partner, Accredited Family Law Specialist, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, Brisbane, Qld

Malcolm Gittoes-Caesar, Consultant Family & Relationship Law and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Lander & Rogers, Sydney, NSW

Rachell Davey, Partner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Lander & Rogers, Melbourne, Vic

Jacky Campbell, Partner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Forte Family Lawyers, Melbourne, Vic

Richard Galloway, Barrister, Brisbane, Qld

Cath Devine, Barrister, Melbourne, Vic

The Hon. Justice Suzanne Christie, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Sydney, NSW

Glenn Thompson OAM, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Newnhams Solicitors, Sydney, NSW

Ian Kennedy AM, Senior Partner, Kennedy Partners, Melbourne, Vic

Joseph Box, Partner and Accredited Business Valuation Specialist & Forensic Accounting Specialist, Grant Thornton, Brisbane, Qld