Posts by DMA
Mobile Phone Driving Charges in South Australia Under Scrutiny After Court Ruling
A recent decision by a South Australian Magistrate has raised serious questions as to how police prosecute mobile phone use while driving charges. The Magistrate dismissed a charge against a driver, finding the prosecution’s evidence insufficient to prove the offence. This ruling has raised questions about the burden of proof in these cases and may…
Read MoreWhen “My Children” Isn’t Clear: An Estate Dispute Over an Adopted-Out Daughter
When a woman left her estate to “her children,” a surprising question arose: did that include a daughter who was adopted out at birth? This recent case highlights how family secrets and unclear wording in a will can lead to costly and emotional legal battles. The Secret Daughter: A Hidden Chapter in the Family Story…
Read MoreWhen Can Final Parenting Orders Be Changed? Understanding the Court’s Inconsistent Approach
In May 2024, significant amendments to Australia’s Family Law system came into effect, introducing section 65DAAA into the Family Law Act 1975. This new provision was intended to clarify the rules around when final parenting orders can be reconsidered. However, recent court decisions have revealed inconsistencies in how this section is being interpreted and applied,…
Read MoreMother Breached Court Orders by Secret Child Baptism
A recent decision of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has brought into sharp focus the serious consequences that can arise when a parent makes major decisions about their child’s life without consulting the other parent. In this case, a mother was found to have breached court orders by having her young child…
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