ARTICLE · 24 JANUARY 2025

Who gets to keep "Max?"

Coleman Greig Lawyers

Explore more from Coleman Greig Lawyers

Whilst still considered to be "property," our beloved pets will have a specific category called "companion animals."

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Author LinkedIn connections

How the Family Law Act will approach disputes in relation to animals after June 2025 amendments.

For many, our animals have a special space in our hearts. They're not viewed as an asset to be included in a "pick a pile" process when dividing furniture and whitegoods following a separation. So, it should be no surprise that it isn't uncommon for a Judge to be asked to decide who retains a beloved pet.

Changes to the Family Law Act will commence on 11 June 2025. Whilst still considered to be "property," our beloved pets will have a specific category called "companion animals." The Act will provide for a set of considerations which may apply when the Court determines what order, if any, should be made in respect of the ownership of the companion animal as part of property division.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Related Articles

Enduring Guardians And Restrictive Practices: What The Latest Changes In New South Wales Mean For You

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

A Step Closer: Proposed Trust Tax Changes Reach Parliament

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

How Your Relationship Status Impacts Where Your Assets Go

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Bennett & Philp Lawyers

Understanding Wills, Power Of Attorney And An Appointment Of Enduring Guardian

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Carroll & O'Dea

Contesting A Will? This Is What You Need To Know

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Carroll & O'Dea

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Family and Matrimonial
- Divorce

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Family Law

See more popular content from

Family and Matrimonial

Is getting divorced all I need to do?

To finalise your separation with your husband or wife, you generally need to consider more than just obtaining a divorce.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Cooper Grace Ward

How much does a family lawyer make in Australia?

Article dives into the financial aspects of being a family lawyer in Australia.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Unified Lawyers

When Does A Relationship Become A De Facto Relationship?

Understanding when a relationship becomes legally recognised as de facto in Australia is more complex than many believe. This article examines the legal framework under the Family Law Act 1975, exploring how courts assess relationships of varying durations and what factors truly determine de facto status beyond the commonly misunderstood two-year threshold.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Bartier Perry Solicitors

It Depends – Common Mistakes Enduring Attorneys Make (Video)

Enduring attorneys often make critical mistakes that can invalidate powers of attorney or create legal complications when managing someone else's affairs. From poor record-keeping and intermingling finances to failing to seek professional advice on complex decisions, these errors can have serious consequences for both the attorney and the person they represent.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Cooper Grace Ward

Father Custody Rights Australia: Can He Take The Child?

When no parenting orders exist in Australia, both parents hold equal legal authority over their child under section 61C of the Family Law Act 1975. However, the 2024 legislative changes have fundamentally...

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Unified Lawyers

Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute in Australian family law

The terms "Decree Nisi" and "Decree Absolute" terms are no longer used, but the divorce process includes similar stages.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Unified Lawyers

A Step Closer: Proposed Trust Tax Changes Reach Parliament

Proposed changes to the taxation of discretionary trusts may affect some Wills containing testamentary discretionary trusts. With legislation now before Parliament, people with a TDT in their Will should consider reviewing the class of potential beneficiaries to determine whether the trust would qualify for the proposed exclusion.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Can A Beneficiary Be An Executor Of A Will In Australia?

There's nothing in Australian law that disqualifies a beneficiary from being an executor of a Will.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Shared care after separation - is 50/50 a right?

Separating parents often ask whether they have a right to equal, week-about care of their children, but Australian family law does not work that way. This article examines when shared care arrangements succeed, how courts now assess applications for equal time following major 2024 reforms, and why no parent can claim a legal entitlement to a 50/50 split.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Bartier Perry Solicitors

Exclusive Occupation of Family Home after Separation

Separating from a partner is hard enough without also having to work out who’s staying in the family home. Some couples manage to keep living under the same roof for a while after separating, but that’s not always realistic, especially where things have turned hostile or there’s a risk of family violence.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Coleman Greig Lawyers