Nicholes Family Lawyers

16/10/2026

When a parent tells a school they have sole parental responsibility, the school should not act on that assertion alone. Unless a court order provides otherwise, both parents generally have parental responsibility and are entitled to communicate with the school and receive information about their child. Schools should ask to see the relevant court order, check whether it is a binding order or a parenting plan, and look for any provisions about school attendance, reports, collection or contact with staff.

Read our blog to see how schools can manage parental responsibility, share information safely and avoid common mistakes here: https://nicholeslaw.com.au/a-parent-says-they-have-sole-parental-responsibility-what-should-your-school-do/

14/10/2026

Australia has joined 20 other countries in standing up for LGBTIQ+ activists and human rights defenders around the world.

Through the Equal Rights Coalition, governments have called out the use of “protecting children” and “the family” as excuses to target LGBTIQ+ advocates and committed to protecting those fighting for equality.

No one should face persecution for standing up for human rights.

13/10/2026

Tasmania is planning for a nationwide domestic violence register.

Click the article to learn more.

CW: This post discusses domestic violence and death.

Alicia Little was a 41-year-old mother of four from Kyneton. She was killed in December 2017.

Her family says her partner had a history of domestic violence in NSW, but when he moved to Victoria, none of that history followed him.

This week, leaders across Australia have been saying they have "zero tolerance" for domestic violence. For Alicia's family, that should mean a perpetrator's history doesn't disappear at a state border.

Tasmania is now moving to create a public register of serial family violence offenders, and its proposed laws would let courts consider convictions from any state. Alicia's aunt, Cindy Miller, has started a petition calling for states to work together so a perpetrator's record follows them everywhere. More than 58,000 people have signed.

If you think a domestic violence history should follow perpetrators across state borders, you can read more and support the petition here: https://vist.ly/5mgu7

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

09/10/2026

We are delighted to share that Principal Sally Nicholes has been named a Finalist in the 2026 Inside Family Law Awards ‘Excellence’ category.

Additionally, the firm has been nominated in the Leading Family Law Team category of the 2026 Inside Family Law Awards.

Thank you to the team at Inside Family Law!

08/10/2026

Principal Lawyers Nadine Udorovic, Keturah Sageman, and Bec Dahl had the pleasure of attending Abounds Womens Business Luncheon on Friday, proudly supporting the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, hosted by Alexandra Yon from Abound.

This year's theme, Legacy, came to life through a wonderful chat with John Easterling (Oliva’s husband), Dr Suji Sanjeevan and Kate Save – a conversation that touched on leadership, resilience, purpose, wellbeing, and the decisions that shape the legacy we each leave behind.

It was a privilege to be part of such an incredible community of business leaders, all coming together to raise funds for such an important cause. Thank you to Abound and Alexandra Yon for another memorable afternoon and for featuring our fabulous all-female partnership as a part of the ‘Legacy’ slideshow!

07/10/2026

Often, feeling like yourself again after a controlling or abusive relationship starts with the right support at the right time.

From today (7 October), Relationships Australia Victoria's Women Making Choices program is running as a free, 6-week online group, giving women a safe space to reflect, reconnect with their strengths and build confidence through guided discussion and therapeutic support. Sessions cover healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing, parenting, self-care, safety and the support pathways available afterwards.

See more information in the post below!

Finding your way forward after an abusive or controlling relationship can take time – and support can make a real difference.

Our Women Making Choices group program offers a free, supportive online space for women who have experienced controlling or abusive behaviours in a relationship.

Starting 7 October, our 6-week program provides an opportunity to connect with others, reflect on your experiences and build on your strengths, with therapeutic support along the way.

Together, the group will explore topics such as healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing, parenting and self-care, while providing a safe and respectful space to consider what comes next.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/nZWt50ZQPWx

07/10/2026

At Nicholes Family Lawyers, we work with LGBTIQA+ individuals and families every day, and we know that feeling safe in your community is the foundation everything else is built on.

That's why we're sharing this improved, confidential way for LGBTIQA+ Victorians to report discrimination, vilification, hate speech, or human rights concerns with no formal complaint required.

If your organisation would like to host the Community Reporting Tool on your website, the link to do so is in the original post below.

LGBTIQA+ voices matter, and we're making sure they're heard.

If you've experienced discrimination or hate, you can report it using our Community Reporting Tool.

The tool is a quick and confidential way to report what has happened – without needing to make a formal complaint.

Your report can be anonymous, or you can request we contact you.

Every report helps us identify and prevent hate to make our communities safer for all Victorians.

To make a report go to humanrights.vic.gov.au/get-help/community-reporting-tool

01/10/2026

October is LGBTQIA+ History Month 🏳️‍🌈

This was first established in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson. LGBTQIA+ History Month recognises the achievements, contributions, and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. It also plays a vital role in combating prejudice and ensuring that q***r history, long excluded from school curriculums around the world, is shared, taught, and celebrated.

At Nicholes Family Lawyers, we celebrate the courage and achievements of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, past and present. We are proud to support our clients through every stage of their legal journey, and we remain committed to providing an inclusive and empowering space for all!
To find out more about the services we offer to the LGBTIQA+ community, click here: https://nicholeslaw.com.au/our-expertise/lgbtiqa/

+

01/10/2026

October is Mental Health Month.

Family law is inherently human. The matters that we see rarely arrive without profound emotional weight.

We deeply respect the courage it takes for clients to seek legal help during what may be one of the hardest seasons of their lives. We also acknowledge the toll this work can take on everyone in the sector. Taking care of mental health – our clients', our colleagues', and our own – is something we prioritise every day, not just in October.

30/09/2026

Keeping children safe online is something both households can work on together.

The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) has released a helpful fact sheet for parents and carers on Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE), an emerging threat where offenders target young people who may feel isolated or are searching for connection.

For separated families, this is a good reminder that consistent conversations, shared expectations about devices and open communication between parents can make a real difference. Children do best when they know they can speak to a trusted adult in either home.

We encourage all parents and carers to read the guide and share it within your networks.

Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) is the deliberate and malicious use of the internet to harm, manipulate or exert control over others for personal pleasure, gratification, sense of power, ideological beliefs or to corrupt victims and inflict ongoing harm.

Right now, Australia is experiencing this growing, global threat.

Offenders often seek out those who may feel isolated, lack confidence, or are searching for connection and belonging. But connection can also be a critical prevention strategy.

📚 Parents and carers can more about practical ways to support safe connections in the Understanding Sadistic Online Exploitation: A guide for parents and carers fact sheet on our website.