The Family Law Amendment (Financial Agreements and Other Measures) Bill of 2015 is a vital piece of legislation that has been introduced to assist with the resolution of financial disputes between couples who have separated or divorced. The bill proposes amendments to the existing Family Law Act of 1975, which governs the way in which these disputes are handled in Australia.
One of the most significant changes proposed by this bill is the inclusion of a new section providing for financial agreements for de facto relationships. Previously, financial agreements were only available for married couples. The new legislation will allow de facto couples to enter into such agreements, which will have the same legal status as those entered into by married couples.
Another important change proposed by the bill is the introduction of a binding financial agreement that can be made at any time, including prior to or after the breakdown of a relationship. This will provide couples with more flexibility in resolving their financial disputes and hopefully reduce the number of cases that end up in court.
The bill also includes a range of measures designed to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to resolve family law disputes. This is an important step towards reducing the burden on the court system and ensuring that families can resolve their disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.
As a professional, it is important to note that the Family Law Amendment (Financial Agreements and Other Measures) Bill of 2015 is likely to have significant implications for family law practitioners, as well as for couples who are going through a separation or divorce. It is essential that these changes are communicated clearly and accurately to the public, so that they can make informed decisions about their legal options.
In conclusion, the Family Law Amendment (Financial Agreements and Other Measures) Bill of 2015 is a welcome development in the area of family law. The proposed changes have the potential to make a significant difference to the lives of those who are going through a separation or divorce, by providing them with more options for resolving their financial disputes. It is important that these changes are understood by all stakeholders, so that they can be implemented effectively and fairly.