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Webinar Series

For Richer and Poorer: Navigating Difficult Property Settlements Matters in Family Law – 5 program on-demand webinar series

Dealing with property settlement matters can be one of the most challenging aspects of practicing family law. Property settlements often involve complex legal, financial, and emotional issues that require careful consideration and negotiation. Difficulties can arise when parties h

Date/Time

01/05/2023

About the webinar series

Dealing with property settlement matters can be one of the most challenging aspects of practicing family law. Property settlements often involve complex legal, financial, and emotional issues that require careful consideration and negotiation. Difficulties can arise when parties have different interpretations of the value of assets, contributions made to the relationship, or are reluctant to come to an agreement.

In this five part webinar series, gain a deeper understanding of the property settlement process, learn practical tips for navigating complex cases, and develop the skills you need to achieve successful outcomes for your clients. Led by experienced family law experts, each webinar will delve into a specific aspect of property settlement matters, including the assessment of initial contributions, adjusting for family violence, as well as acting for the trustee in family law property settlements. It also includes dedicated sessions on insolvency, as well as defences to equitable claims in property disputes.

Training for as many staff as you want - no additional cost!

A single purchase entitles your company to access the on demand webinars online as you require them for as many training sessions and for as many staff as you want.

On demand webinars and technical materials

You will have access not only to the on demand webinars but also to the detailed technical materials prepared by members of the faculty for this series. 

 

**** TEN's EOFY EARLY BIRD SALE ****

If you buy on or before 24 May 2024 you will pay only $550 - a saving of $660 off the regular price.

This on demand webinar series includes the following components:

  • Online access to the on-demand webinar programs. Programs average 1 hour each in length
  • The programs were recorded in June 2023 and are now available on demand
  • Online access to the technical support papers and/or powerpoint presentations accompanying each program
  • 5 CPD units (substantive law) except for WA lawyers

The Programs

Program 1: From Erosion to Springboards: The Assessment of Initial Contributions Over Time

The approach of the Court to the assessment of initial contributions and the weight that ought to be properly placed on initial contributions at trial has changed over time. From early arguments of erosion to later discussion of springboards – the language employed when discussing how the Court should assess initial contributions is vital, as use of an incorrect term could arguably lead the court into error. To assist practitioners, this session will explore:

  • The arguments surrounding the appropriate assessment of initial contributions in property settlement matters
  • The current views within the profession as to the ‘erosion’ and ‘springboard’ arguments and the preferred approach to assessing the relevance of the impact of time to initial contributions
  • The scenarios in which a just and equitable outcome may arguably call for an assessment of initial contributions that merits ‘special’ recognition

Program 2: Adjusting for Family Violence in Property Settlements

The impact of family violence has been increasingly recognised by the courts in property settlement matters. However, one of the greatest challenges in cases involving family violence is satisfying the evidentiary burden. This session examines the financial consequences of family violence and how the goal posts are changing when it comes to the court’s consideration of evidence. Key issues covered include:

  • What circumstances are necessary to raise the Kennon argument?
  • Can the Kennon argument apply to post-separation violence and conduct?
  • What evidence is required to rely on the argument? How has this evolved over time?
  • The rise and recognition of emotional abuse and coercive control
  • How the assessment on contributions is calculated: Jabour & Jabour [2019] FamCAFC 78; Benson & Drury [2020] FamCAFC 21; Koch & Kest [2021] FamCA 408; Ferman & Lapham [2022] FedCFamC2F 415
  • Future reforms, including ALRC recommendations

Program 3: Trusts in Family Law Property Settlements – A Trustee’s Perspective

Trusts are relatively common in property settlement proceedings. But should you approach the matter differently when you are acting for the Trustee? This session focuses on the strategic and practical implications of running a property settlement case involving a third-party trust from the perspective of acting for the trustee and will explore the following:  

  •  When - and when not to - intervene if you are acting for a trustee and when (and how) a third party may be joined
  • Obligations of the trustee - in equity, corporations law and in family law proceedings
  • Common scenarios where  trustee’s obligations conflict with family law
  • Responding to requests for information, documents and subpoenas on behalf of trustee
  • Role of the trustee in disclosure, valuation of a trust and its underlying assets

Program 4: Going for Broke: What Family Lawyers Need to Know about Insolvency

Many family law property settlement proceedings now involve third parties and corporate entities. It is increasingly common for one or both spouse parties in property settlement proceedings to be directors of a corporate entity – whether it be a ‘mum and dad’ family business or a multi-million dollar empire. A breakdown in the relationship of the spouse parties can have a significant impact on the financial viability of the business (whether intentional or inadvertent), yet the law of insolvency remains a mystery for many family law practitioners. This session aims to demystify insolvency law for family lawyers and will explore the following:

  • The law of insolvent trading - the duty of directors, position of ASIC, potential defences and consequences of insolvent trading
  • The impact of insolvency on the asset pool:
    • balancing the interests of the non-bankrupt spouse and creditors
    • what orders can be made in respect of property?
    • treatment of loan accounts
  • Practical steps family lawyers can take if acting for a spouse party director where the other spouse party director is the ‘driving force’ of the entity
  •  When specialist advice or assistance is required - when urgent action is required and when an entity may require separate representation and/or advice
  • Case studies and worked examples

Program 5: Defences to Equitable Claims in Family Property Disputes: Time for the Strategy

In a post Thorne v Kennedy landscape, equity can often be seen by an aggrieved party as a way in which to ensure ‘fairness’ prevails in property settlement matters. The equitable doctrine has underpinned property settlement matters and can be pivotal to the alteration of property interests in family law. This session focuses on what happens when the other side is seeking an equitable claim in a family law property settlement. What defences are available and how are these best run? This session explores:

  • Arguing fault and misconduct by the claiming party:
    • laches and acquiescence - how they have been dealt with by the courts in recent years and how to articulate this defence in family law litigation  
    • lack of clean hands
    • damages being an adequate remedy
  • The presumption of advancement post the High Court’s decision in Bosanac:
    • the guidance provided by the High Court as to when a voluntary transfer of property may lead to the imposition of a resulting trust 
    • how a resulting trust may impact family law property settlement proceedings
  • Spotlight on binding financial agreements and claims involving unconscionability, undue influence and duress, including reflections on the impact of Thorne v Kennedy six years on
  • Case studies

Presented By

Rebecca Dahl
Partner, Nicholes Family Lawyers Melbourne, Vic
Adam Cooper
Principal, Cooper Family Law Brisbane, Qld
Monique Robb
Partner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Lander & Rogers Sydney, NSW
Stephen Mullette
Principal, Matthews Folbigg Lawyers Parramatta, NSW
Malcolm Gittoes-Caesar
Consultant, Lander & Rogers Sydney, NSW

Special Offer

The regular price for this webinar series is $1210.

TEN's EOFY EARLY BIRD SALE

If you buy on or before 24 May 2024 you will pay only $550 - a saving of $660 off the regular price.

Enquiries/Assistance

If you need assistance or have an enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team on (03) 8601 7700 or email: [email protected]

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