Review of children’s provisions

The Institute of Family Studies has been requested by the Federal Attorney General to review the 2006 amendments to the Family Law Act, sometimes called the shared care amendments.

[Barry Nilsson] I am confident that the Institute can cut through the self-interested anecdotal based lobbying to reach a sensible conclusion. Anecdotes are typically boring and irrelevant. One outcome should be to recommend simplification of the convoluted provisions in the Act.

Tony Abbott’s reported suggestion to allow couples to opt into a fault based system are not likely to live long in the public mind. [Barry Nilsson]

For more information, please contact Don Leembruggen or visit Barry & Nilsson Lawyers.

Income disparity

The Australian Institute of Studies has released a study confirming the long held view that divorce has lasting impacts on women’s income levels compared with their male partners. [Barry Nilsson] The information collected to reach this conclusion was compiled since 2001. There has, of course, been major legislative change in the form of the `shared care’ amendments during the study time. It is my experience that the `shared care’ regime and greater flexibility by employers has enabled mothers to re-enter the workforce far sooner. [Barry Nilsson] I suspect the reported gap will close somewhat over the near time.

Legal advisers should always be aware of spouse maintenance entitlements. I am sure many women have been `short changed’ by their advisers by not recommending the pursuit of this entitlement.

For more information, please contact Don Leembruggen or visit Barry & Nilsson Lawyers.

Sharon Templeton - Promotion to Partnership

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Sharon Templeton to partnership. Sharon commenced with the firm as a Senior Associate in 2001 and has over 10 years experience in construction litigation and insurance law. She acts for insurers, self-insureds and underwriters with respect to complex public liability, product liability and property damage claims. Sharon also advises on risk management and coverage issues frequently linked to these matters. [Barry Nilsson] One of her specialisations is defending local authorities in relation to claims involving flooding, subsidence, town planning and road maintenance issues. Sharon also has a broad range of experience advising on liability for claims arising out of major building and construction projects, including contractual claims and dual insurance.

Insurance Law Review - 2009

Our seventh Annual Insurance Law Review titled “Weathering the Storm” will be held in Brisbane and Sydney in September 2009.

Dr Andries Terblanché, Chairman of Financial Services for KPMG, will discuss the global financial crisis in an insurance context.

For more information click here to register your interest.

Check out the latest articles form Barry Nilsson.