Barton Family Lawyers

13/10/2026

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/child/can-i-stop-my-child-seeing-the-other-parent-if-theres-family-violence/

Can I stop my child seeing the other parent because of family violence? Learn what to do if there are no orders and what the court considers.

05/10/2026

Divorce usually starts long before anyone files paperwork.

It can start with a feeling that something is wrong.

Then comes the private questioning.

*Can this be fixed?*
*Am I unhappy enough to leave?*
*What would life look like if I did?*

Then comes the decision.

Then the practical steps.

Then the reality of actually going through separation.

And eventually, the stage people often underestimate most: **what happens after the legal process is over.**

In our latest article, we explore the **six stages of divorce** and what each stage can look like emotionally, practically and legally.

Because where you are in the process matters.

The advice you need when you are quietly contemplating separation is very different from the advice you need once parenting, property or financial negotiations are underway.

And sometimes simply understanding **what stage you are in** can help you make clearer decisions about what comes next.

Read the full article here:
https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/considering-separation-read-this-first/the-six-stages-of-divorce-where-are-you-in-the-process/

Learn about the six stages of divorce and understand the significance of each stage in your separation journey.

01/10/2026

We’ve made it easier to get general family law information when you need it.

Our new website information tool can help you:

- get answers to common family law questions

- learn more about property settlement and parenting matters

- understand our services and reduced-rate initial consultations

- work out when it may be worth speaking one of our experienced family lawyers

You can access it directly through the chat on our website, on the bottom right-hand side of your phone screen.

It provides general information only, not legal advice. If you need advice about your particular circumstances, our team can help you with that through an initial consultation.

Visit Barton Family Lawyers and try it out.

28/09/2026

Divorce does not always begin with one dramatic event.

Sometimes, the earliest warning sign is simply absence.

Less conversation.

Less affection.

Less curiosity.

Less time together.

Less of the person you used to be in the relationship.

In our latest article, we look at the early warning signs a marriage may be heading towards separation, including the difference between a relationship changing by design or by default, the contemplative stage of divorce, and the deeper signs that a marriage may no longer be allowing either person to live authentically.

We also explore when repeated cycles, hidden realities, abuse, or a “shrinking marriage” may signal something more serious.

Sometimes happily ever after means together.

Sometimes it means happily ever after separately.

Read the full article here:

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/considering-separation-read-this-first/the-warning-signs-your-marriage-is-headed-for-divorce/

Learn the warning signs your marriage is headed for divorce. If any of the 5 categories apply to you, divorce is necessary or unavoidable.

24/09/2026

https://youtu.be/XBmNRPx7kvQ?si=-mxMAUmYf7nbGjor

You wouldn't believe the amount of times Mel has asked to do an epi...

21/09/2026

14/09/2026

Divorcing a narcissist — what actually matters in family law?

It’s a term we hear regularly from clients:

“My ex is a narcissist.”

But in family law, the label itself is rarely the most important part.

What matters is the behaviour.

Is there a pattern of coercion or control?

Is the behaviour continuing after separation?

Is parenting being used as another avenue to maintain control?

What impact is it having on the other parent — and indirectly, on the children?

And importantly, what evidence is there of what has actually been occurring?

A parent doesn’t necessarily need to pose a direct physical risk to a child for their behaviour to be relevant. Ongoing coercive and controlling behaviour towards the other parent can affect that parent's wellbeing and capacity to parent — and ultimately affect the child.

The same principle applies to property settlement. The question isn't simply whether someone is a “narcissist”, but whether there has been family violence and what effect that behaviour has had.

Our latest article looks beyond the label and explains what actually matters in family law when you are separating from a narcissistic or controlling partner.

Divorcing a narcissist? Learn what matters in family law, including coercive control, evidence, parenting arrangements & property settlement.

10/09/2026

Can your former partner access your private medical or counselling records during family law proceedings?

For victim-survivors of family violence, the thought of a former partner accessing years of private conversations with doctors, psychologists, counsellors or support services can be incredibly confronting.

Changes to the Family Law Act, which commenced in June 2025, introduced new protections for certain sensitive and confidential information.

The reforms recognise an important concern: that the family law system can itself be used as a means of abuse, including by seeking access to a former partner’s private records and potentially using that information against them.

A recent case, Trevas & Trevas [2026] FedCFamC2F 404, shows these new protections in action.

In that case, the Court upheld a mother’s objections to four subpoenas seeking sensitive records. Some records were ordered not to be produced, while records that had already been provided to the Court Registry were ordered to be **destroyed**.

Importantly, the Court also recognised that simply restricting the records to the lawyers may not eliminate the risk of the information being used, or “weaponised”, during the proceedings.

We look at the new protections, why Parliament introduced them, and what the decision could mean for victim-survivors of family violence.

Read the full article:

new protections can prevent sensitive family violence medical records being accessed/used in some cases. Learn what this means for you.

03/09/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Camille!

We’re excited to congratulate Camille Bosker on her promotion to Associate at Barton Family Lawyers.

A well-deserved recognition of Camille’s hard work, dedication and commitment to our clients and team.

Congratulations, Camille — we’re very proud to have you as part of BFL!