This Week in Family Law

LEAP Family Law

This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Each week, we discuss the latest industry news, deep dive into family law topics, analyse cases, and answer questions from family lawyers. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

  1. 3d ago ·  Bonus Video

    Bonus: What's Up? The last two months in family law

    In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the all the latest updates in Australian family law that occurred during our break, including State Budgets and their impact of their respective courts, the NSW Supreme Court's new Instagram account, and all the latest on AI in Family Law. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Topics covered in this episode: - Is AI Eroding the Legal Apprenticeship? - The Supreme Court of NSW Is Now on Instagram - NSW LPAB Interim Report on PLT Reform - LIV: Family Law Court Program Offers an Insider's Perspective - FCFCOA Recruiting a Director of AI Innovation and Transformation - Courts 'Left Behind' in the NSW Budget (24 June) - QLS Welcomes Queensland Budget Boost (23 June) - Law Society SA: 'Justice Denied' in the State Budget (5 June) - Foundation to Boost Indigenous Legal Practitioners (9 July) - QLS Campaign on AI-Generated 'Legal Advice' - LIV: How Good Supervision Supports a Thriving Profession - LIV: Top AI Pitfalls in Law and How to Avoid Them Links: Is AI Eroding the Legal Apprenticeship? https://lsj.com.au/articles/is-ai-eroding-the-legal-apprenticeship/ The Supreme Court of NSW Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nswsupremecourt/?hl=en NSW LPAB Interim Report on PLT Reform https://supremecourt.nsw.gov.au/documents/media/Interim-Report-PLT-20260313.pdf LIV: Family Law Court Program Offers an Insider's Perspective https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/07july/family-law-court-program-offers-insiders-perspective.aspx FCFCOA Recruiting a Director of AI Innovation and Transformation https://fcajobs.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=933349FE-E6B6-B961-651E-ED1FA092A08D&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=677CD450-FC33-84A3-A68E-E3BF25CFF5ED&JobListID=D88C9D6E-258B-7949-72C3-E3BF25DC4B1B&jobsListKey=f37d3b12-d436-41ab-a927-c989beaf5291&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,JobListID,jobsListKey,JobID&lid=24342500044&rmuh=35FB2755B43F18BF1C54843D1D41B3F9ABF21AB3 Courts 'Left Behind' in the NSW Budget (24 June) https://www.lawsociety.com.au/courts-left-behind-nsw-budget-infrastructure-bonanza QLS Welcomes Queensland Budget Boost (23 June) https://www.qls.com.au/news-media-advocacy/qls-welcomes-budget-boost Law Society SA: 'Justice Denied' in the State Budget (5 June) https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/site/news-media-and-advocacy/media-releases/Justice-denied-in-State-Budget.aspx?name=Justice-denied-in-State-Budget Foundation to Boost Indigenous Legal Practitioners (9 July) https://www.lawsociety.com.au/publications-and-resources/news-media-releases/foundation-boost-indigenous-legal-practitioners QLS Campaign on AI-Generated 'Legal Advice' https://www.qlsproctor.com.au/2026/05/qls-launches-campaign-to-address-risks-of-ai-generated-legal-advice/ LIV: How Good Supervision Supports a Thriving Profession https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/06june/how-good-supervision-can-support-a-thriving-legal-profession.aspx LIV: Top AI Pitfalls in Law and How to Avoid Them https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/05may/strategic-insights-for-safe-use-of-ai-legal-forum-2026.aspx Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: What's Up? The last two months in family law
  2. 6d ago ·  Video

