Approximately one out of every three marriages and de facto relationships in Australia end in divorce or separation. And just like the relationships that preceded them, every separation is unique. Some are amicable and relatively easy, whereas others end up being complicated, drawn-out, and emotionally draining. One of the main reasons why many separations and divorces become so problematic is the property settlement process.

With around one-third of all marriages ending in divorce, blended families have become increasingly common throughout Australia. With marriages, divorces, separations, and de facto relationships, families are now much more complex structures which often invariably include biological offspring, adopted children, and one or more stepchildren.

The trauma of childhood sexual abuse is significantly devastating for all survivors. When child sexual abuse occurs in institutional contexts, it has a profoundly complex and wide-ranging influence on their childhood and throughout their adult lives.

AJB Stevens Lawyers have filed Supreme Court Representative Proceedings (“class action”) against Boston Scientific Corporation and Boston Scientific Pty Ltd (“Boston Scientific”) for a large group of women who have suffered debilitating injuries caused by mesh implants distributed by Boston Scientific. Proceedings have been commenced in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. 

Marriage doesn’t always last – and if you are going through a separation, firstly, understand that you’re not alone. In Australia, 30% of first-time marriages and 60% of second marriages end in divorce. One of the biggest problems when couples separate, particularly for those who own a home together, is determining who is moving out, who is staying and who pays the mortgage. 

The purpose of the National Redress Scheme is to acknowledge the impact of institutional child sexual abuse on victims. 

The death of a parent is traumatic and whether due to stress, grief or greed, sibling disputes are common. In fact, they are the most common cause of Will disputes. It doesn’t matter how close the siblings were throughout the life of their parents, if someone deems the Will to be unfair, it can cause a bitter fight. In turn, this can lead to a long and expensive legal affair. 

When you get married or enter into a de-facto relationship, you generally do so because you expect to be spending your lives together. You begin to merge bank accounts, superannuation, you might buy a car together, pets, and a home. 

The National Redress Scheme was created as a support system for those coping with the lifelong, devastating consequences of child sexual abuse at the hands of an institution. Adult survivors struggle long after the abuse takes place and this scheme is both a mechanism for compensation and support. It was created on the back of the Royal Commission on sexual abuse, an inquiry that reviewed child abuse laws Australia and found rampant child sexual abuse at institutions such as schools, youth facilities, and churches. 

A superannuation fund is one method by which Australians can save for their retirement. Your employer sets aside money, 9.5% of your wage, for every year that you work and it is supposed to provide you with a fund to live off of once you retire. The more money you save, the more you will have to rely on when your retirement years roll around. You can withdraw money when you turn 65 or when you retire.