Family Law 10 Point Online Masterclass

This masterclass has been designed to enable family lawyers to earn their 10 CPD units for the CPD year ending 31.3.25.

The online day is split into 2 themes.  In the morning we look at parenting changes and courtroom procedures.  In the afternoon we consider challenging property settlements.  The stellar faculty includes some of the best family lawyers in Australia.

Delegates will attend 6 substantive law sessions live online at the Masterclass and we’ll supply 4 free on-demand video webinars – 3 covering each of the compulsory subjects plus 1 other - to view at your leisure by 31.3.25.  So all up you will earn your 10 CPD units for the current CPD year.

Morning Theme: Parenting Changes and Courtroom Procedures

• Session 1: Family Law Parenting Arrangements: A New Pathway or Stuck on the Same Old Road? - The significant changes to the Family Law Act have brought into sharp focus the best interests of the children and have removed the presumption of shared parental responsibility. This session will examine recent parenting cases under the new laws and provide guidance to practitioners on the impact of the changes and what the decisions tell us about the application of the new tests.
   
• Session 2: Has Varying Final Parenting Orders become a lot more Difficult? - The addition of a second limb to the test in Rice v Asplund (1979) FL90-725 adds a new challenge to applicants wishing to amend final parenting orders. This session will explore the new legislation with a view to determining how the outcomes for children and parents may change going forward.
   
• Session 3: Child Support Departures: Has the bar been set too High? - There are always exceptional cases where the standard child support formula does not take into account a family’s circumstances, or where things change to such an extent that the formula or agreement can no longer be considered appropriate. This session will look at the key challenges in seeking changes to child support assessments.

Afternoon Theme: Challenging Property Settlements

• Session 4:  A Moveable Feast: The Value of Discretionary Trust Entitlements in Family Law Property Settlements - Trusts are increasingly a target for consideration in family law property claims. The nature and value of a beneficiary’s entitlement in a discretionary trust has been the subject of a number of decisions since Kennon & Spry and still remains in contention. This session will take a deep dive into the issues surrounding the treatment of discretionary trusts in family law.
   
• Session 5:  Everlasting Love? BFA Protection Strategies for New Relationships - Family law practitioners have traditionally been sought out for the bad endings rather than the happy beginnings, but with the rise of serial monogamy and later in life relationships where the parties arrive with assets in hand, there is a shifting focus on proactive protection. This session will examine the role binding financial agreements can play at the start of new relationships, in order to prevent messy litigation once a relationship runs its course.
   
• Session 6:  Loose Lips Sink Ships: Disclosure and Publication Challenges under the new Family Law Regime - The recent amendments to the Family Law Act will have a significant impact on the disclosure and use of information in disputes and proceedings, and not necessarily for the better. This session provides a deep dive into the new provisions and how they will affect all aspects of a practitioner’s work.

Plus 4 on-demand video webinars

In addition, all delegates will receive 4 on demand video webinars.  The webinars are yet to be held.  The recordings will be provided to you by end February 2025 for viewing at your leisure by 31.3.25.

1. 1 hour Ethics program
2. 1 hour Professional Skills program
3. 1 hour Practice Management & Business Skills program
4. Coercive Control and the New Family Law Amendment Bill:  What Family Lawyers Need to Know - with Stephen Page, Family Law Accredited Specialist, Director, Page Proven, Brisbane