Separation is hard enough without the added stress of working out who pays the mortgage. One of the most common questions family lawyers are asked is: “Do I still have to pay the mortgage now that we’ve separated?” The short answer is: possibly — but it depends on your circumstances . Below, we explain how mortgage payments are usually handled after separation, what the law expects, and what you should do to protect yourself. 1. Separation Does Not Automatically Change Finan

If you have been injured at work in Queensland, you may eventually receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA)  from WorkCover Queensland. For many injured workers in Townsville and across North Queensland, this document represents a critical turning point in their compensation claim. The decision you make after receiving a Notice of Assessment can significantly impact your future entitlements — particularly your ability to pursue a common law damages claim. Below, our experienced T

A motor vehicle accident can happen in seconds — but the consequences can last for months or even years. Between medical treatment, time off work and dealing with insurers, one of the most pressing questions is often: Who was responsible? In Queensland, establishing fault is not just about blame. It directly affects your entitlement to compensation under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld)  and determines how your CTP claim progresses. Understanding how liability is a

Case: Murphy v Madill [2025] QSC 103Court: Supreme Court of QueenslandTotal Compensation: $635,146.81Claim Type: Motor Vehicle Accident (Queensland MAIA Claim) Can you claim compensation in Queensland if you’ve been involved in more than one car accident — especially if you already had medical or psychiatric conditions? In Murphy v Madill [2025] QSC 103 , the Supreme Court of Queensland confirmed that you can. Despite complex medical history and multiple accidents, the plaint

In the 2024 District Court of Queensland decision Ruvuta v Jaderberg & RACQ Insurance  [2024] QDC 107, the Court addressed a series of complex legal issues that often arise in personal injury litigation — particularly causation, evidentiary challenges, and the impact of communication barriers  on injury claims under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994  (Qld).  Case Background In October 2019, the claimant, a young man who had recently arrived in Australia, was struck by a u

Suffering injuries in a motor vehicle accident can affect every part of your life — your health, your employment, your finances and your family. If the accident was caused by another driver, Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme  may entitle you to claim compensation for the losses you have suffered. This guide explains how CTP insurance works in Queensland, who can make a claim, and what types of compensation may be available. What Is CTP Insurance in Qu

Case: Bauer v Clay [2025] QSC 114 Court: Supreme Court of Queensland Compensation Awarded: $602,008.14 Claim Type: Motor Vehicle Accident (MAIA Claim) Can you still win a motor vehicle accident claim in Queensland if your medical records are incomplete? In Bauer v Clay [2025] QSC 114 , the Supreme Court of Queensland confirmed that you can. Despite significant gaps in medical documentation, an 18-year-old apprentice carpenter secured more than $602,000 in compensation  follow

Separation is challenging in any circumstances. When you and your former partner also share ownership of a business, the legal and financial complexity increases significantly. A business is often one of the most valuable and sensitive assets in a property settlement. Decisions made early in the separation process can affect: Cash flow and income for both parties The overall value of the asset pool Tax exposure The timing and structure of the final settlement Careful planning

School holidays often bring added pressure for separated parents. Even when everyday routines are settled, holidays can disrupt established patterns. Children’s time may be divided differently, communication between parents often increases, and practical decisions need to be made more frequently. For many families, this can highlight areas of uncertainty in parenting arrangements and boundaries after separation. These challenges are common. They do not reflect a lack of commi

Many people in Townsville and across Queensland consider a do-it-yourself approach to family law after separation. It can look like the fastest and cheapest way to move on: you stay in control, avoid legal fees, and work through the process at your own pace. In some matters, DIY family law can be suitable. For example, a joint divorce application  is often straightforward.. But self-representation is not just filling out forms.  Queensland family law is governed by the Family

From 10 June 2025, major changes to Australian family law have reshaped how courts deal with pets in property settlements. These reforms apply in Queensland and across most of Australia under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) . Pets are no longer treated as ordinary property. Instead, they are now recognised as “companion animals”  — a distinct legal category that reflects their emotional significance within families. For separating couples in Queensland, this means the Federal C

Family law matters are often one of the most stressful legal experiences a person will ever face. Separation, parenting disputes, and property settlements are deeply personal and emotionally charged. Unfortunately, stress and misinformation can lead clients to make decisions that negatively affect their outcome. At our firm, we regularly see the same avoidable mistakes arise in family law matters. Understanding these pitfalls early can save you time, money, and emotional stra

When parents separate and cannot agree on arrangements for their children, the focus of the law is always the same: what is in the child’s best interests. In some matters, particularly where there is significant disagreement or concern about a child’s wellbeing, a Family Report  may be prepared. This report can play an important role in negotiations and, if necessary, in Court proceedings. Understanding what a Family Report involves — and how it may affect your case — can hel

If you have recently separated from your spouse or partner, resolving your financial relationship will likely involve a formal property settlement. Under Australian family law, property settlement is not simply about dividing the house or bank accounts. It involves a structured legal process that considers all assets, liabilities and financial resources of both parties at the time the settlement is determined. Importantly, superannuation is treated as property  under the Fami

Pre-Action Procedures in Family Law: What You Must Do Before Going to Court in Australia Following a separation, many individuals are able to reach agreement about parenting arrangements, property division and financial matters without needing to involve the Court. However, in some situations, an agreement cannot be reached and a formal application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia becomes necessary. Before starting Court proceedings, parties are generally

When separating couples divide their property, the law requires more than negotiation — it requires transparency. In any financial or property settlement matter under the Family Law Act 1975 , each party has a strict and ongoing duty to provide full and frank financial disclosure. This obligation applies whether your matter is resolved by agreement, mediation, or through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Understanding what financial disclosure involves — and

Domestic and family violence remains a serious and pervasive issue across Australia. Its impacts are often profound — affecting not only personal safety and wellbeing, but also financial security, employment capacity and long-term stability. In recent years, both State and Federal jurisdictions have implemented significant reforms aimed at improving protections for victim-survivors. A further important development took effect on 10 June 2025 , with amendments to the Family La

Following separation, many couples are able to reach agreement — either independently or with assistance — about parenting arrangements and the division of property. When agreement has been achieved (or is close to being achieved), it is critical to consider how that agreement should be formalised. In most cases, Consent Orders  are the most effective and secure way to document and implement the terms of settlement. What Are Consent Orders? Consent Orders are written agreemen

You can claim compensation for psychological trauma caused by medical errors in Queensland. If a healthcare provider’s negligence results...

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Townsville, the first steps you should take are to seek medical attention, report the...