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We understand that this is often the most difficult part of a relationship breakdown and as a result, we place great importance on supporting our clients through this process, both emotionally as well as with legal counsel.
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Latest News From Coote Family Lawyers

Keep up to date with news from our firm and the family law industry

Read more about our work, our people, and what’s happening in the wider industry. We share regular news updates, publications and blogs from our expert team of family and divorce lawyers.

 

 

How do we divide our stuff?

How do we divide our 'stuff'?

Thursday 30th of July 2020
We have separated but how do we divide our stuff?
Signing Wills & POAs during COVID-19

Signing Wills & Powers of Attorney during COVID-19

Monday 13th of July 2020
How do I sign my Will and Power of Attorney if I'm in lockdown?
Can I change the locks?

Can I change the locks?

Tuesday 30th of June 2020
My partner has left, can I change the locks?
Child Support

Child Support - What if we can agree?

Tuesday 23rd of June 2020
If you can reach agreement about the child support necessary for your children, there are two ways of legally formalising that agreement.
Child Support

Child Support - What if we cannot agree?

Tuesday 23rd of June 2020
What if we cannot agree on how much should be paid?
Special Counsel Appointments

New Appointments

Wednesday 17th of June 2020
Gillian, Gary and Annelis extend their congratulations to a number of staff who have recently received promotions.
Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty

Thursday 28th of May 2020
We have separated and want to transfer the family home into my name. Do I need to pay stamp duty?
FCA & COVID 19 List

Family Court COVID-19 List

Thursday 14th of May 2020
Can I get an urgent hearing in the COVID-19 list?

Congratulations to Harriet Geddes

Wednesday 6th of May 2020
Harriet Geddes has been named as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 for Family Law 2020 Awards.

COVID-19 and Family Law Court Orders

Tuesday 28th of April 2020
Do I have to comply with my Family Law Court Orders during this pandemic?

COVID-19 and Child Support

Monday 20th of April 2020
How might the COVID-19 pandemic affect my child support payments?
Discrete property list

What is the Discrete Property List?

Wednesday 8th of April 2020
My matter has been listed in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Discrete Property List - what does this mean?
Superannuation - COVID-19

Am I eligible to access my Superannuation in light of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Wednesday 1st of April 2020
As a result of increased unemployment levels and the financial pressure being felt by many Australians, the Government recently announced that individuals can access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in the period up to 30 June 2020 and a further $10,000 in the period from 1 July 2020 to 24 September 2020.
Parenting during COVID-19

Parenting through COVID-19

Friday 27th of March 2020
The Chief Justice of the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia has issued a media release about Parenting Orders and COVID-19.
Covid-19

Coote Family Lawyers and COVID-19 Response

Thursday 19th of March 2020
We at Coote Family Lawyers are committed to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a calm, measured and informed manner. Our aim is to continue to provide the exceptionally high standards of service to our clients whilst protecting those clients and our staff.
How do I protect my interest if I'm not the registered proprietor?

How do I protect my interest if I'm not the registered proprietor?

Wednesday 18th of March 2020
A caveat is a document that any person with a legal interest in a property can lodge with Land Use Victoria. Once lodged, a caveat appears on the title for the property and gives notice that a third party is asserting a right over the property. A caveat prevents a property from being dealt with without notice being given to the caveator.

How do I protect our assets after separation?

Tuesday 10th of March 2020
It is often the case that one party has more knowledge about, and control over, the relationship assets. If a separation is acrimonious, a party may attempt to move an asset out of the reach of the other party, or at least threaten to do so.
New Joint Practice Direction

New Case Management for Financial Proceedings involving property of less than $500,000 - What does it mean for me?

Monday 2nd of March 2020
A new practice direction has been issued from the Federal Circuit Court of Australia on 7 February 2020 relating to the case management of financial cases in the Brisbane, Parramatta, Adelaide and Melbourne Registries, involving property pools (including superannuation) of less than $500,000.
I am worried about my partner travelling overseas with our children

I am worried about my partner travelling overseas with our children - what can I do?

Monday 24th of February 2020
If your partner proposes to travel overseas with your children and you are concerned that they will not return to Australia, you may be able to obtain an order from the Court preventing their departure.

What "powers" does my Attorney have?

Wednesday 19th of February 2020
We encounter many myths and misconceptions when acting for clients preparing an Enduring Power of Attorney as part of their overall Estate Planning.

