This Week in Family Law
This Week in Family Law is a podcast for Australian family lawyers who want to keep up with developments without being overwhelmed. Each weekly episode covers industry news, takes a deeper look at family law topics, analyses relevant cases, and answers questions from practitioners. It is aimed at family lawyers in Australia, including those working toward CPD, and offers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. New episodes are released every Monday.
Episodes
Bonus: Are You Getting the Most Out of LEAP?
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we talk about how to get the most out of your LEAP subscription, exploring the tools, features and resources available beyond practice management. From specialist family law tools and AI to legal research, professional development and support, we highlight some of the benefits LEAP users may not even realise they have access to.Chapters:0:00 - Intr
Ep 31: The Overseas Travel Dilemma - What s65DAAA Really Means
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including new domestic violence reforms, a new National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, and new judicial appointments.In Law in Motion, we look into the debate going on in the family law space around what s65DAAA really means when it comes to parenting orders and overseas travel.Chapters:0:00 - Introduc
Ep 30: Lawyers Reveal Their Real-Life Horror Stories
Content Warning: This episode contains some themes of domestic and family violence. If you or someone you know needs crisis support, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.In this special Halloween-themed episode of This Week in Family Law, our lawyers reveal real-life horror stories from their time in practice. From terrifying encounters with self-represented litiga
Ep 29: Does Time Really Equal Money in Family Law?
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including the launch of the NFLC App and the expiry of four Court forms.In Law in Motion, we answer the question 'does time really equal money in family law'. And in Case Note Corner we break down the 2026 case of Armando & Armando (No 2) which covers what happens to final property order
Ep 28: Pets in Family Law - Property or Family?
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including the arrest of former Bachelor, Sam Wood, on domestic violence charges and funding for twelve projects designed to address technology-facilitated abuse.In Law in Motion, we break down pets in family law before and after the 2025 amendments, and take a look at the court dog program. In Case No
Ep 27: Fake Evidence, Real Risks - Deepfakes in Family Law
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including a new free service to help sexual violence survivors and the QLS 2026 Member Survey.In Law in Motion, we look into AI and Deepfakes in Family Law, the risks involved and how lawyers can approach evidence that may not be legitimate. Plus, in Case Note Corner, we go through a recent case that
Ep 26: Running on Empty - Burnout in Family Law
Content Warning: This episode discusses burnout, workplace stress, mental health, emotional exhaustion and the psychological impacts of working in the legal profession. Some listeners may find these topics distressing. Please take care while listening and seek support if needed.If you or someone you know needs crisis support, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.In
Bonus: The Lindsay Clancy Case - Mental Health & Warning Signs
Content warning: This episode discusses the deaths of children, mental health, postpartum mental illness and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we take a look at the Lindsay Clancy case through an Australian family law lens, including some tips for how famil
Ep 25: Can lawyers build better software than developers?
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including and update in the case of Caldwell & Caldwell and an FCFCOA statement in response to media articles published by the Herald Sun and other news outlets.In Law in Motion, we look at the phenomenon of vibe coding and how lawyers can and are using it to create their own software to optimise
Bonus: National Enforcement List - What family lawyers need to know
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, The Honourable Garry Watts and family lawyer Amelia Cox speak about the establishment of the new National Enforcement List, with its own dedicated registrar and email filing address, and the complexities of Part 11.1 of the FCFCOA Rules.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:50 - National Enforcement List19:20 - OutroDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for
Ep 24: Posted online, used in court: Social media as evidence
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore the growing role of social media as evidence in family law proceedings. We look at recent cases where social media posts, photos and online activity have been relied upon in Court, and discuss what practitioners need to consider when social media becomes part of a family law matter.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:54 - What's Up? - Updates i
Ep 23: Confessions of anonymous lawyers: Toxic workplaces in law
Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of toxic workplace environments, bullying, harassment, workplace conflict and the mistreatment of legal professionals. Some listeners may find these topics confronting or distressing. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we speak to two lawyers who have been impacted by toxic workplaces in the legal industry,
Ep 22: Patterns we can’t ignore - The data behind domestic violence
Content warning: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, including statistics relating to domestic violence. If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence, support is available from 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or at 1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family
Ep 21: Cryptocurrency and hidden assets
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including the 2026 NSW Law Society Council Election and the upcoming Rural, Regional and Remote conference.In Law in Motion, we take a deep dive into Cryptocurrency and hidden assets, and look at the four main questions practitioners need to be asking themselves when dealing with these types of assets
Ep 20: Sofia Vergara's frozen embryo dispute
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including the FLS Expert Conference in Canberra, the Law Society of NSW AI Hub Resource and the High Court finding that secret recordings can be used as evidence in DV cases.In Law in Motion, we explore the legalities behind Sofia Vergara's frozen embryo dispute with ex-husband Nick Loeb, plus so
Ep 19: Hague Convention - What happens when a parent flees with the kids?
