What Should I Do If My Ex Is Hiding Assets or Won’t Disclose Everything in a Property Settlement?
A common concern we hear from clients after separation and during a property settlement, is: “I’m sure my ex is hiding money and assets.” When you are negotiating a property settlement, it is important that you have confidence that all assets, liabilities, income and financial resources have been properly disclosed. The family law system is […]
Facing Separation in 2026? Preparing for parenting, property and peace of mind
A new year often brings reflection and change. For some families, 2026 will be the year separation becomes unavoidable. For others, separation may arrive suddenly, without warning, leaving you trying to make sense of what happens next, often very quickly. Whether separation is something you have contemplated, something your partner has raised, or something that […]
Wasting or Spending Money following Separation – Addbacks in Family Law
In family law property settlements, “addbacks” refer to amounts that one party asks the Court to notionally “addback” into the asset pool because money or property that previously existed has been spent or dissipated before the case is finalised. For example, this might occur where: Someone has unreasonably spent substantial amounts on lifestyle expenses (including […]
Best Family Lawyers on the Northern Beaches, North Shore and surrounds
Why Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers Stand Out If you’re searching for the best divorce lawyer on the Northern Beaches or North Shore, it’s no doubt a time for you when you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. At Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers, we understand that separation can be one of the most stressful […]
Are You Dealing with a Narcissist in Your Family Law Matter?
Narcissism in a Family Law Context A narcissist is someone who exhibits a persistent pattern of grandiosity and self-importance, a heightened need for admiration and expectation to be recognized, and a lack of empathy. In family law matters, these traits can complicate negotiations, communication, and resolution and be associated with domestic violence, especially during separation […]
My parents gave me money to buy a property – what happens if we break up?
How the Australian Family Court deals with money advanced by parents of a party following a separation In the modern world of exorbitant property prices underpinned by a cost-of-living crisis, there has been an observed increase in parental generosity to assist their children get a foot in the door in the Australian property market. Often, […]
Who keeps the dog if we break up?
New Australian Family Law: who keeps the pet after a break up? What are the new pet custody laws 2025? Despite many people considering their pets to be their fur-babies, until very recently, following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship, the Family Court (Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia) has treated […]
Post-Separation Debt in Family Law Matters
The treatment of post-separation debt in family law property settlements is nuanced and highly fact-dependent. The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and relevant case law provide the framework for how courts approach these liabilities. The general principles as to how the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia deals with post separation debt are as […]
Welcome Alexandra Monteiro Willcock
We are delighted to announce that Alexandra Monteiro Willcock, Special Counsel, has joined the team at Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers. With a distinguished legal career spanning over 26 years, Alexandra has dedicated her professional life to the practice of Family Law, advocating for clients with skill, compassion, and unwavering integrity. As Special Counsel, Alexandra is […]
What is a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) and how do I get one?
What is a BFA? When someone in Australia is talking about a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) they are generally referring to what is colloquially known as a “prenup” or prenuptial agreement. However, BFA’s can also operate as a contractual arrangement to finalise a marriage or de facto relationship (in lieu of Court Orders), and they […]
