Publications
AM I ENTITLED TO TIME OFF WORK IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
Thu, 16 Jul 15
As a result of the sudden drop in temperature on the Gold Coast, you may have noticed that the health of your family has also taken a turn for the worst.
Unfortunately, this often means that busy parents need to take time off work in order to care for their sick child.
You may find yourself faced with an employer who is less than empathetic when it comes to taking time off.
WEALTHY DEVELOPER/ INTERNET BRIDE - WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
Thu, 9 Jul 15
The recent decision of Thorne & Kennedy [2015] FCCA 484 involved a 67 year old multimillionaire property developer, who met his now former 36 year old wife over the internet.
When they met, the wife lived overseas and had minimal English speaking skills, a previous divorce and no real assets.
They fell in love and were set to be married, but Mr Kennedy was absolute in his desire that his wealth was his, and he intended it to go to his children.
GOLD COAST FAMILY LAW - SEPARATION AND CHILDREN - IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
Wed, 25 Feb 15
Separation from a husband/wife or long term de facto partner can be one of the most stressful and traumatic events in a personâs life, and this stress and trauma can be compounded or amplified if there are children involved.
When there are children involved, it is extremely important that parties remain child focused and do not let their separation negatively impact or affect their children any more than necessary. Children often mistakenly feel responsible for their parentâs separation and depending on their ages, they often do not have the emotional maturity to deal with an acrimonious situation between their parents.
FAMILY LAW DILEMMA - GETTING CHILDREN READY TO START SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME
Thu, 22 Jan 15
The start of the year is often a very busy and stressful time for separated families as children are returning to the primary caretaker, usually after spending significant time with the other parent over the holidays, and young children are often due to be enrolled in school for the first time.
At Affinity Lawyers, we often see an increase in enquiries at the commencement of a schooling year on the Gold Coast regarding disagreements between separated parents, firstly about enrolling a child in school for the first time, and secondly, about the enrolment of a child in a particular school.
Generally, both parents share equal parenting responsibility in relation to major long term issues pertaining to the child and this includes decisions such as the child's education (both current and future), the child's health, name and religious and cultural upbringing. This presumption of shared equal parenting can also include any changes to the child's living arrangements which could make it significantly more difficult for the child to spend time with a parent.
SOCIAL NETWORKING - IT CAN AFFECT YOUR FAMILY LAW PROCEEDINGS
Mon, 10 Nov 14
We have previously highlighted the detrimental affect social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter can have on your family law matter when it comes before the Court, but thought it was time for a reminder to ensure that you are aware of the dangers.
Family law matters, including separation, divorce and childrenâs issues are all highly emotional times in a personâs life and unfortunately, a lot of people turn to social media outlets to vent their anger and frustration. The comments can be made at a time when the person is under the influence of alcohol (and not thinking straight), in the early hours of the morning after a lack of sleep or at other times when a person is highly stressed and not able to fully understand the implications of what they are doing.
TRAVELLING OVERSEAS WITH CHILDREN
Mon, 10 Nov 14
We are only weeks away from Christmas and this is usually the time that families enjoy a holiday away at the end of a busy year. Whether it be a local beach getaway or an extravagant overseas holiday, when there has been a separation or divorce and there are children involved, it is important to understand your obligations regarding the holiday period and the arrangements for your children.
You may have formal court orders which stipulate how the child/ren are to spend time with their parents over the break but if you donât, it is important to remember that you cannot unilaterally take off on an inter-state or overseas holiday with the child/ren without the other parents consent.
