New Family Law Changes from June 2025: What It Means for Separating Couples
Starting 10 June 2025, changes to Australia’s Family Law Act 1975 have come into effect. These amendments impact how property and finances are handled after separation. Key updates include recognising the economic impact of family violence, clearer rules about who keeps the family pet, and stricter disclosure duties. These changes apply to most separating couples—whether you’re going to court or negotiating privately.
New Family Law Changes from June 2025:
What It Means for Separating Couples
Big Changes Are Here – And They Could Affect You
If you’ve recently separated or are thinking about it, you might be wondering what happens to your home, your money or even your dog. Well, some major updates just came into force that could impact how all that gets sorted.
From 10 June 2025, new rules under the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 change how property settlements work in Australia. Whether you’re already in the middle of the process or just starting, here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changed?
1. Economic Impact of Family Violence Now Counts
If one person controlled all the money or stopped the other from working, that behaviour now matters in property settlements. Courts must look at how family violence has affected someone financially not just physically or emotionally. This includes economic abuse, like withholding money or limiting access to joint finances.
It gives a stronger voice to people who’ve been financially disadvantaged in a relationship and makes sure that’s recognised when dividing up assets.
2. New Pet Provisions – Yes, Even the Dog Matters
Pets are part of the family too, and the law now says so. Courts now have to consider who is more attached to the pet (or who the kids are more attached to), and if the pet was used to control or threaten someone.
But here’s the catch: the court won’t order shared custody for pets. They’ll make decisions about who keeps them, based on a new set of rules that apply just to companion animals.
3. Clearer Property Settlement Steps
The law now sets out a clearer process for working out who gets what. Whether you're in court or negotiating privately, the following steps apply:
· First, identify all assets and debts
· Then, consider both parties' contributions to the relationship—financial and otherwise
· Next, look at each person's current and future needs
· Finally, check if the proposed outcome is fair
If you’re doing a property settlement outside of court, it’s best to follow this structure as well.
4. Financial Disclosure Is Now Law
Separating couples already had to be honest about their financial situation—but now this duty is officially part of the Family Law Act. That means:
· You must share all relevant financial info with your ex (and the court, if needed)
· You must keep this information updated
· You could face penalties—like cost orders or even contempt charges—if you don’t comply
This makes the disclosure process more transparent and enforceable.
Who Do These Changes Apply To?
These changes apply to all separating couples who are dealing with property and financial matters, whether they:
Are just starting separation discussions
Are negotiating outside of court
Are already in court, unless the final hearing has started
If you already have a final property order in place, nothing changes for you.
What About Child Support?
Child support is not covered by these changes. It’s handled separately by Services Australia through a different process.
Need Help Navigating the New Rules?
Separating is already an emotional process. Add legal changes into the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
At WebWills, we can help you understand your rights under the new law, guide you through property settlements, and make sure you're treated fairly whether you're in court or settling things privately.
If you have questions about how these changes might affect you, we're here at WebWills to help.
DISCLAIMER
This commentary is published by WebWills for general information only—it’s not legal advice. If you have questions or need advice for your specific situation, we recommend speaking to a lawyer or reaching out to us at http://webwills.com.au before making any decisions.
© WebWills, Australia 2025.