Hillhouse Burrough McKeown Lawyers: Brisbane Family Law
Brisbane Family Law – Recent Developments
Family Law in Brisbane is currently at a critical point. The economic climate and the financial and emotional impact of the recent flooding in Brisbane can put significant pressure on relationships. In turn, this can result in increased divorce rates and increased need for Brisbane Family Law services.
The Courier Mail highlighted the issue of dramatic increases in divorce rates following the 1974 Brisbane Floods in their article which can be accessed here. The article does not take into account the effect of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) which removed the concept of “at fault” divorce where a party needed to show that the other party had committed an act incompatible to the marriage as grounds for the divorce from Australian Law. This legislation alone would have been cause for a dramatic increase in divorce rates. However, the fact remains that divorce rates in Queensland were still well above those in other States. No doubt, there was also a corresponding increase at this time in the need for quality Brisbane family law advice from lawyers who understood the issues that families and individuals were facing.
It may be that the 2011 floods in addition to ever increasing economic pressures have a similar effect on divorce rates in the coming months and years in Brisbane. If so, family law services can also be expected to have increased demand over the next 2 to 3 years following the floods.
However, unlike the position after the 1974 flooding in Brisbane, family law services have evolved beyond simple separation, divorce, settlement and litigation issues. There are a number of options that parties can consider before their matter and potentially even their relationship, takes a turn for the worse.
Parties can now enter into binding financial agreements during their relationship which will provide for the entitlements of each party in the event of their relationship ending. Uncertainty about their position in the event of separation can often be a cause of mistrust or insecurity between partners. Despite the fact that a binding financial agreement contemplates separation, our Brisbane Family Law practitioners have found that being involved in the process of entering into a binding financial agreement can help build trust between the parties because as part of the process the parties will review their financial position and determine what each party receives in the event that the worst does happen.
Having been involved in Brisbane Family Law for many years, Hillhouse Burrough McKeown Lawyers have the skills and experience for those seeking all Family Law advice. Hillhouse Burrough McKeown’s practicality, commerciality and efficiency ensures the best possible outcomes for Brisbane family law clients.
Please contact Robert Lamb, for quality Brisbane Family Law advice.
