Effective 10 June 2025, significant changes to Australia’s family law system will come into force under the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth). These reforms will impact the way property settlements, companion animals, financial disclosure, and even divorce applications are managed after separation.
Whether you’re finalising matters out of court or commencing legal proceedings, understanding these changes is critical. At MCB Lawyers, we’re here to guide Northern Beaches couples through the process with clarity and care.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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New laws apply from 10 June 2025 and impact all separating couples.
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Courts must now consider the economic impact of family violence in property settlements.
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Pets are given special recognition as property, with specific rules about who keeps them.
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The duty of financial disclosure is now embedded in legislation.
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Changes simplify divorce for couples married under 2 years.
What’s Changing from 10 June 2025?
1. Property Settlements & Economic Impact of Family Violence
The family law courts have always had wide powers to determine just and equitable property settlements — including decisions on the family home, superannuation, shares, or liabilities.
Under the new legislation, family violence will now be expressly recognised for its economic impact. This includes financial abuse, such as restricting access to money or preventing a partner from working.
The court must now consider:
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How family violence affected a party’s ability to contribute to the asset pool.
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Whether the victim has additional ongoing costs (e.g. therapy or relocation).
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How economic control may have reduced their financial independence.
This change aims to give greater protection and recognition to vulnerable parties, particularly in abusive relationships.
2. Duty of Financial Disclosure Now in Legislation
The obligation to provide full and frank financial disclosure has always been essential in family law. However, from 10 June 2025, this duty is no longer just a procedural rule — it is now enshrined in the Family Law Act 1975.
Key points:
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Applies to all property and financial disputes, whether in or out of court.
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It is a continuous duty — you must disclose new information as it arises.
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Non-compliance may lead to:
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Cost orders
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Delays or dismissal of proceedings
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Fines or even imprisonment for contempt
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This legislative change reinforces the importance of transparency in settlement negotiations.
3. New Rules Around Companion Animals (Family Pets)
Pets are still treated as property under the law, but new provisions offer specific guidance on pet ownership after separation.
Couples can continue to reach informal agreements about who keeps the pet. However, if no agreement is reached, courts can now consider:
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History of animal abuse or threats involving pets
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Emotional attachments between parties or children and the pet
⚠️ Notably, the court will not order joint ownership or shared custody of pets. One party will be given sole ownership under the order.
This reform provides clarity and recognises the emotional importance of companion animals in family structures.
4. Simplified Divorce Process for Couples Married Less Than 2 Years
Previously, couples married for less than two years had to:
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Attend counselling to explore reconciliation, or
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Apply to the court for special permission to divorce
Under the new laws, this requirement is removed.
✅ You still need to be separated for 12 months and 1 day, but couples no longer need to prove they’ve sought counselling.
5. Who Do These Changes Apply To?
The reforms apply to:
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All new applications made on or after 10 June 2025
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Ongoing cases where the final hearing has not yet commenced
If you have an existing financial or property order in place, these changes do not affect it. Parties must continue to comply with current orders unless varied by the court.
How MCB Lawyers Can Help
At MCB Lawyers, our experienced family law solicitors are well-equipped to assist you through these changes. We advise clients across Manly, Dee Why, Brookvale, Curl Curl, and the wider Northern Beaches.
Our family law services include:
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Property settlements and superannuation splits
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Divorce and separation guidance
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Domestic and financial abuse matters
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Pet ownership disputes
📞 Contact us for a confidential consultation with our compassionate and professional legal team.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek tailored legal advice before acting on any of the information provided.