The Impact of Relationship Status on Judicial Decision Making

In 2009, legislation came into effect enabling de facto spouses to seek an adjustment of property interests in the same way as their married counterparts. The intention of the legislation was to give separating de facto couples, including those in same sex relationships, the same rights as divorcing married couples under the family law system. However, to what extent did the legislation achieve that objective? In this program, Justine Woods, accredited family law specialist and partner of Cooper Grace Ward in Brisbane, looks into recent cases to explore the extent to which the status of a couple’s relationship does in fact make a difference to their property settlement entitlements as determined by the Court.

28 minutes / 0.5 CPD units