James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

LA4032 - Family Law

Subject Description

In this subject students examine the legal rules affecting family relationships and the function of lawyers in their administration. The subject includes the laws relating to entry into marriage and dissolution of marriage; the consequences of separation and divorce (maintenance and property rights; parenting and care arrangements for children); parents and children; and de facto relationships. The role of lawyers in the process of dissolution, particularly in the fields of counselling, conciliation and mediation, is considered, along with a full and in-depth examination of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

Learning Outcomes

• analyse the meaning of provisions in the Marriage, Adoption and Family Law Acts and other legislation
• apply the statutory provisions and case law, to practical and hypothetical problems arising in family law
• describe and understand the procedures of the Family Court of Australia
• understand the changing nature of marriage and divorce and child support

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• Affidavit for Initiating Application - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Letter/memorandum - (10%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  LA3005

Availabilities