Family Law Act in Australia | Whatâs Fair In Love & Law?
Determining issues at Family law Act 1975
When the Court makes a determination on property issues it takes into account the provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 and in particular the approach for the determination of an application under section 79 of the Family Law Act.
The principles are well established by authorities (in the marriage of Lee Steere (1985) FLC 91-626; in the marriage of Ferraro (1993) FLC 92-335; in the marriage of Clauson (1995) FLC 92-595 and involves consideration of the following factors where superannuation is not a relevant factor:
What were the assets, liabilities and financial resources of the parties and values at the time of the hearing;
What were the financial and non-financial contributions made directly or indirectly by or on behalf of each party to the acquisition, conservation or improvement of the property of the parties?
What was the contribution of each party to the welfare of the family including contributions made in the capacity of homemaker or parent;
What is the effect, if any, of any proposed order upon the earning capacity of each party;
What matters referred to in subsection subjection 75 (2) of the Family Law Act are relevant and what adjustment, if any, should be made as a result of these factors. (this will be referred to later);
Have there been any other orders made affecting a child or either party and is child support payable or likely to be payable in the future for the children of the marriage;
After consideration of these matters, is just and equitable to make the actual orders.
Steps two (2) and three (3) are generally considered the one step, namely âcontributionsâ. Â Steps four (4), five (5) and six (6) are often inter-connected considerations and are usually considered as one step loosely described as the âsection 75 (2) factorsâ. Â Hence the classic âfour (4) step processâ. Â
Read more information Family Law Act 1975