"Pet-Nups" - Why couples are including pets in their pre-nups

Tuesday 11th of February 2020
Partner Gary Yan appeared on A Current Affair recently talking about the rise of "Pet-Nups".
Hague Convention

What is the Hague Convention?

Monday 10th of February 2020
The Hague Convention is an international treaty, to which a number of countries, including Australia, are signatories.
New Joint Practice Direction

New Joint Practice Direction issued by the Family Law Courts - What does it mean for me?

Monday 3rd of February 2020
The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (“the Family Law Courts”) have issued a joint practice direction for parties and practitioners to family law matters before the Family Law Courts on 28 January 2020.
Intervention Order and communicating with your expartner

Intervention Orders and Communicating With Your Ex

Wednesday 29th of January 2020
My ex-partner has an Intervention Order against me. Can we still communicate and attend the same functions?
I don't like my single expert report, what can I do?

Single Expert Reports

Monday 20th of January 2020
I don't like my single expert report, what can I do about it?

Staff fundraiser

Friday 17th of January 2020
Kate's Koala cake took centre stage at the staff Bushfire Bake Sale today.
Autom.io

CFL & Automio

Monday 13th of January 2020
Updating your Estate Planning has never been easier or more affordable.
Australia Bushfires

Australia Bushfires

Thursday 2nd of January 2020
The partners and staff at Coote Family Lawyers are horrified and saddened by both the short and long term effects of the Victorian and NSW bushfires.
Can I live in a property owned by my SMSF

Can I live in a property owned by my self-managed super fund?

Monday 16th of December 2019
You can purchase residential property through your self-managed super fund (SMSF), however you cannot live in the property whilst you are still employed.
I'm keeping the dog

"I'm keeping the dog" - Pets and Family Law

Monday 9th of December 2019
What happens to our pets when we separate?
Doyles Guide - First Tier 2020

Doyles Guide Accolades 2020

Monday 2nd of December 2019
We are pleased to announce that Coote Family Lawyers has again been ranked a First Tier Family Law Firm in 2020 by Doyles Guide.

How can I get a divorce?

Tuesday 26th of November 2019
You can make an Application for Divorce 12 months after the date of separation.
Binding Financial Agreements - Decision of Orwin v Rickards

Prenuptial and Financial Agreements

Monday 18th of November 2019
Is my Prenuptial / Financial Agreement binding following the decision of Orwin v Rickards [2019] VSC 375?
Binding Financial Agreements - Decision of Orwin v Rickards

Binding Financial Agreements - presentation by Justine Clark

Monday 11th of November 2019
On 8 November 2019 Justine Clark presented on the topic of Binding Financial Agreements at the Leo Cussen Centre for Law "Family Law Half Day Masterclass - Drafting Complex Agreements and Orders".
What is a Section 60I Certificate?

What is a Section 60I Certificate?

Monday 4th of November 2019
We have separated but can't agree parenting matters. Why do I need a Section 60I Certificate to go to Court?
Victoria Kilby new

Congratulations

Friday 1st of November 2019
Coote Family Lawyers congratulates Victoria Kilby on becoming a Law Institute Accredited Family Law Specialist.

International Jurisdiction

Monday 28th of October 2019
Where in the world should I determine my property division?
strictly private & confidential

Strictly Private & Confidential - Confidentiality and privilege in family law matters

Tuesday 22nd of October 2019
How can I be sure my information and conversations with my lawyer are kept confidential?

I have a Will, why do I need a Power of Attorney?

Wednesday 16th of October 2019
I have a Will, why do I need a Power of Attorney?
Blevins & Blevins [2019] FCCA 1923

Blevins & Blevins [2019] FCCA 1923

Wednesday 9th of October 2019
The case of Blevins highlights a party’s ability to bring a further application for spousal maintenance some twenty years after separation and in circumstances where final orders were made in 2009
Dearth during separation - what happens to jointly owned real property?

Death during separation

Monday 7th of October 2019
What happens if one of us dies before our property settlement is finalised?
Family Law and Care of a Special Needs Child

Family Law and Care of a Special Needs Child

Monday 2nd of September 2019
Will the Court take into account the special needs of my child when considering contributions and maintenance?
Speak Up - do children have a say when it comes to parenting arrangements?