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including 2026 national and state statistics on marriages and divorces, Webex divorce hearings, and the recent non-compliance case of Catlin and Catlin.In Law in Motion, we explore the Hague Convention cases behind the controversial 60 minutes episode titled 'The Point of No Return' and the
Bonus: What's Up? The last two months in family law
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the all the latest updates in Australian family law that occurred during our break, including State Budgets and their impact of their respective courts, the NSW Supreme Court's new Instagram account, and all the latest on AI in Family Law.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:34 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this weekDisclaime
Ep 18: Lawyers reveal their crazy client stories
In our first episode for Season 2 of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including updates to court transcripts, new judicial appointments, fee increases, and the FCFCOA's response to a controversial 60 Minutes report. In Law in Motion, each of our hosts tells a crazy client story that has stuck with them to this day. From explicit photos for evidenc
Bonus: The psychology of parenting disputes with Dr Catherine Boland
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we take you back to our inaugural Family Law Forum Conference, where we spoke with clinical psychologist and Director of The Relationspace, Dr Catherine Boland, to explore the psychology behind parenting disputes. Dr Boland shares her insights on high-conflict parenting matters, the impact of anxiety and overprotection on children, and what family lawyer
Bonus: Courts compared - Family law in Australia vs the UK
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we chat to UK family lawyer Katie Phillips to compare the differences in family law between Australia and the United Kingdom. Katie describes her path to becoming a family lawyer in the UK, and reveals some key differences in de facto relationships, no-fault divorce, family violence, spousal maintenance and more.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction2:08 - F
Bonus: Estoppel, power in interim orders, fate of Robb & Robb
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss topics that have been given some airtime with recent Full Court and Div 1 decisions including estoppel in property cases where there have been findings about family violence in earlier proceedings, identifying the power when making interim financial orders, and the fate of Robb & Robb after the 2025 property amendments. This is part
Bonus: Pleadings, Harman obligations, restraining lawyers, and crypto
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss topics that have been given some airtime with recent Full Court and Div 1 decisions including pleadings, Harman obligations, restraining lawyers, and cryptocurrency. This is part one of a two-part series with The Honourable Garry Watts AM.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:58 - Pleadings6:42 - Harman obligations11:08 - Restraining lawyers15:4
Bonus: Inside LEAP AI - Use cases, benefits and security
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we dive into the AI technology in LEAP Legal Software, including use cases for tools such as LawY, Matter AI and Ruffle. We also discuss the security and privacy guardrails set up around the artificial intelligence in LEAP to ensure it meets the strict regulations of the legal industry. LEAP's AI is purpose-built for law firms ensuring it is m
Bonus: FCFCOA practice direction on the use of AI
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the release of a new practice direction from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on the use of Artificial Intelligence, which provides guidance on the responsible use of AI by all court users, including parties, lawyers and private experts. The practice direction aims to maintain public confidence in court process, ensure that th
Ep 17: Lies, retainers and when to walk
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including a farewell to the Honourable Justice Aldridge, a new AI practice note from the Supreme Court of Victoria, a landmark Canadian decision recognising a new tort of intimate partner violence, and the Court's new robing policy. For Ethics with Elena, we dive into what to do when your client
Bonus: Federal budget & cuts to Legal Aid NSW
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the 2026 federal budget and the cuts to Legal Aid NSW, including what they mean for vulnerable Australians navigating the family law system.From 1 July 2026, Legal Aid NSW will significantly tighten eligibility for family law representation, leaving many people with disabilities, older Australians, and those from culturally and linguisti
Ep 16: The surrogacy surge: Local laws, global babies
In this episode, we cover the Federal Circuit and Family Court's new pilot of electronic divorce hearings by video, the Court's AI Transparency Statement, the Law Council of Australia's warning that children's voices are at risk as the family law safety net frays, and a Treasury consultation on preventing perpetrators from accessing victims' superannuation death benefits.I
Ep 15: Defending the accused: Financial control in family law
In this episode, we cover the Senate inquiry into domestic, family and sexual violence and suicide, the Children's Online Privacy Code consultation, and perfectionism in the legal profession.In Law in Motion, we explore financial control and economic abuse as family violence, what it looks like in practice, and best practice tips for acting for the alleged perpetrator. In Case Note Corner, we
