LAWS 3023 Family Law

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200633

Coordinator Brett Mcgrath Opens in new window

Description This subject aims to graduate students who will become reflective, ethical and effective family lawyers and/or family dispute resolution practitioners. This subject adopts a range of perspectives to critically evaluate developments in theory, laws, policies and practices concerned with the legal regulation of intimate relationships, particularly after separation. Family law balances the competing rights, obligations and interests of partners, children and others following separation, often in the context of complex family dynamics. In addition to having a sound grasp of family law, family lawyers must also appreciate the social, political, psychological and economic contexts that influence separating families.

School Law

Discipline Family Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 1006 OR
LAWS 1003

Equivalent Subjects LGYB 8494 - Family Law

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Analyse the impact of family domestic violence on families and children and advise appropriate measures to ensure the safety of family members.
  2. Apply the Family Law Act and other relevant legislation and principles to advise and assist clients with post separation problems.
  3. Critically evaluate developments in laws, policies and practices in the family law system.
  4. Reflect on the development of their competence as a family law professional.

Subject Content

Family Law
Constitutional & Jurisdictional Context
Regulating adult relationships: marriage and divorce
Family Domestic Violence
Family Dispute Resolution
Children & Parents 1
Children & Parents 2
Child Support
Economic context and spousal maintenance
Property & 3rd party rights
Property - assessing contribution

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Case Study 2,000 words 45 N Individual
Final Exam 24 hours (2,000 words) 45 N Individual
Participation Ongoing 10 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Adiva Sifris et al, Family Law in Australia (Lexis Nexis, 10th ed, 2021)
  • Richard Chisholm, Suzanne Christie and Julie Kearney, Annotated Family Law Legislation (Lexis Nexis, 6th ed, 2021)

Teaching Periods

Autumn (2022)

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Evening

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Day

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Autumn (2023)

Online

Online

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Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

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