Barton Family Lawyers

24/08/2026

We’re proud to announce the promotions of Kiera and Chanae to Support Team Leaders at Barton Family Lawyers.

Both Kiera and Chanae have consistently demonstrated leadership, initiative and a genuine commitment to supporting those around them.

Kiera will lead our Chermside support team, while Chanae will lead our Petrie support team.

Congratulations, Kiera and Chanae!

21/08/2026

What happens to your joint bank accounts after separation?

It’s one of the practical issues that can become urgent very quickly after a relationship ends.

Can you withdraw money? Can your ex empty the account? Should you take half? What happens to an offset account? And what can you do if you’re worried significant funds are about to be removed?

In our latest article, we explain:

✔️ What happens to joint bank accounts after separation
✔️ Whether either party can withdraw joint funds
✔️ What happens if one person empties the account
✔️ Whether you should close or change joint accounts
✔️ What to consider with mortgage offset and redraw facilities
✔️ How withdrawals may be treated in a property settlement
✔️ Practical steps you can take if you are concerned funds may be removed

Importantly, having access to joint money does not necessarily determine who is ultimately entitled to keep it.

Understanding your financial position early can help you make informed decisions and protect your interests after separation.

Read the full article here 👇

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/property/what-happens-to-joint-bank-accounts-after-separation/

19/08/2026

What happens to debt when you separate?

Property settlement isn't just about dividing assets.

Mortgages, credit cards, personal loans, tax debts and other liabilities can all form part of the financial picture after separation — but that doesn't mean every debt is automatically divided 50/50.

And just because a debt is in one person's name doesn't necessarily determine how it will be treated in a property settlement.

In our latest article, we explain:

✔️ How debts are treated after separation
✔️ What happens to joint mortgages and credit cards
✔️ Whether debts in one person's name can affect the property settlement
✔️ What happens to debts incurred after separation
✔️ How gambling debts, reckless spending and other liabilities may be treated
✔️ What happens to tax and business debts

Understanding the assets and the liabilities is essential when working out the overall financial position after separation.

Read the full article here 👇

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/property/how-are-debts-divided-after-separation/

How are debts divided after separation? Learn how mortgages, credit cards, loans & other debts are treated in a property settlement.

12/08/2026

Can the Family Court order a parent to attend therapy?

Not simply because the Court considers therapy would be beneficial.

The recent Full Court decision of *Lawrence & Stephanidi [2026] FedCFamC1A 115* provides an important reminder about the limits of the Court’s power to compel a parent to undergo psychological treatment.

The case also considers a particularly significant issue: can a parent’s failure to attend therapy automatically trigger a change in where their children live?

In this case, the mother was ordered to undertake psychological treatment. If she failed to comply, self-executing orders provided that the children would live with the father, her time and communication with them would be suspended, and the father would assume sole decision-making authority.

The Full Court found those self-executing orders were “unreasonable and plainly wrong” and set them aside.

Importantly, the decision does **not** mean that a parent’s mental health, need for treatment or willingness to engage in therapy is irrelevant in parenting proceedings.

The distinction is between the Court **considering those matters when deciding what parenting arrangements are in a child’s best interests** and having a general power to **compel a parent to undergo therapy**.

We look at the decision, what it means for parents, and the practical implications for family lawyers in our latest article.

Read more below.



https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/child/family-court-order-parent-attend-therapy/

06/08/2026

Can my ex sell the house without my permission?

It's one of the most common questions we hear after separation.

Many people assume that if the house is in their former partner's name, they have no rights—or that if they jointly own the home, one person can simply decide to sell.

The reality is often more complicated.

In our latest article, we explain:
✔️ Whether your ex can sell the family home without your agreement.
✔️ What happens if the property is only in one person's name.
✔️ Whether the Court can stop a sale.
✔️ The practical steps you can take to protect your interests.

Understanding your rights early can make a significant difference.

Read the full article here:
🔗 https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/commonly-asked-questions/can-my-ex-sell-the-house-without-my-permission/

Can my ex sell the house without my permission? Learn your rights after separation if the home is jointly owned or in one person's name.

04/08/2026

⏳ How long does a property settlement actually take?

It's one of the most common questions we hear after separation—and the answer is, it depends.

Some property settlements can be resolved in a matter of months, while others take a year or more. The difference often comes down to things like financial disclosure, property valuations, negotiations and whether Court becomes necessary.

In our latest guide, we've broken down:

✔️ Typical property settlement timeframes
✔️ The biggest causes of delays
✔️ What happens during each stage of the process
✔️ Practical ways to help avoid unnecessary delays

If you're wondering what to expect after separation, this guide will help you understand the process and set realistic expectations.

Read the full article here: 👇

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/property/can-i-keep-the-family-home-after-separation/

Can you keep the family home after separation? Learn options, buying your ex out, refinancing, property settlement & protecting your future.

04/08/2026

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/child/what-if-i-dont-agree-with-the-family-report/

If you don't agree with the family report, you may ask questions of the single expert to clarify the report and any concerns.

02/08/2026

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/child/how-to-fight-for-custody-with-a-narcissist/

Learn how to fight for custody with a narcissist, the factors the court considers and a successful case where we achieved no time orders.

31/07/2026

What are parenting orders? Learn what can a parenting order cover, how they are made, how to change them and what happens if they are not followed.

Learn what Parenting Orders are, what they can cover, how they are made, whether they can be changed, and what happens if they are breached.

29/07/2026

Preparing for a Family Report can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't know what to expect.

Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing or whether the Family Report will determine the outcome of their case.

The reality is that how you approach the interview can make a significant difference.

In our latest article, we share practical tips on how to prepare for a Family Report, including:

✔️ What the Family Report Writer is looking for
✔️ Common mistakes parents should avoid
✔️ Why honesty and insight matter
✔️ Why you should never coach your child
✔️ How to approach the interview with confidence

If you have a Family Report coming up, taking the time to understand the process can help you feel more prepared and reduce some of the uncertainty.

Read the full article here:
👉

https://bartonfamilylaw.com.au/blogs/child/family-report/

This post contains general information only and is not legal advice. Every family's circumstances are different, and you should obtain legal advice specific to your situation.

Do you need help to prepare for a Family Report? Learn what to expect, common mistakes, how to approach the interview and tips to prepare.