Big Changes Coming to Family Law Property Settlements from 10 June 2025: Here’s What You Need to Know

From 10 June 2025, significant changes to how property settlements are handled in Australian family law will come into effect. These reforms aim to better protect victims of family violence — particularly where financial abuse has occurred — and ensure a more fair and modern approach to dividing property after separation.

At MCW Lawyers, we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean and how they could affect your rights, your property, and even your pets.

Key Changes Under the Family Law Amendment Act 2024

1. Family Violence and Financial Abuse: The new laws make it clear that economic and financial abuse (e.g. controlling a partner’s money, restricting their ability to work, or taking their income) is a form of family violence — and must be considered in property settlements. This includes:

• Controlling access to bank accounts.

• Preventing a partner from working.

• Using money as a means of control.

• Dowry abuse.

2. Impact on Property Contributions: If family violence has affected your ability to contribute to the relationship — financially or otherwise — the Court will now take this into account. This means victims are less likely to be disadvantaged in the final property division.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosure: Financial disclosure has always been required in family law matters — but the duty is now enshrined in legislation. This change puts emphasis on the parties making full and frank disclosure (put simply, to be open and honest about their finances), right from the start.

4. A Less Adversarial Court Approach: In appropriate cases — especially where family violence is involved — the Court can now manage proceedings in a more supportive and less adversarial way, including controlling how evidence is presented to reduce conflict.

5. Pets Are Not Just “Property”: The Court will now look at pets separately when dividing assets. The Court can consider:

• Who provides care and support to the pet

• Any use of the pet as a means of coercion or control

This is a major shift from previously treating pets purely as property like a car or couch.

What This Means for You

• The Court must now consider the impact of family violence — including financial abuse — when making property decisions.

• A partner’s controlling behaviour around money or employment may be factored in.

• Victims of abuse may receive a greater share of the property to reflect their limited ability to contribute during the relationship.

• There’s a stronger focus on financial disclosure with the new legislation assisting parties to understand what needs to be disclosed in an effort to improve compliance with financial disclosure obligations.

• Your companion animal is no longer just a “thing” to divide — their welfare and role in your life will be considered too.

Need Advice?

These changes are a positive step for parties who have experienced family violence, but they also mean the legal landscape is shifting — and the outcome of your matter could be impacted.

If you’re separating or thinking about it, you don’t need to navigate these changes alone. now is the time to seek tailored legal advice. Don’t navigate these changes alone.

Contact Us today for confidential legal advice, from an experienced family law solicitor, that is tailored to your specific circumstances.