Community Questions - Take 6

This month Ben and Heather addressed a wide array of family law questions from the community, touching on a number of common issues faced by people going through divorce and separation.The questions included:Starting out: I'm thinking about separating but haven't yet spoken to my partner about it. Is there anything you recommend I do before I speak to my partner?Property settlement timing (myth busting): I don't think I can wait until the 12-month separation period is up to apply for divorce. What can I do?Parenting decisions:  Can my husband force my kids into boarding school?Property division: My partner moved into my house six years ago.  Is she now entitled to a 50/50 split?Child custody adolescents: My 15-year-old son has indicated he wants to live with me full time and my ex refuses.  What can I do?Parenting Orders: Do we have to have a Parenting Order, or can we just figure out our own custody arrangements?Child Support:  Can I stop child support payments now that my ex is marrying someone wealthy?Episode note (important): This episode includes discussion of property settlement and parenting arrangements in response to listener questions, recorded before changes to family law provisions commenced on 6 May 2024 (parenting) and 10 June 2025 (property). The way the Court approaches these issues has been updated since this recording, so some legal references in these parts of the episode may now be out of date. Please seek current legal advice and refer to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and Attorney-General’s Department resources for the latest information.