Property division in a separation which attracts jurisdiction of Family Law involves a four-step process:
- Identifying and valuing the property pool.
- Assessing the contributions of each party.
- Considering the future needs of each party.
- Ensuring the division is just and equitable.

The court considers various factors, including:
- Financial and non-financial contributions.
- Future needs, such as age, health, and earning capacity.
- The care and control of children.
- Any other relevant circumstances.

Child custody, now referred to as "parental responsibility," is determined based on the best interests of the child.
The court considers factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the child's wishes, and the ability of each parent to provide for the child's needs.
Most importantly parents to do have rights over children. They have responsibilities to them. They are not assets to be divided!

The best interests of the child principle is the paramount consideration in all parenting matters.
The court considers factors such as the child's safety, the benefit of having a meaningful relationship with both parents, and the child's views and preferences.

For married couples, an application for property settlement must be made within 12 months of the divorce becoming final.
For de facto couples, the application must be made within 2 years of the relationship ending.