Speak Up

Friday 9th of August 2019
Do children have a say when it comes to parenting arrangements?
Victoria Kilby

Coote Family Lawyers Welcomes Victoria Kilby

Tuesday 30th of July 2019
Coote Family Lawyers is pleased to announce that Victoria Kilby has joined the team.
why is my child clingy and unsettled when returned to my care?

Why is my child clingy and unsettled when returned to my care?

Monday 29th of July 2019
After parties separate and begin sharing the care of their children, it is not uncommon for us to hear of a child who "always returns unsettled and clingy" after spending time with the other parent. In the alternative, the other parent reports no obvious change in the child who is at ease and happy while in their care.
Jewish Divorce in Australian Family Law

Jewish Divorce in Australian Family Law

Monday 22nd of July 2019
Do I need a Jewish Gett in Australia?
but my friend got 70/30?

But my friend got 70%/30%?

Monday 15th of July 2019
Almost everyone has some level of involvement in family law these days. Constant reforms are discussed in the news, it makes for an interesting storyline in TV dramas, and is often the subject of schoolyard gossip. Well-meaning friends and family will have all sorts of advice for you when a relationship breaks down.
Elaine Li

Coote Family Lawyers Welcomes Elaine Li

Friday 12th of July 2019
We are pleased to announce that Elaine Li has joined the team
can i open my own bank account?

Can I open my own bank account?

Monday 8th of July 2019
Now I am separated, can I open my own bank account?
think twice before you post online

Think twice before you "post" - Social Media and Family Law

Monday 1st of July 2019
Why can't I post what I want on social media?
I donated sperm, am i the legal father of the child?

I donated sperm, am I the legal father of the child?

Monday 24th of June 2019
A recent decision by the High Court of Australia has ruled that a sperm donor is the legal father of a child, enabling him to prevent the child and her mother from moving overseas.
What happens when my child turns 18?

Child Support: What happens when my child turns 18?

Monday 17th of June 2019
The obligation to make child support payments generally terminates when a child turns 18. In a time when children are living at home for longer, and often whilst completing a tertiary degree, this can be very difficult for the resident parent who suddenly has to meet the entirety of the financial costs for an 18 or 19 or 21 year old child.
Special Counsel Appointments

Special Counsel Appointments

Monday 3rd of June 2019
Kate Trajcevski, Justine Clark and Casey Ieraci have all been promoted to the position of Special Counsel.
Annelis Bos

New Partner Announcement

Monday 3rd of June 2019
Coote Family Lawyers are pleased to announce the appointment of Annelis Bos as Partner.
Child Support

Child Support: What you need to know

Monday 3rd of June 2019
The child support system is one that can be difficult for parents to navigate.
Why the Family Law Watchlist

Why the Family Law Watchlist?

Monday 27th of May 2019
My spouse is from another country and I'm afraid s/he will take our child overseas without my permission. How do I make sure my child stays in Australia?
De Facto Relationships

De Facto Relationships

Monday 20th of May 2019
I've been with my partner for a while now, at what point am I in a de facto relationship?
Can I change my child's name?

Can I change my child's name?

Monday 13th of May 2019
We have separated or divorced, can I change my child's name?
That's not my tax

That's not my tax!

Monday 6th of May 2019
What happens to my spouse's tax liability when we separate?
Penalties for non-disclosure in property cases

Penalties for non-disclosure in property cases

Monday 29th of April 2019
I'm going through a separation and have been asked to disclose my financial documents. Do I have to?
Family Law and Your Will

Family Law and Your Will: the effect of separation, divorce and marriage

Tuesday 23rd of April 2019
Have you recently experienced a separation or divorce? Have you re-married or are you considering marrying in the future?
Does My Child's Opinion Count?

Does my child's opinion count?

Monday 15th of April 2019
My ex-partner and I have a parenting arrangement in place but when it comes to it, the children refuse to follow it. What do I do?
Parent

Who is a parent?

