Powell Family Law

06/06/2026

02/05/2026

Great lunch, even better company! A rare moment out of the office with my colleague Ariza at Rockpool.

21/01/2026

When couples separate, one of the first and most stressful questions is often: “Who stays in the family home?”

For many people, continuing to live together after separation simply isn’t safe or workable — particularly where there has been conflict, coercive control or family violence.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has the power to make orders for exclusive use and occupation of the family home, allowing one party to remain living there while matters are sorted out.

I’ve written a short blog explaining:
• What exclusive occupation means
• When the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can make these orders
• How family violence is taken into account
• What to do if the situation feels urgent

If you’re navigating separation and housing uncertainty, this may help you understand your options.

👉 Read the full article here:

Learn when the Family Court can grant exclusive use of the family home after separation, including family violence and urgent interim orders.

21/01/2026

An absolutely fabulous legacy.

03/01/2026

So excited for team Alison!

Happy New Year!

2026 is the year the incredible Dancing CEOs takes to the stage at Brisbane City Hall.

We can’t wait to see you shine for a cause:

⭐Aidyn Bradford & Tajsha Van Den Bergh
⭐Clarice Davis
⭐David Powell, Veronica Dullens & Alison Price
⭐Deb Myles
⭐Dr Anna Kermond
⭐Jennifer Vines & Lynley Welsh
⭐Lindsay Davis
⭐Lisa Carter & Kate Greaves
⭐Mary-Louise (Lou) Condon & Ben Eshelby
⭐Nadia Tucker
⭐Nick Wlodarczyk
⭐Sarah Hundt
⭐Susan Hocking

27/12/2025

21/12/2025

Online sexual violence is being enabled by design — not by accident.

Australia’s laws are struggling to keep pace with the scale of harm occurring in digital spaces, particularly where platform algorithms, online po*******hy and profit-driven business models intersect with sexual violence and exploitation.

Sexual Assault Services Victoria’s report Turning Back the Tide: Exploring regulatory approaches to addressing sexual violence and harm online sets out clear recommendations for reform, including stronger duties of care for tech platforms and greater regulatory oversight.

You can read the full report here:
https://workdrive.zohopublic.com.au/external/5083f64f8259f26ce3a7cea3ba175b416d5d3487108108bd3eed3576192d0eed

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual or domestic violence, confidential support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or by online chat at www.1800respect.org.au

19/12/2025

International travel with children is one of the most common disputes after separation. One parent wants to travel overseas, the other is worried the child won’t come back.

There is a common misconception that Australian courts either automatically allow overseas travel or automatically stop it. That’s not how it works.

The Court applies a structured, evidence-based framework that looks at things like the length of the trip, schooling, the child’s relationship with the other parent, the destination country, and whether there is a real risk the child won’t be returned. Fear, assumptions and last-minute flight bookings are not enough on their own.

We regularly see parents get into difficulty because they act first and seek advice later. Once positions harden, these matters escalate quickly and can become urgent and expensive.

If you are dealing with an overseas travel issue, getting advice early can make a significant difference to the outcome.

17/12/2025

Can the Court order equal time parenting even when parents are in conflict?

Many parents are told that equal time won’t happen because there’s conflict.

That’s not always correct.

In August 2025, the Family Court clarified this issue in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2), confirming that conflict alone does not prevent equal time parenting orders.

The Court made it clear that:
✔ there is no legal rule against equal shared care just because parents don’t get along
✔ parenting decisions must be based on the child’s best interests, not assumptions
✔ reducing a parent’s time doesn’t automatically resolve conflict
✔ in some cases, parallel parenting — not reduced time — is the appropriate response

👉 We’ve broken this decision down in our latest blog post, explaining what the Court said and what it means for parents navigating high-conflict parenting arrangements.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://powellfamilylaw.com.au/2025/12/17/equal-time-parenting-despite-conflict/

If you’re being told that equal time is “off the table” without proper analysis, getting advice grounded in how the Court actually decides these cases can make a real difference.

📞 Book a confidential appointment
⚖️ Practical, evidence-based advice
👶 Always child-focused

Equal time parenting despite conflict is still possible. A 2025 Family Court decision explains when 50/50 care can be ordered even in high-conflict cases.

03/12/2025

New on the Powell Family Law Blog: Protecting Yourself From Systems Abuse in Family Law

For many survivors, abuse doesn’t stop when the relationship ends.
Sometimes the legal system itself is used as another tool of control — through repeated applications, delays, refusal to comply with orders, or using court processes to cause stress, fear or financial pressure.

This is known as systems abuse, and the Family Law Act now includes specific protections to help stop it.

In my latest article, I break down:
🔹 What systems abuse looks like
🔹 Harmful Proceedings Orders
🔹 Vexatious Proceedings Orders
🔹 Other tools the Court can use to protect you

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by repeated court action or pressure through the legal process, there are options available to keep you safe.

👉 Read the full blog post here: https://powellfamilylaw.com.au/2025/12/03/harmful-proceedings-orders-explained/

As always, if you need confidential advice or support around systems abuse or family violence, please reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Learn how to protect yourself from systems abuse in family law, including Harmful Proceedings Orders, Vexatious Proceedings Orders and other court protections.