Hear from the experts at this online conference. You can watch it on your computer or on your portable electronic device from anywhere.

The conference will be based on our highly successful video webinar technology: there'll be a chairperson and presentations.

THE PROGRAM

Session 1: Same Same But Different? The impact of Relationship Status on Judicial Decision Making

Under the Family Law Act, de facto couples and married couples have virtually the same rights when it comes to the application of laws governing property and parental arrangements. However, do the cases tell a different tale? This session will examine trends in decision-making through a number of cases and provide guidance for case preparation with your client’s specific circumstances in mind, including:

• The law is clear but is it reflected in the practical reality of the cases?

• How is the financially weaker party in a shorter de facto relationship or marriage treated?
• How are the courts viewing property adjustments in same sex relationships particularly when there are no children involved? How does this contrast with decisions involving heterosexual relationships?
• Is there a conservative/traditional bias in the courts towards married and/or heterosexual couples?
• Some tips for when you are advising clients who do not fall within the conservative/traditional dynamic

Session 2: Have Costs become the Weapon of Choice for the Courts?

In rolling out the new rules, the government and the courts have made it very clear that costs in family law matters are a significant issue which will be closely monitored and have consequences for practitioners. This session will examine why costs have become a central issue in family law and what the rule changes mean for practitioners, including:

• The compliance cost of new rules and process on practice
• Cost notices, disclosure and the focus on fair and reasonable costs – what does it mean?
• How will courts use their power to manage costs?
• The impact of costs crackdowns on practitioners – personal cost orders, indemnity costs and other consequences
• Recent cases and examples

Session 3: Maintaining Form: Keeping Abreast of Family Court Form Completion

More than just box ticking, the proliferation of forms in family law proceedings have greatly impacted and increased the workload of practitioners in that jurisdiction. This session will assist family lawyers in navigating the new landscape and provide guidance in how to avoid the most common mistakes that are made, including:

• What’s changed and why
• How have the changes impacted practitioners?
• Why it’s not just tick and flick
• Strategies for effective form completion
• How and when to involve your client
• What can go wrong and tips for prevention
• Ensuring precision in form completion
• Examples and worked examples