Friday 5th of April 2019
My child was conceived via artificial insemination. Is the sperm donor my child's father by law?
Superannuation death benefit

Superannuation Death Benefit Nominations

Thursday 4th of April 2019
Did you know that when you pass away your superannuation entitlements will not be paid into your Estate automatically?
Relocating after Separation

Relocating after Separation

Friday 15th of February 2019
I've separated from my partner and want to move with my children, who decides where I can go? What do I need to consider before we move?
Estate Planning

Estate Planning

Tuesday 5th of February 2019
Is your Estate Planning and that of your loved ones up to date? Have you talked with your family about whether you have a valid Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker in place?
Intervention Orders

Intervention Orders and Family Law Proceedings

Friday 1st of February 2019
Family Violence has been on the State and Federal Legislative Agenda in recent years, and particularly following the 2016 Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence and the Family Law Council’s 2016 Final Report into Families with Complex Needs and the Intersection of the Family Law and Child Protection Systems.
Doyles Guide - First Tier 2019

Doyles Guide Accolades

Friday 14th of December 2018
We are proud to announce that Coote Family Lawyers has been ranked a First Tier Family Law Firm in 2019 by Doyles Guide.
divorce

Chart a safe path through family disputes

Friday 2nd of November 2018
Australia's family law system can be slow, expensive and emotionally draining for people in already challenging situations, such as disputes over parenting arrangements or property settlement. People can spend years waiting for their matter to be dealt with in court. And it's those unexpected delays and costs that can add to or create new tensions between disputing parties, says Gillian Coote, a family law specialist and principal of Coote Family Lawyers.
property settlement

We have agreed on a property settlement, do I need a Solicitor?

Thursday 1st of November 2018
When a marriage or a de facto relationship ends, parties need to sever financial ties with one another. This can often be a daunting and complex process. This may involve the transfer of ownership of real estate, cash, superannuation, corporate interests or other property from one party to another.
Biological Father

Biological Father Not Entitled to the Status of "Parent"

Thursday 1st of November 2018
In a recent decision of the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia, the question of "who is a parent" was considered.
Unit Trusts in Family Law

Who has control? Unit Trusts in Family Law

Thursday 1st of November 2018
The Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia can make orders altering the property interests of parties to a marriage or de facto relationship pursuant to section 79 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). One of more complex issues can be the consideration of constitutes "property" for the purposes of dividing the assets and liabilities of the parties.
credit card statements

Financial Disclosure – "Why do I have to give her my credit card statements?"

Thursday 1st of November 2018
Following separation, it is common for the parties to a marriage or de facto relationship to separate their finances and redirect their income to bank accounts in their own respective names. Of course, this tends to occur prior to any property settlement.
de facto relationship

Am I in a de facto relationship?

Thursday 1st of November 2018
The presence of a long-standing relationship even coupled with a period of cohabitation, is not, in and of itself, conclusive evidence that parties have entered into / or have been in a de facto relationship.
Civil partnerships: an unintended casualty in the pursuit of equality? An Anglo-Australian perspective

Civil partnerships: an unintended casualty in the pursuit of equality? An Anglo-Australian perspective

Thursday 1st of November 2018
An unfortunate side-effect of the introduction of equal marriage was that, after decades of discrimination against the LGBT community, we have been left with another form of discrimination in how the law recognises relationships in the UK.
How the 'My Health Record' system impacts on Family Law

How the 'My Health Record' system impacts on Family Law

Wednesday 31st of October 2018
Concerns have been raised that a loophole in the governments controversial My Health Records system could result in separated parents being able to obtain details of medical practitioners and pharmacies attended upon by their former partner.
Family and Domestic Violence

Family and Domestic Violence Leave

Monday 22nd of October 2018
The Fair Work Commission has recently updated all industry and occupation awards to include a new provision about family and domestic violence leave. This new provision comes into effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2018.
Same sex marriage

How LGBT couples are more exposed than their heterosexual counterparts

Monday 22nd of October 2018
According to the Office of National Statistics, same-sex couples in England and Wales are more likely to be living with their partner than they are to be married to or in a civil partnership with them (101,000, 34,000 and 55,000 couples respectively).
Law Institute of Victoria - Accredited Family Law Specialist

Congratulations

Tuesday 2nd of October 2018
Our team of Accredited Family Law Specialists is growing!
Emmy Langmaid

Our Wills & Estates Team is growing

Monday 27th of August 2018
Emmy Langmaid, Solicitor has been with Coote Family Lawyers since 2017 but only recently joined our Wills & Estates Team.
Aisling Clifford

Welcome Aisling Clifford

Monday 2nd of July 2018
Coote Family Lawyers welcomes Aisling Clifford, Senior Associate to the team.
Doyles Guide - First Tier 2018

Doyles Guide 2018

Friday 15th of December 2017
Coote Family Lawyers has been ranked a First Tier Family & Divorce Law Firm for 2018
Lauren Dunning

Welcome Lauren Dunning

Wednesday 22nd of November 2017
Coote Family Lawyers are delighted to announce a further expansion to our professional ranks.
Simon Fuller

Staff Movements and News

Wednesday 11th of October 2017
Sadly we farewelled Simon Fuller who has been with Coote Family Lawyers for nine years. Simon has decided to continue his career at the Victorian Bar. We wish him all the success he deserves in his new role as a family law barrister.
International Relocation of Children, A Global Guide

Coote provides Australian chapter for international reference on family law.