    Ep 18: Lawyers reveal their crazy client stories

    In our first episode for Season 2 of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including updates to court transcripts, new judicial appointments, fee increases, and the FCFCOA's response to a controversial 60 Minutes report.  In Law in Motion, each of our hosts tells a crazy client story that has stuck with them to this day. From explicit photos for evidence to embarrassing issues brought up in divorce proceedings, this episode has it all! Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:49 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week 9:06 - Law in Motion - Crazy client stories Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Topics covered in this episode: - Court transcripts: Courts have transitioned to interim arrangements, with in-house transcriptionists - Public statement in response to the 60 Minutes report - The point of no return - NSW practitioner's dinner - 14 August Sydney, guest speaker is The Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO - Increase to family law filing fees - 1 July 2026 - Joint Costs Advisory Committee seeking submissions on scales of legal costs recoverable in federal court - New judicial appointments - Family Court of WA advises delays for transcription services while they transition to a new provider - Fee increases in Family Court of WA from 1 July - Crazy client stories - Evidence in court - Property settlement - Divorce matters Links: Recording and transcript services update https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/latest-news/recording-transcription-100626 https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/updates-profession/recording-transcription-220626 Transcription services WA  https://familycourt.wa.gov.au/_apps/news/detail.aspx?ID=1449&uid=2548-5324-9056-5489 Order form to access transcripts https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=IwcY7uC620uqKunrmAvIVhy2_PtQcd5OuGh_ZudLE6NUQ01WNVE0V1VQRjRXWlNEVlVWVkJNVU04TCQlQCN0PWcu Public statement in response to the 60 Minutes report https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/latest-news/hague-report NSW Family Law Practitioners' Dinner  https://www.familylawsection.org.au/events/16-family-law-practitioners-dinner/2168-nsw-family-law-practitioners-dinner-21-august-2026.html Increase to family law fees FCFCOA - 1 July 2026 https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/latest-news/fl-fees-increase Increase to family law fees FCWA- 1 July 2026 https://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au/F/fees.aspx New Judges - FCFCOA  https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/the-bar/44713-fcfcoa-welcomes-three-new-judges New Judicial Officer - FCWA  https://familycourt.wa.gov.au/_apps/news/detail.aspx?ID=1448&uid=2548-5324-9056-5489 Joint Costs Advisory Committee - 2026 Call for Submissions https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/latest-news/jcac Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Ep 18: Lawyers reveal their crazy client stories
  3. Jul 19 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: The psychology of parenting disputes with Dr Catherine Boland

    In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we take you back to our inaugural Family Law Forum Conference, where we spoke with clinical psychologist and Director of The Relationspace, Dr Catherine Boland, to explore the psychology behind parenting disputes. Dr Boland shares her insights on high-conflict parenting matters, the impact of anxiety and overprotection on children, and what family lawyers can do to better support clients navigating separation. We also discuss the role of single experts, managing unrealistic client expectations, and the psychological challenges faced by professionals working in family law. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Interview with Dr Catherine Boland 11:25 - Conclusion Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Topics discussed: - The Psychology of Parenting Disputes - Parenting Capacity and Child Development - Safety vs Overprotection in Parenting Matters - High-Conflict Family Law Cases - The Re Andrews Principle - Anxiety and Hyper vigilance in Parenting Disputes - Managing Client Expectations - The Role of Single Experts - Challenging Unrealistic Client Narratives - Human Behaviour in Family Law - Psychological Wellbeing for Family Lawyers - Preventing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue - Finding Meaning in Family Law Practice Links: The learn more about The Relationspace, visit https://www.therelationspace.com.au/ Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: The psychology of parenting disputes with Dr Catherine Boland
  4. Jul 12 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Courts compared - Family law in Australia vs the UK

    In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we chat to UK family lawyer Katie Phillips to compare the differences in family law between Australia and the United Kingdom. Katie describes her path to becoming a family lawyer in the UK, and reveals some key differences in de facto relationships, no-fault divorce, family violence, spousal maintenance and more. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 2:08 - Family Law in Australia vs UK Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: Courts compared - Family law in Australia vs the UK
  5. Jun 28 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Estoppel, power in interim orders, fate of Robb & Robb

    In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss topics that have been given some airtime with recent Full Court and Div 1 decisions including estoppel in property cases where there have been findings about family violence in earlier proceedings, identifying the power when making interim financial orders, and the fate of Robb & Robb after the 2025 property amendments. This is part one of a two-part series with The Honourable Garry Watts AM. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:52 - Estoppel 5:55 - Identifying the Power in Interim Financial Orders 12:42 - The fate of Robb & Robb Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Case List: Bhaget & Sandhu (No 4) [2005] FedCFamC1F 229 (Schonell J) Damaini& Damaini [2010] FamCA 217 (Watts J) Benson and Drury [2020] FamCAFC 303 Voight and Zunino [2025] FedCFamC1A 201 ( Austin, Schonell and Curran JJ) Shinohara[2025]FedCFamC1F 122 Zschokke [1996] Fam 79;  Marchant [2012] FamCAFC 181 Nguyen [1990]HCA 9 Strahan [2011] FamCAFC 126 Harris [1993] FamCA 49 Robb and Robb [1994] FamCA 136 Cherokee & Cherokee [2005] FedCFamC1A 191 (Christie J) Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: Estoppel, power in interim orders, fate of Robb & Robb
  6. Jun 21 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Pleadings, Harman obligations, restraining lawyers, and crypto

