Property Settlements After Separation | Brisbane & Sunshine Coast Family Lawyers
Property Settlements After Separation: What’s Changed Under the 2025 Family Law Reforms
If you're separating and need to divide property, it's essential to understand how recent changes to Australian family law may affect your entitlements. The Family Law Amendment Act 2023, which commenced on 10 June 2025, introduces a clearer and more consistent approach to property settlement — particularly where family violence, financial control, or power imbalance has been present.
At Gullickson Lawyers, we work with separating couples across Brisbane, Caloundra, and the Sunshine Coast, providing strategic, practical advice to help you resolve property disputes fairly and in line with current legislation.
Key Changes in Property Settlement Law (Effective June 2025)
The 2025 reforms bring a more transparent framework to property division, including:
Family violence and financial abuse must now be considered when determining property entitlements
The law expressly defines economic and financial abuse, including dowry abuse and coercive control
Pet ownership may now be addressed in property settlements, with courts able to make orders about who keeps family animals
Financial disclosure obligations are now embedded directly in the Family Law Act, not just in the Court Rules
Courts may apply a less adversarial process in property matters where family violence is alleged
These changes are designed to create a fairer outcome, especially where one partner has been left in a weaker financial position due to abuse or control during the relationship.
How Does the Court Divide Property After Separation?
Although each case is different, the Court generally follows a four-step process to determine just and equitable property division:
Identify and value the asset pool – This includes all property, superannuation, debts, and liabilities.
Assess contributions – Both financial (income, assets) and non-financial (parenting, homemaking) contributions are considered.
Consider future needs – The court evaluates differences in earning capacity, health, age, and care responsibilities.
Make a just and equitable order – This means the final division must be fair, considering all circumstances.
Under the new reforms, if family violence has impacted a person’s contributions or economic position, the Court must now consider this in the overall outcome.
Why Full Financial Disclosure Matters More Than Ever
The amendments elevate financial disclosure into primary legislation — meaning each party has a legal duty to disclose all assets, liabilities, income, and financial resources. Failure to comply may lead to:
Applications being dismissed
Adverse costs orders
Findings of non-compliance or bad faith
At Gullickson Lawyers, we guide you through the disclosure process to ensure transparency, accuracy, and legal protection.
Do You Need to Go to Court for a Property Settlement?
No — many separating couples are able to resolve property division through:
Consent Orders: A binding agreement filed with the Court
Mediation or negotiation: Often a first step before litigation
Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs): Can be made before, during, or after separation
Where agreement isn’t possible, we advocate on your behalf through litigation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
We Help Clients Across Brisbane & the Sunshine Coast
At Gullickson Lawyers, we act for clients in:
All of Brisbane (including Norman Park, Bulimba, Hawthorne, Morningside, and Wynnum)
Caloundra and greater Sunshine Coast
Regional QLD where remote consultations are required
We offer fixed-fee property settlement advice, clear timelines, and a personalised approach to protect your interests and assets.
Book a Consultation Today
If you're separating and need help with property division under the updated Family Law Act, contact Gullickson Lawyers today:
Brisbane Office: (07) 3397 9922
Caloundra Office: (07) 5222 4039
mail@gullicksonlawyers.com.au www.gullicksonlawyers.com.au