The Australian government has recently announced its Federal Budget for 2025, and it includes some important changes for families dealing with separation, divorce, parenting orders, and property settlements.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has introduced measures aimed at making family law fairer, safer, and easier to work with. If you’re currently facing family law issues or considering speaking with a Family Law Solicitor, it’s important to understand what these updates mean for you.
This blog explains everything in clear, simple language, so you can make informed decisions about your family’s future.
Key Changes in the 2025 Budget
The new budget includes significant updates that will impact family law. Here’s the simplified breakdown:
More Funding for Legal Help
The government is giving $833 million over five years to legal services that help women and families who experience violence. This funding is part of a bigger plan called the National Access to Justice Partnership, worth $3.9 billion.
This money means more people, especially in rural and regional Australia, can afford help from a family law solicitor when sorting out issues like parenting orders or property settlements.
This should help people who previously couldn’t afford legal advice, making sure everyone gets a fair go. They simply need to search, “family lawyer near me” to find one close by.
Increased Support for Victims of Domestic Violence
Since 2022, the government has invested $4 billion to tackle family violence. The new budget continues this support with an extra $12.8 million for child sexual abuse victims and $6.8 million specifically for children of separated parents. This is certainly very much needed.
Additionally, five hundred new community workers are being hired to help victims. These improvements aim to better protect families and children, particularly in family law cases where violence has occurred.
Important Legal Changes Starting June 2025
From the 10th of June 2025, changes from the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 will come into effect. Here’s what you need to know:
- Financial Abuse: Courts will now consider the economic impact of family violence during property settlements, which includes financial abuse. This makes sure that victims get fairer settlements.
- Less Fighting in Court: Courts will encourage more mediation and less aggressive courtroom battles, especially in cases involving family violence.
- Financial Transparency: Courts will be stricter about people disclosing all their financial details, preventing anyone from hiding assets during separations.
These updates make the system fairer and better equipped to handle sensitive situations.
Indirect Changes: Childcare and Health
The budget is also changing childcare and women’s health services, indirectly affecting family law:
- Childcare Subsidies: Starting in January 2026, families earning less than $533,000 per year can access three days of subsidised childcare without passing an activity test. This change could ease financial pressure on separated families and help parents share custody arrangements more easily.
- Women’s Health Investment: The government will spend $793 million over five years to improve women’s health services, including setting up eleven new clinics for conditions like endometriosis. Better healthcare helps parents manage their health and work responsibilities, which impacts child custody and financial support arrangements.
How Do These Changes Help Australian Families?
The budget and legal reforms are designed to make family law:
- Fairer: by considering financial abuse and non-financial contributions like caregiving.
- Safer: by supporting victims of violence and offering better legal aid.
- More Practical: by providing clear guidelines on pet ownership after separation and enforcing financial honesty.
- Less Stressful: by promoting mediation over courtroom battles.
How Can a Family Law Solicitor Help You?
If you’re thinking, “I need a Family Solicitor Near Me“, here’s why they’re important now more than ever:
- Expert Guidance: Australian family law solicitors understand all the new rules and can explain exactly how these changes affect your situation.
- Handling Financial Abuse Cases: They can help gather evidence like bank statements or abuse reports to make your case stronger.
- Accessing Legal Aid: They can tell you if you’re eligible for government-funded legal help, saving you money and stress.
- Practical Parenting Solutions: Family law solicitors can help you create parenting arrangements that work well with the new childcare subsidies.
- Encouraging Mediation: They’ll support you through less stressful, out-of-court solutions.
Conclusion
The Federal Budget 2025 brings many positive changes designed to help Australian families dealing with family law issues.
By improving legal support, addressing financial abuse, and providing better childcare and health services, the government is making the family law system fairer and more accessible.
If you’re facing family law issues, now is a great time to search for the term “family solicitors near me” to get the support you need. Our legal experts at Sydun & Co. will make sure you’re well-informed, supported, and ready to face any challenges ahead.
FAQ Section
What does the Federal Budget 2025 mean for family law in Australia?
The Federal Budget 2025 introduces extra funding and new laws to make family law matters fairer and safer. It includes more support for victims of domestic violence, extra money for legal aid, and changes to how property settlements and child custody cases are handled.
How will increased funding help families in legal trouble?
The Australian government is giving more money to legal services to help people who can’t usually afford a solicitor. This means more Australians, especially in rural and regional areas, will get the legal support they need, making sure everyone gets a fair chance in family court.
What are the new laws about family violence and property settlements?
From June 2025, courts will consider how financial abuse affects property settlements. Financial abuse happens when someone controls or unfairly uses money to hurt someone else. Courts will now be stricter about people sharing their financial information, making sure everyone is honest and clear during the settlement.
Why is mediation being encouraged in family law cases?
Mediation, where both sides talk and agree without fighting in court, is being encouraged because it’s less stressful, faster, and often cheaper. This approach helps families, especially kids, cope better with separation and divorce.
Can a family law solicitor really help me?
Absolutely! A family law solicitor understands the new laws and how they affect you. They’ll help you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and support you through the legal process. They can also help you access financial aid, create practical parenting plans, and choose mediation instead of stressful court battles.
How do I find a good family solicitor near me?
You can find a family lawyer easily online by searching “family solicitors near me.” Choose one who clearly explains how they can help with your specific issues, offers practical advice, and supports mediation and out-of-court agreements.