Surge Legal

04/06/2026

Wastage in Wilkes & Meyers: Did the Wife End Up Better Off? Read our breakdown of a 2026 family law decision where a post-separation payment was ruled "wastage" and the property pool was adjusted. Essential reading if you're considering transferring funds during separation. Read more: https://wix.to/KB2oJaI

Thinking of shifting money to a family member before you separate? A 2026 decision shows why that can cost you. After one partner paid nearly $300,000 to his father post-separation, the Court called it "wastage" and adjusted the property pool in his ex-partner's favour.

23/04/2026

Who gets the family dog after a separation? 🐾 Our new blog breaks down the court’s decision in Arwen & Arwen and what it means for pet-owning couples. Read the full analysis and practical takeaways for separating families: https://wix.to/wAjBB9q

The family dog is often more than property — but in family law, that is exactly what it is. Here's how the court decided who keeps the pets after separation in a case of Arwen & Arwen.

20/04/2026

Hidden assets in family law can cost you everything. A recent case saw a husband conceal a real estate appraisal and quietly sell commercial units — and the Court ordered him to pay his ex-partner’s full legal costs. Disclosure isn’t optional. Read the full breakdown and what this means for separating couples: https://wix.to/CVE5XDC

A summary of a recent case where a husband concealed a real estate appraisal and quietly arranged to sell the family's commercial units to gain advantage over his ex-partner. The Court set those orders aside and ordered him to pay the wife's full legal costs. Your duty to disclose in family law is n...

17/04/2026

Supreme Court clarity on damages: Vendors awarded $5.2M after a purchaser failed to complete on a Vaucluse luxury residence. Our breakdown explains how the resale deficiency, contractual interest and the court’s rounding principles produced the final award. Read the full analysis: https://wix.to/V5tN1n6

15/04/2026

Can a single caveat cost you a house? In Lee v Lee [2022] NSWSC 181, an “essential” no-caveat clause turned a routine property purchase into a settlement nightmare — and the vendor walked away after a breach. Read our clear breakdown of the decision, what went wrong, and how to protect yourself in future contracts. Read more: https://wix.to/GwjS24Z

Can a simple caveat cost you a house? In the recent NSW Supreme Court case of Lee v Lee [2022] NSWSC 181, the answer was a resounding "yes". Discover how an "essential" no-caveat clause turned a standard property purchase into a legal nightmare, and why a vendor who isn't ready to settle can still l...

08/04/2026

Why was a 15‑year prenup thrown out? Dive into our case review of Zella & Canino [2022] FedCFamC1F 314 to learn how technical errors and pressure can void a Financial Agreement in Australia. Quick 3‑minute read with practical takeaways for anyone dealing with family law and property settlement. Read more: https://wix.to/pXVTMUq

Why was a 15-year-old prenup thrown out? Explore the Zella & Canino case to learn how technical errors and pressure can void a Financial Agreement in Australia.

13/03/2026

“The Cost of Grief: Cotsis & Cotsis Case Review” — a close look at how grief, trauma and ‘special disadvantage’ influenced the Federal Circuit Court’s decision and why timing and emotional capacity can void financial agreements. Read the full breakdown: https://wix.to/r2ObjIO

Grief, trauma, and a "special disadvantage" were at the heart of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia's decision in Cotsis & Cotsis [2021] FCCA 673. The ruling serves as a profound legal lesson that timing, emotional capacity, and the specific circumstances of a signatory can invalidate even a see...

02/03/2026

Going through a separation and unsure how property will be divided? Our plain-language guide explains the 4-step property settlement process in NSW (2026) — from the family home to superannuation and even pets. Read practical tips and how Surge Legal supports clients across Parramatta and the North Shore to reach fair outcomes. Read more: https://wix.to/KApDAiX

Sorting out finances after a breakup is a major life transition. From the family home in Pymble to superannuation and even the family pet, understanding how property is divided in 2026 is vital. This guide breaks down the four-step legal process used in NSW and explains how Surge Legal helps clients...

01/03/2026

Who gets the dog after separation? Discover how recent Australian family law changes guide courts in resolving pet ownership during property settlements. Read our clear, practical overview and learn what to consider if you're facing this difficult situation: https://wix.to/VS8AsWB

Who gets the dog after separation? Discover how new Australian family law rules help courts decide pet ownership disputes during property settlements.

29/04/2025

💖 Financial agreements in family law can pave the way for peace of mind during challenging times! They help clarify expectations and prevent misunderstandings, giving families a solid foundation. Ready to secure your family's future? Visit us for more info - https://www.surgelegal.com.au/financial-agreements