Overview

This webinar will address the changes to the Family Law Act that impact psychologists in practice. 

The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and Family Law Amendment (Information Sharing) Act 2023 were passed by the Australian Parliament on 19 October 2023. The changes include new laws about how the Courts will make parenting orders in the best interests of a child. 

Most of the changes to the Family Law Act will commence on 6 May 2024. 

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details 

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• define the overall changes to the Family Law Act,

• recognise the new laws around what the Courts consider when determining what is in the child’s best interests,

• recognise how separated parents are to make decisions about long-term issues for their children, and

• recognise the implications to their practice.

Presenter(s)

Amy Jenkins and Ben Keyworth

About the presenter(s)

Amy Jenkins, Principal, is the lead of the Russell Kennedy Family Law team. Amy has been working in the field of family law for more than 15 years and in that time has developed a keen awareness of the challenges separated parties often face. Amy has extensive experience assisting client’s with larger asset pools including those with multiple companies and trusts, off shore assets, valuation issues or interested third parties.

Many complex matters involve international jurisdiction questions and Amy has experience in dealing with these issues also. Russell Kennedy’s network and membership with Ally Law also assists clients who have cross border disputes. In addition to her significant property practice Amy has spent many years assisting client’s with parenting disputes including international relocation matters. Amy is proudly an Independent Children’s Lawyer and represents children in the Federal Circuit and Family Court’s very often so as to ensure children’s voices are heard.

A well known advocate Amy is able to assist clients through the litigation process however she is always seeking out ways to resolve matters early and is a talented negotiator. In an attempt to assist clients avoid disputes Amy is frequently asked to draft Financial Agreements.

Ben Keyworth is an experienced lawyer in Russell Kennedy’s Family Law team. Having worked as a Judge’s Associate and Deputy Associate in the Federal Circuit Court in the Family Law and General Division, Ben is familiar with the Court system, how it operates and its expectations. As a result, Ben is able to provide advice and represent clients confidently and strategically as they navigate their way through their Family Law property and/or parenting matter.

As an advocate, Ben is experienced in preparing for and representing clients both in and out of the Court room, whether it be at a mediation, round table conference, interim hearing or final hearing. With a background in pro-bono work in the community legal sector, Ben is also conscious of the human and holistic side of disputes and strives to resolve matters in a positive, practical, timely and cost effective manner.