News - Kavanagh Family Lawyers Perth

Family Court of WA Confirms that Gay Dads are on an Equal Legal Footing re Children if they separate

Apr 14, 2022

In a recent decision Gornik and Thorburn [2022] FCWA 77 the Family Court of Western Australia confirmed that after separation, both the biological and non-biological gay dad start on an equal legal footing when it comes to rights re caring for and spending time with the child.

The push for fertility law overhaul so gay men can become parents

Dec 21, 2021

Did you know WA’s in-vitro fertilisation and surrogacy laws are the only ones in Australia that deny access to same-sex male couples?

Family Violence and COVID-19

Apr 8, 2020

Staying at home has been touted as the solution to slowing the spread of COVID-19, but this also increases risk for victims of family violence. Yesterday, the McGowan Government acknowledged this heightened risk by passing amendments to restraining order legislation.

Shared custody & the Coronavirus outbreak

Mar 19, 2020

Family lawyers are being asked how best to manage shared custody arrangements given that people are being encouraged to observe social distancing and isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.

Making sure your international holiday is lawful when you’re separated

Mar 3, 2020

Planning a holiday for yourself and your kids can be fun and exciting – but it can also be illegal if you haven’t obtained the consent of your ex-partner.

Don’t damage your case online – social media and Family Court proceedings

Mar 3, 2020

If you have ongoing proceedings in the Family Court then you should always be aware that what you share online can make its way into the courtroom and this can have disastrous consequences.

How to separate with grace – Marty Kavanagh on ABC Radio Perth

Feb 18, 2020

Kavanagh Lawyers Principal, Marty Kavanagh, was on ABC Radio Perth on 17 February 2020 speaking about how to separate with grace. You can listen to the full segment by clicking here.

When enough is enough: applying for a violence restraining order

Jan 6, 2020

There are two main types of violence restraining orders in Western Australia: Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVRO) and Violence Restraining Orders (VRO). Both require an application to your local Magistrates Court or possibly the Children’s Court.

What is family violence?

Jan 6, 2020

When most people think of family violence, they envisage physical harm being inflicted on another person. Under the Family Law Act and the Restraining Orders Act, the definition of family violence is much more expansive.

I’m thinking of separating, what should I do?

Jan 5, 2020

January and February are the months when many people who have not separated, seek legal advice about where they stand if they decide to separate. Here are a few pointers to get you through the holiday season.