Thursday 7th of April 2016
One of the thornier legal complications that can arise when families split up is when one of the guardians decides to take their children overseas.
Everest base camp

A Higher Calling

Thursday 31st of March 2016
In April 2016, Simon Fuller and Alexa Segerius will be hiking in Nepal on a journey that will take them to Everest base camp and the Gokyo Lakes, reaching oxygen-starved altitudes of over five kilometres above sea level.
A House Divided

Case in Point: Ross & Ross - A House Divided

Thursday 14th of January 2016
Sadly, after 27 years of marriage and two children, a husband and wife ended up in court to contest the settlement of their property.
Doyles Guide, Australia’s leading Law Firm Directory.

Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Melbourne, 2016

Wednesday 23rd of December 2015
Coote Family Lawyers, has for 2016, been awarded a Tier One ranking by Doyles Guide, Australia’s leading Law Firm Directory.
Surrogacy for gay couples in Victoria

Surrogacy for gay couples in Victoria, Australia

Saturday 7th of March 2015
Surrogacy for gay couples in Victoria, Australia
Legal Innovation Index

Coote Family Lawyers Highly Commended for Innovation

Tuesday 7th of October 2014
Coote Family Lawyers has been highly commended in recognition of its initiatives to deliver uniqueness and value to their clients.
Gillian Coote – Leading Family Lawyer

Gillian Coote – Leading Family Lawyer Victoria 2014

Monday 12th of May 2014
Gillian Coote has been named in Doyles Guide as a leading Family Lawyer for Victoria 2014.
Japan officially adopted the Hague Convention on child abductions in 2014,

Japan joins the Hague Convention on Child Abduction

Thursday 20th of February 2014
Japan has shown its willingness to recognise child abduction as a major issue in private international law and recently became the 91st contracting state to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
ATO looking to tax property settlement payouts

ATO looking to tax property settlement payouts

Wednesday 27th of November 2013
New draft ATO ruling has potential tax implications for property separations. Read how this may affect you.
Gary Yan Accredited Family Law Specialist

Gary Yan Accredited Family Law Specialist

Thursday 17th of October 2013
Congratulations to Gary Yan (partner at Coote Family Law), who recently became an Accredited Family Law Specialist
Prenups and Financial Agreements

Prenups and Financial Agreements

Thursday 6th of June 2013
Despite what many people may think, an agreement made between parties that does not meet the legislative requirements will simply not be worth the paper it’s written on.
What is adult child maintenance

What is adult child maintenance?

Thursday 9th of May 2013
A parent’s child support obligations usually end when a child turns 18, or completes secondary school whichever is the latest.
How do I get a divorce?

How do I get a divorce?

Thursday 2nd of May 2013
Under the Family Law Act, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no likelihood of co-habitation being resumed.
Putting the child first

Putting the child first: Long-term parenting arrangements

Thursday 4th of April 2013
It is not uncommon for parents to have vastly different parenting styles and find it difficult to make decisions about the care of their children.
Federal Circuit Court of Australia

Federal Magistrates’ Court to be renamed in 2013

Thursday 22nd of November 2012
Legislation has this week been passed in Parliament to rename the Federal Magistrates’ Court, which from early 2013 will be known as the “Federal Circuit Court of Australia”.
Accredited Family Law Specialists Children's Arrangements Property Settlements De Facto Relationships Same-Sex Relationships Child Support & Spousal Maintenance Conveyancing Wills & Estates

Testimonials

Without hesitation I would recommend Coote Family Lawyers and I feel very grateful for being introduced to you, and for the advice I was provided with.

Latest News

How do we divide our stuff?

How do we divide our 'stuff'?

Thursday 30th of July 2020

We have separated but how do we divide our stuff?

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