Course overview
The aim of this course is to give students an understanding of the principles and processes of Australian family law and to consider the historical and current social and policy issues underpinning it. Introduction to the Australian family law system; creation and dissolution of Marriage; methods of dispute resolution; the Court's obligations with respect to children; decision-making for children after parental separation; special issues in children's matters; recognition of property rights in non-marriage relationships; division of property after relationship separation; child support and partner maintenance; other financial issues.
Course learning outcomes
- Discuss and evaluate the institutional framework for the resolution of family law disputes.
- Reflect on how the courts operate in practice and how the court system affects families and those who work within it.
- Explain the law, key reform debates and policy issues on the topics covered.
- Critically analyse legal and procedural aspects of family law.
- Discuss relevant contextual material and academic literature.
- Identify issues, discuss and apply the relevant law to hypothetical family law disputes.