Nicholes Family Lawyers

24/07/2026

Helping your child buy their first home? Make sure your generosity is protected.

Informal arrangements can quickly become costly disputes, especially when family law matters arise. A little legal advice upfront can save a lot of heartache down the track.

Reach out to our team at Nicholes Family Lawyers to make sure the right protections are in place.

24/07/2026

Facing a child protection matter?

In our latest Youtube video, Associate Michael Osrin breaks down how child protection works in Victoria, from DFFH investigations to Children's Court orders and how it all intersects with family law.

Whether you're a parent, carer or concerned family member, understanding your rights and obligations from the outset is essential.

Watch now via the link below.

Child protection in Victoria is a complex area of law that can have...

23/07/2026

A significant milestone for human rights in Victoria. We're proud to mark 20 years of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities - and to support the ongoing work to strengthen it for all Victorians.

23/07/2026

Principal Lawyer Bec Dahl joined Presenter Warren Andrew on JOY 94.9's "Your Law Talk" earlier this month to discuss child support and parenting arrangements during the school holidays.

The conversation covered the practical and legal issues parents face when holiday routines disrupt the usual care pattern, including adjusting parenting schedules, managing additional costs, and negotiating fair, child focused variations to child support. Bec also spoke to recording agreements properly, knowing when to seek legal advice, and managing disputes so children are shielded from conflict.

Listen to the segment here: https://joy.org.au/joydrive/2026/07/11/bec-dahl-law-talk-school-holidays-child-support-and-parenting-arrangements/

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16/07/2026

Caldwell examined whether family discretionary trusts were ‘property’ under section 79 of the Family Law Act. The Full Court majority found the husband’s unexercised but unimpeded control and capacity to benefit himself sufficed, overturning the primary judge. Strum J dissented, requiring actual present control. The law remains fact-specific and unsettled.

Read the full analysis on our blog to see what Caldwell means for family trusts, intergenerational wealth and property settlements here: https://nicholeslaw.com.au/when-is-a-trust-property-caldwell-and-the-treatment-of-discretionary-trusts/

16/07/2026

On Monday 27 July, a national AusAlert test will send a loud siren‑like warning to compatible phones across Australia – even if they’re on silent or do not disturb.

For many people experiencing domestic and family violence, a hidden phone is a lifeline: it’s how they safely contact services, friends or emergency help without an abusive partner knowing.

During the test, that hidden device may make a loud sound and become visible.
If you or someone you support relies on a concealed phone or device, it’s worth planning ahead – consider turning it off or switching to aeroplane mode before the test, keeping it off for a safe period afterwards, or storing it somewhere out of earshot.

AusAlert is an important step forward for keeping communities safe in emergencies. By planning ahead, we can help make sure it also works safely for people living with domestic and family violence.

To learn more, click here: https://www.mamamia.com.au/ausalert-domestic-violence-warning/

16/07/2026

On Monday 27 July, a national AusAlert test will send a loud siren‑like warning to compatible phones across Australia – even if they’re on silent or do not disturb.
For many people experiencing domestic and family violence, a hidden phone is a lifeline: it’s how they safely contact services, friends or emergency help without an abusive partner knowing. During the test, that hidden device may make a loud sound and become visible.
If you or someone you support relies on a concealed phone or device, it’s worth planning ahead – consider turning it off or switching to aeroplane mode before the test, keeping it off for a safe period afterwards, or storing it somewhere out of earshot.
AusAlert is an important step forward for keeping communities safe in emergencies. By planning ahead, we can help make sure it also works safely for people living with domestic and family violence.
To learn more, click here: https://www.mamamia.com.au/ausalert-domestic-violence-warning/

For some, a phone is supposed to stay hidden. Prepare now, not later.

15/07/2026

In our most recent YouTube video, Senior Associate Danie Mellas, talks through how you can best protect your inheritance from being lost in a divorce.

To learn more about these preventative measures click the link in bio to watch the video or contact our office to arrange a consultation.

14/07/2026

With the May budget preserving the tax-free status of the family home and the cost of living continuing to rise, the bank of mum and dad is becoming an increasingly popular way to help children buy a home.

While this can be a great way to accelerate your child's wealth, informal loan agreements that are never put into writing can lead to adverse consequences later in life.

In the recent article "These five disasters show how the bank of mum and dad can go wrong," wealth reporter Andrew Hobbs outlines the legal risks that arise when financial promises are backed by nothing more than a handshake.

To read the five lessons you can take away from providing financial assistance to your child while keeping the wealth in the family, click here to access the full article: https://www.afr.com/wealth/personal-finance/these-five-disasters-show-how-the-bank-of-mum-and-dad-can-go-wrong-20260529-p601yf?utm_content=these_five_disasters_show_how_the_bank_of_mum_and_dad_can_go_wrong&promote_channel=edmail&utm_campaign=Markets&utm_medium=newsroom_newsletter&utm_source=afr-need-to-know&utm_term=newsroom

The key takeaway is that seeking legal advice early can save families thousands of dollars in disputes down the line. If you are considering helping a family member into the property market, our team at Nicholes Family Lawyers can help you put the right protections in place.

14/07/2026

Kylie Barnes is twelve weeks into training for the 96km Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea, mentoring young people through the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program.

This year the program is supporting 12 at-risk young people from Geelong’s secondary schools, many facing disconnection from education, mental health struggles, homelessness or family challenges. Over 20 weeks of training, mentors and students build the fitness and resilience needed to walk the Kokoda Trail together, guided by the pillars of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.

Nicholes Family Lawyers is proud to sponsor a young person through this year’s program.

If you would like to help make this journey possible, donate via Kylie’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/621ca75ce