Below are articles and papers which I have published, and other papers which I think are worthwhile. If you have come across a paper of interest, please do not hesitate to bring it to my attention.
Share the Knowledge
Family lawyers involved in financial matters are really undertaking forced estate planning. As such, they and the financial experts also involved need to come to grips with the full ramifications of their work in this regard.
This booklet covers the strategies that need to be understood by family lawyers when negotiating a family law property settlement or formulating orders to be made by the Family Court. Accountants and financial planners may also find this booklet of assistance when creating a financial plan for their clients. With care, the inevitable financial loss to both parties can be kept to a minimum, and unwanted revenue expenses can be avoided. Failure to take such issues into account can have disastrous consequences for the client, with a corresponding negligence action against the professional adviser.
This booklet was first published for the Australian Family Lawyer’s National Convention in October 1998, and has been constantly updated.
Tax issues in Family Law – the difference between hacking and carving - 14th Edition (2025)
This article explores the risks parents face when advancing money to their children and in-laws, particularly the tension between gifts and loans in family law. It highlights how Binding Financial Agreements can safeguard parental advances from being lost or diluted if a couple separates
Bank of Mum and Dad
Child Maintenance Trusts are flexible. Established after separation, they provide long-term options for managing family wealth. Surplus income can also be directed to wider beneficiaries, enhancing their practicality.
Child Maintenance Trusts
Note that the situations below are relevant to all domestic relationships – married, de facto and same sex relationships are under the Family Law umbrella The answers are a broad summary only, and may not apply in your particular case. Proper legal advice must be obtained.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST BY OTHER AUTHORS
Drafting Enforceable Financial Agreements Between Family Members
Financial Agreements: still worth the candle?