Ep 14: The dangers of AI to young lawyers
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the demonstration hosted by US-based AI company Anthropic for its new legal plugin, which attracted 20,000 registrations from lawyers, as well as a controversial new celebrity endorsement for legal AI.In Law in Motion, we explore how AI is reshaping how junior lawyers develop professional judgment and discuss some practical actions both junior
Ep 13: Weaponised court proceedings
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we delve into the Use of Generative AI Practice Note from the Federal Court of Australia. In Law in Motion, we explore how court proceedings can be weaponised against your client and what you can do to reduce the risk of this occurring.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:44 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week4:24 - Law in Motion - Weaponise
Ep 12: Managing difficult personalities in family law
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs as well as a scam divorce website warning in WA. In Law in Motion, we explore how to manage different personality types in family law including over-anxious mums, alpha male clients, and alienating parents. Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:49 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this
Ep 11: Is the family law system broken or just misunderstood?
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore key family law updates in Australia, including a survey for the evaluation of the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and an article on the successful court dog program that has been trialed across 11 NSW courts.In Law in Motion, we explore public perception that the Family Law system is Australia is broken and how lawyers can help clients understan
Ep 10: Kim & Kanye's Divorce: Mental health in family law
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore key family law updates in Australia, including a Sydney lawyer who was ordered to repay a council millions and an article from the Law Institute of Victoria urging Junior lawyers to stand out with strong AI skills.In Case Note Corner, we explore the case of Kim Kardashian and Kanye's divorce, and how Kanye's mental health affected pr
Ep 9: This one email got a lawyer referred for misconduct
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore key family law updates in Australia, including NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics, Update to Court Forms, and a new AI tool for self-represented litigants.In our new segment 'Ethics with Elena', we explore the case of Jennings & Barrese [2025], where the legal practitioner was found to have breached the South Australian legal practit
Bonus: First criminal conviction under coercive control laws
In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the case of Police v Fairleigh, which resulted in the first ever criminal conviction under the coercive control laws that came into effect in New South Wales in 2024, including the implications it might have for family lawyers moving forward.Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It doe
Ep 8: 50 years of family law: The evolution of the FCFCOA
In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore the latest family law updates in Australia, and explore the evolution of Family Law in Australia in honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Plus, Deena presents a Case Note Corner exploring the 2025 case of Walsh & Walsh.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:48 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law
Ep 7: Spousal maintenance in Kelly Clarkson divorce
1. What's Up: Updates in Family Law for the week 2. Law in Motion: A pop culture twist on spousal maintenance 3. Your Questions Answered Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Ep 6: Dealing with a client that uses AI
1. Law in Motion: Dealing with a client that uses AI 2. What's Up: Updates in Family Law for the week 3. Your Questions Answered Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You shoul
Ep 5: Inside the Family Law Forum Conference 2026
1. Interview with Jahan Kalantar 2. Interview with Michael Kearney SC 3. Interview with Liz Kofoed Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice be
Ep 4: Who really wins out of marriage and divorce?
1. Law in Motion - Who really wins out of marriage and divorce?2. What's up - Updates in Family Law for the week3. Case Note Corner - Re Andrews Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumst
Ep 3: The less acknowledged triggering dates in family law
What's Up - Updates in Family Law for the weekLaw in Motion - The less acknowledged triggering dates in Family LawYour Questions Answered Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Ep 2: Dealing with technology facilitated abuse
What's Up: Thank you and updates for this week Law in Motion: Technology Facilitated Abuse Your Questions Answered Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek indepe
Ep 1: Tackling AI in family law
What's Up: Introductions and updates for 2026 Law in Motion: A discussion about AI in Family Law Your Questions answered Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek
Introducing our hosts
This Week in Family law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers who want to stay updated without the overwhelm. In this preview episode, we introduce all five of our hosts and hear about what made them go into the legal industry.A new episode of This Week in Family Law will be dropping every Monday. Tune in to stay up to date with all the latest updates in Family Law in Australia.
