5 Family Law Reforms You Need to Know for 2025 Splits

If you’re going through a separation in 2025, it’s important to know about these 2025 Family Law Reforms in Australia.

As of 10 June 2025, the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 introduced several important reforms that aim to make family law fairer, more transparent, and more child- and client-focused.

Whether you’re navigating parenting arrangements or working through a property settlement, these updates are worth knowing. Continue reading for the 2025 Family Law Reforms in Australia, and how they might affect your family law matter.

1. Amendments to the Framework for Determining Property Settlements

The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) now includes a clearer framework by codifying aspects of relevant case law to clarify how property settlements should be determined. 

The process for determining a property settlement includes:

• Identifying all assets and liabilities of the parties to determine the property pool; 
• Assessing each party’s contributions, including financial, non-financial, parenting and homemaker contributions during the relationship; 
• Assessing each party’s current and future circumstances, including but not limited to each party’s age, health, income and earning capacity, the care and housing needs of children, family violence, wastage and financial resources; and
• Determining whether the Orders are just and equitable.

2. Pets Are Now Recognised in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

One of the most talked-about changes is the new recognition of Pets in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

Previously, pets were not recognised in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). This meant that any agreement reached between couples, also could not be recognised formally or legally enforced by way of Court Orders. Disputes also often came down to who paid the pet’s expense, whose name was on the ownership documents, and whose possession the pet was in. This changed from 10 June 2025.

Under the new framework, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can now make interim and final orders about a pet, including orders by consent. 

Read more about this change in our recent blog

3. Greater Emphasis on Safety and Family Violence in Property Matters

Courts are placing increased importance on family violence, including economic and financial abuse in property settlements. Since 10 June 2025, the economic effect of family violence must be considered when determining the division of property and finances following the breakdown of a relationship. The impact of family violence may be relevant in property matters when assessing a person’s contributions to the asset pool and in assessing their current and future circumstances. 

Section 4AB of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) has also been amended to more clearly recognise economic and financial abuse as forms of family violence. 

4. More Accessible and Informal Court Process

The Court is being encouraged to take a less adversarial approach in both parenting and property matters.

There is a push for clear communication, early resolution, and reduced conflict. This includes the Court using technology to facilitate remote attendance where there are allegations of family violence.

This amendment supports families to resolve disputes more peacefully, often without the stress and cost of drawn-out court proceedings.

5. New Disclosure Obligations in Property Matters

Parties now have stricter duties under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to provide full and frank disclosure of all relevant financial information and documents. Failing to do so can result in serious consequences. These consequences may include cost orders, adverse findings in your property settlement and punishment for contempt of Court.

Transparency is essential for fair outcomes. If you are unsure about what you need to disclose, early legal advice is key.

Support Through Change

The 2025 family law reforms are part of a wider effort to make the legal process less stressful, more respectful, and better aligned with the realities of modern families.

If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your situation, it’s important to get clear, compassionate advice.

Read more about the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) on 10 June 2025.

Speak With a Trusted Family Law Team

At De Saxe O’Neill, we’re here to help you understand your rights and protect your wellbeing. We stay across every legal update, so you don’t have to.

Contact our team to talk about your options and how the 2025 reforms might affect your separation, property settlement, or parenting matter.