Key changes to family law forms

Effective as of 10 June 2025, the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 brings important updates to Australia’s family law system, with a focus on financial matters and property settlements following relationship breakdowns under the Family Law Act 1975.

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The key changes that will impact couples seeking to resolve their property and financial matters include:

• Codified Property Settlement Framework
• Refined "Just and Equitable" Principle
• Incorporation of Family Violence Acknowledges
• Pet Ownership
• Expanded Arbitration Options
• Simplified Superannuation Valuation

Updates to family law forms in Smokeball

In line with these reforms and to reflect these changes, we have updated the following family law forms within Smokeball.

• Application for Consent Orders
• Case Outline Document (Final Hearing)
• Financial Statement
• Genuine Steps Certificate
• Initiating Application
• Marriage, Families and Separation (prescribed brochure)
• Questionnaire - Financial
• Reply
• Response to Initiating Application
• Subpoena - Family Law

See the full list of all the family law forms we've updated in Smokeball, or view the full release notes here.

Comprehensive information about the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 can be found on the Attorney-General Department’s website.