    In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss topics that have been given some airtime with recent Full Court and Div 1 decisions including pleadings, Harman obligations, restraining lawyers, and cryptocurrency. This is part one of a two-part series with The Honourable Garry Watts AM. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:58 - Pleadings 6:42 - Harman obligations 11:08 - Restraining lawyers 15:48 - Cryptocurrency Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Case List: Fing and Ma [2025] FedCFamC1A 168 (Aldridge, Campton and Christie JJ)  Harman v Secretary of State for the Home Department [1983]1 AC 280 Hearne v Street (2008) 235 CLR 125 Kuang and Kuang [2025] FedCFamC1A 31 (Harper, Reithmuller and Strum JJ) Mihova [2005] FedC Fam C1F 113 (Behrens J) Jingyi v Chao (No 7) [2025] FedCFamC1F 184 (Harper J) Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: Pleadings, Harman obligations, restraining lawyers, and crypto
  7. Jun 8 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: Inside LEAP AI - Use cases, benefits and security

    In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we dive into the AI technology in LEAP Legal Software, including use cases for tools such as LawY, Matter AI and Ruffle. We also discuss the security and privacy guardrails set up around the artificial intelligence in LEAP to ensure it meets the strict regulations of the legal industry. LEAP's AI is purpose-built for law firms ensuring it is more accurate and more secure than open or off-the-shelf AI software. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 2:17 - Security and Privacy 6:20 - Benefits of AI for Family Lawyers 12:51 - LawY - AI Legal Research 15:01 - Matter AI 18:13 - AI Prompts 21:49 - AI in Balance Sheet+ 24:32 - AI in Parenting Calendar+ 26:20 - Ruffle - Reviewing Financial Disclosure with AI 29:49 - The Future of Legal AI Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Topics discussed: - LEAP AI - Security and Privacy - Benefits of AI for Family Lawyers - Conducting Legal Research using AI - Case Law Research with AI - Matter Insights with AI - Searching your Matter in seconds with AI - Drafting documents with AI Prompts - Automatically filling out your Balance Sheet - Asking AI about Parenting Orders in your matter - Reviewing Financial Disclosure with AI - The Future of AI in the legal industry - How AI impacts training junior lawyers Links: To learn more about LEAP AI, visit: https://www.leaplegalsoftware.com/au/features/legal-ai/ Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: Inside LEAP AI - Use cases, benefits and security
  8. Jun 1 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: FCFCOA practice direction on the use of AI

    In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the release of a new practice direction from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on the use of Artificial Intelligence, which provides guidance on the responsible use of AI by all court users, including parties, lawyers and private experts. The practice direction aims to maintain public confidence in court process, ensure that the use of AI is consistent with the proper administration of justice, and ensure any use of AI is based on principles of integrity, accuracy, accountability, compliance with professional obligations, confidentiality and safety. Chapters: 0:00 - Discussion on the FCFCOA Practice Direction on the use of AI 10:20 - The Honourable Garry Watts' Reaction to the Practice Direction Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed. About the podcast: This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday. Topics covered in this episode: - The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia's Practice Direction on the use of Artificial Intelligence - The Honourable Garry Watts' reaction to the practice direction - What lawyers need to be aware of in the practice direction - What LEAP users can expect as a result of the practice direction and if it impacts them Links: FCFCOA's Practice Direction https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/updates-profession/pd-ai Submit a question or provide feedback: Email: familylawpodcast@leap.com.au YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

    Bonus: FCFCOA practice direction on the use of AI

About

This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Each week, we discuss the latest industry news, deep dive into family law topics, analyse cases, and answer questions from family lawyers. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

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