News

I don’t think I would have got through all of this without your help. 

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.

Valuing your assets for division in a fluctuating property market

Friday 24th of June 2022

We separated a while ago. Do we value our assets at separation or today's date?

Can I take my children overseas?

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

We have separated and I want to take my children overseas. What do I need to know?

Caveats in Family Law

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

My name is not on the title of the former matrimonial home and I am afraid my former partner will sell the property - what do I do?

I've been catfished.

Friday 6th of May 2022

My 'partner' is not who they said they were. Do I have an entitlement for a property settlement under the Family Law Act 1975 (the Act)?

Divorce

Thursday 28th of April 2022

What do I need to consider before getting divorced?

What is a Child Impact Report?

Thursday 14th of April 2022

I have been ordered to attend a Child Impact Report. What is it and what can I expect?

Superannuation Interests in Family Law Matters

Tuesday 29th of March 2022

I don't think my former partner is disclosing all of their superannuation interests. What can I do?

What is Court-based Family Dispute Resolution?

Friday 18th of March 2022

The Court has ordered that I attend a Court-based FDR conference. What is it?

NOW OPEN

Monday 7th of March 2022

We are excited to announce that our new office on the Mornington Peninsula is now open for business.

Family Violence Intervention Orders

Tuesday 15th of February 2022

Police have taken out a Family Violence Interim Intervention Order against me - What do I do?

New Wills & Estates Team

Thursday 3rd of February 2022

We are excited to announce the expansion of our Wills & Estates team headed by Partner and Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates Suzanne Jones and Senior Associate Jessica Razzi.

COMING SOON...

Thursday 13th of January 2022

New Balnarring office opening in February 2022

Children's Matters - do we have to settle in Court?

Friday 17th of December 2021

We get along and agree on what we want, so do we have to go to Court?

2022 Doyles Guide Accolades - Australia Wide

Friday 10th of December 2021

Gillian Coote has been recognised as one of Australia's Preeminent Family & Divorce Lawyers in the esteemed peer-reviewed Doyles Guide for 2022 -Australia. Coote Family Lawyers are also delighted to be recognised as a Second Tier Family Law Firm - Australia 2022.

2022 Doyles Guide Accolades - Victoria

Friday 26th of November 2021

Coote Family Lawyers are delighted to once again be ranked a First Tier Family & Divorce Law Firm in the esteemed peer-reviewed Doyles Guide for 2022. Click here for Coote Family Lawyers' full list of accolades.

Congratulations Charlotte Geddes

Friday 19th of November 2021

Coote Family Lawyers are delighted to announce that Charlotte Geddes will join the partnership effective 1 December 2021

Will the Court consider my child's views?

Friday 5th of November 2021

My child wants to live with me. Will the Court consider my child's views?

Congratulations

Friday 5th of November 2021

Congratulations to Annelis Bos, Lauren Dunning and Alisha Edwards on becoming Law Institute Accredited Family Law Specialists.

New Court

Friday 22nd of October 2021

From 1 September the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia merged into the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Coote Family Lawyers & COVID-19 Update

Friday 1st of October 2021

We at Coote Family Lawyers believe in the importance of maintaining a COVID-safe environment for our clients, staff and visitors to our office.

Kids & Covid

Friday 17th of September 2021

What happens if we disagree about vaccination?

The “exceptional circumstances” of COVID-19 and its impact on your child support

Friday 27th of August 2021

As the economic impact of COVID-19 continues, do you have cause to set aside a Binding Child Support Agreement entered into prior to the pandemic?

Duty of Disclosure

Friday 6th of August 2021

What is the duty of disclosure?

I've Separated and I want Financial Independence

Wednesday 14th of July 2021

Can I open my own bank account?

Bank of Mum and Dad - Gift or Loan

Wednesday 9th of June 2021

Gift or Loan - What happens if you and your partner were to separate?

Kate Trajcevski has been admitted as Partner

Monday 1st of March 2021

Coote Family Lawyers is delighted to announce that Kate Trajcevski has been admitted to the Partnership as at March 1, 2021.

Spousal Maintenance Rebuts the need for a 'Financial Buffer' - Simpkin [2020] FamCAFC 319

Friday 26th of February 2021

Spousal maintenance is financial support that is paid to a party of a marriage by their spouse and it can be paid either as a lump sum or a periodic payment. There are two principles which must be satisfied to obtain a court order for spousal maintenance.

How to Prepare for the First Meeting with your Family Lawyer

Wednesday 16th of December 2020

How do I get the most from the first meeting with my family lawyer

2021 Doyles Guide Accolades

Wednesday 2nd of December 2020

Coote Family Lawyers are delighted to have once again been ranked as a First Tier Family Law Firm, identified by our peers for our expertise and abilities, as announced today in the esteemed Doyles Guide for 2021.

We're Separated - What's Next?

Monday 2nd of November 2020

Do I need a lawyer?

What is Spousal Maintenance?

Wednesday 14th of October 2020

How is Spousal Maintenance decided?

Property Matters During a Pandemic

Wednesday 16th of September 2020

How do you value assets during COVID?

Parenting Plans & Consent Orders

Wednesday 2nd of September 2020

What are Parenting Plans and Consent Orders?

What is Family Law?

Wednesday 26th of August 2020

People talk about "Family Law" but what does it involve?

How do I discuss the topic of separation?

Thursday 13th of August 2020

I am thinking of leaving, but how do I bring up the topic of separation with my partner?

How do we divide our 'stuff'?

Thursday 30th of July 2020

We have separated but how do we divide our stuff?

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?

Tuesday 30th of June 2020

My partner has left, can I change the locks?

Child Support - What if we cannot agree?

Tuesday 23rd of June 2020

What if we cannot agree on how much should be paid?

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.

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

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?

Family Court COVID-19 List

Thursday 14th of May 2020

Can I get an urgent hearing in the COVID-19 list?

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?

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?

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 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.

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 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 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 - 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".

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 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 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?

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.

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 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" - Pets and Family Law

Monday 9th of December 2019

What happens to our pets when we separate?

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.

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 - 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?

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?

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 - 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

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

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

Monday 2nd of September 2019

Will the Court take into account the special needs of my child when considering contributions and maintenance?

Speak Up

Friday 9th of August 2019

Do children have a say when it comes to parenting arrangements?

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?

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

Monday 22nd of July 2019

Do I need a Jewish Gett in Australia?

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.

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?

Monday 8th of July 2019

Now I am separated, can I open my own bank account?

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?

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.

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.

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.

New Partner Announcement

Monday 3rd of June 2019

Coote Family Lawyers are pleased to announce the appointment of Annelis Bos as Partner.

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.

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

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?

Monday 13th of May 2019

We have separated or divorced, can I change my child's name?

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

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: 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?

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?

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 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

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

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 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 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.