Family
Law
Family Law
The Family Law Committee monitors all matters related to family law and represents the Law Society and its members on policy and practice issues arising from it. Our priorities include:
- Developing and commenting on law reform and legal policy proposals (including preparing submissions, and liaising with government and other stakeholders in this process)
- Educating the legal profession about changes to the law, and providing guidance on practice and other issues
- Exchanging information about issues arising in legal practice (such as recent case law) that may indicate a legal policy issue or concern
Learn more about committees
Current committee members
How to join a committee
Law society publications
Working with clients affected by domestic and family violence
Representation principles for children's lawyers (4th edition)
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia links and publications
Legislation, Rules, Regulations and cross-reference tables
Continuing professional development
Other resources
Domestic violence - where to refer clients
Family Law Watchlist and the Australian Federal Police -AFP
Legal aid NSW - Domestic and family violence
Recent policy submissions
Letter to Law Council of Australia - Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 - 26 September 2024
Letter to Law Council of Australia - Inquiry into family violence orders - 10 July 2024
Letter to Law Council of Australia - Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 - 8 June 2023
Letter to Law Council of Australia - Family Law Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill - 22 May 2023
Visit the Family Law policy submissions archive
2025 Committee list
J. Dawson (Co-chair), B. McGrath (Co-chair), B. Bryant, J. Burreket, N. Callander, L. Coady, S. Cole, P. Davis, K. Goodacre, M. Hayward, F. Hoad, B. Kazmierczak, F. Kirkman, C. Knox, C. Lam, M. Livermore, L. McGregor, G. Morgan, A. Murray, F. Neilson, C. Pitcher, M. Robb, N. Tabone, G. Thompson, M. Whitehead.(Policy Lawyer: J. Fodera).
How to join a committee
Law Society Committees have powers, authorities and tasks delegated by the Council. Consisting of dedicated volunteers, each committee focuses on a particular area of law, pooling together specialist skills and experience in order to scrutinise legislation, court decisions and other government policies.
There are three broad categories of committees:
- Regulatory committees – perform statutory duties under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW)
- Liaison committees – linked to other professions or organisations
- Policy committees
By drawing on the insights of committees, the Law Society can meet its statutory duties and act as a major player in law reform and policy debates.