At law, each parent has the obligation to financially support their children, until they attain the age of 18 or conclude their secondary education, to the extent that each of them has the financial capacity to do so.

It goes without saying that modern day relationships can be complicated. How do you know if you are in a casual relationship or if you have embarked upon something more serious (perhaps without realising)?

You can make an application for Divorce (individually or jointly with your Husband or Wife) if your marriage has irretrievably broken down and after you have been separated for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

Separated parties who have reached agreement (whether in relation to property, parenting or both) can document or formalise that agreement in two ways: 1. Consent Orders; or 2. A Financial Agreement.

It is commonly accepted that children who have less conflict between their parents do better. You are encouraged to focus upon the best interests of your children (which are paramount) and to endeavour to resolve issues between you and only use Court proceedings as a last resort.

The legislation with respect to altruistic surrogacy arrangements differs in each State and Territory in Australia.  Commercial surrogacy arrangements are currently prohibited and not recognised throughout Australia and, in some jurisdictions (New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory), it is considered a criminal offence to intentionally enter into a commercial surrogacy arrangement.