In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including a farewell to the Honourable Justice Aldridge, a new AI practice note from the Supreme Court of Victoria, a landmark Canadian decision recognising a new tort of intimate partner violence, and the Court's new robing policy. 

For Ethics with Elena, we dive into what to do when your client isn't telling the truth, including real examples from practice, the ethical obligations around terminating a retainer, and the rules you need to know before you walk away.


Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
1:20 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week
6:15 - Ethics with Elena - When Your Client is Lying to You


Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.

About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Reflecting on the success and growth of the podcast as Season One wraps up
- Farewell to Justice Aldridge after more than a decade on the Family Court bench
- Victoria’s new AI practice note and what it means for legal practitioners
- Whether other Australian courts will follow Victoria’s lead on AI guidance
- Canada’s landmark recognition of a new tort for intimate partner violence
- The new robing policy for barristers and solicitor advocates in court appearances
- Why clients sometimes lie or withhold information from their lawyers
- Real practitioner stories involving fabricated evidence, hidden assets, and deceptive conduct
- When lawyers are ethically required to stop acting for dishonest clients
- Key professional obligations under the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules

Links:
Ceremonial sitting to farewell The Honourable Justice Aldridge
https://www.familylawsection.org.au/events/14-other-family-law-events-aiflam/2179-ceremonial-sitting-justice-aldridge.html

New Practice Note and Judicial Guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence | The Supreme Court of Victoria
https://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/news/new-practice-note-and-judicial-guidelines-on-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision creates new tort of intimate partner violence | Canadian Lawyer
https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/landmark-supreme-court-of-canada-decision-creates-new-tort-of-intimate-partner-violence/394112

Barber & Chalke [2024] FedCFamC1F 356 (22 May 2024)
https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FedCFamC1F/2024/356.html?context=1;query=Barber%2520&%2520Chalke;mask_path=

Robing policy | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/policies-and-procedures/robing-policySonnet 4.6

Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this bonus episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the 2026 federal budget and the cuts to Legal Aid NSW, including what they mean for vulnerable Australians navigating the family law system.

From 1 July 2026, Legal Aid NSW will significantly tighten eligibility for family law representation, leaving many people with disabilities, older Australians, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds without legal help.

We also explore the impact of Independent Children’s Lawyers no longer appearing in final hearings in some instances, and whether technology and AI could play a role in helping lawyers support more people and bridge the access to justice gap.

About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode, we cover the Federal Circuit and Family Court's new pilot of electronic divorce hearings by video, the Court's AI Transparency Statement, the Law Council of Australia's warning that children's voices are at risk as the family law safety net frays, and a Treasury consultation on preventing perpetrators from accessing victims' superannuation death benefits.

In Law in Motion, we explore the rise of celebrity surrogacy, the clash between Australian and international surrogacy laws, and the leading cases shaping the legal landscape.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction 
1:06  What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week 
6:05 - Law in Motion - The Rise of Surrogacy

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.

About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Electronic divorce hearings moving to video in select registries
- Court releases AI Transparency Statement
- ICL funding crisis and Legal Aid NSW cuts from 1 July 2026
- The rise of celebrity surrogacy and key drivers of growth
- Global surrogacy laws compared: US, UK, Canada, India and Thailand
- Baby Gammy case and its impact on Thai surrogacy law
- Australia's fragmented state-by-state surrogacy framework
- Parentage orders and the challenges of overseas surrogacy in Australia
- Australian Law Reform Commission's proposed surrogacy reforms

Links:
Practice and procedure update: Pilot of electronic divorce hearings by video https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/updates-profession/divorce-pilot

AI Transparency Statement                                                    
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/ai-transparency-statement

Children's voices at risk as family law safety net frays https://lawcouncil.au/media/media-releases/children-s-voices-at-risk-as-family-law-safety-net-frays

Preventing perpetrators from accessing victims' super death benefits https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2026-747658

A Budget for fairness that left justice behind 
https://lawcouncil.au/media/media-releases/a-budget-for-fairness-that-left-justice-behind

Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode, we cover the Senate inquiry into domestic, family and sexual violence and suicide, the Children's Online Privacy Code consultation, and perfectionism in the legal profession.

In Law in Motion, we explore financial control and economic abuse as family violence, what it looks like in practice, and best practice tips for acting for the alleged perpetrator. In Case Note Corner, we discuss the 2025 case of Malunus & Malunus (No. 6).



Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction 
0:58  What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week 
6:20 - Law in Motion - Financial control as family violence 
19:07 - Case Note Corner - Malunus & Malunus (No. 6) [2025]




Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.

About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.



Topics covered in this episode:
- Domestic violence and suicide inquire 
- Children's Online Privacy Code 
- Perfectionism in the legal profession 
- Financial control and economic abuse as family violence 
- Four typologies of perpetrators of family violence
- Best practice tips for acting for the alleged perpetrator
- When to stop acting for a client - Malunus & Malunus (No. 6) [2025] case analysis 



Links:

Perfection is the enemy of progress
https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/sme-law/44219-perfection-is-the-enemy-of-progress

FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 - SECT 4
https://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s4.html#abuse

The evolving role of AI in legal judgment
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17579961.2026.2633688

Better than a bot – instilling ethical judgement into the lawyers of the future in the age of AI
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10383441.2025.2493493#abstract

Children's Online Privacy Code
https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-registers/privacy-codes/childrens-online-privacy-code 

Mounis & Melounis (No 6) [2025] FedCFamC1F 938

Carter & Wilson [2023] FedCFamC1A 9

Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we discuss the demonstration hosted by US-based AI company Anthropic for its new legal plugin, which attracted 20,000 registrations from lawyers, as well as a controversial new celebrity endorsement for legal AI.

In Law in Motion, we explore how AI is reshaping how junior lawyers develop professional judgment and discuss some practical actions both junior lawyers and more experienced lawyers can take to ensure they don't get left behind.


Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:52 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week
5:33 - Law in Motion - The dangers of AI to young lawyers


Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.


About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.



Topics covered in this episode:
- Family law industry updates
- Legal conference news (Hobart event)
- AI adoption in the legal profession
- Lawyers’ growing interest in AI tools
- Legal AI marketing and celebrity endorsements
- AI risks for junior lawyers
- Impact of AI on legal skill development
- LexisNexis AI research insights
- Importance of legal judgment and experience
- Mentorship and training in law firms

Links:
Registrations to the 21st National Family Law Conference in Hobart 
https://www.familylaw2026.com.au/

20,000 lawyers register for Anthropic demonstration of new legal plugin
https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/large-turnout-for-anthropic-demo-reflects-growing-interest-in-legal-ai/

Jude Law Legora advertisement
https://www.legalcheek.com/2026/04/legal-ai-giant-hires-jude-law/

Reece Witherspoon's Instagram video on AI
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXKphAtkbgW/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6e96fc9e-2e6a-4d3b-98eb-623c006c6850

AI Research Articles
https://frostleadership.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/a-lawyers-capability-Toolkit.pdf

https://hbr.org/2026/02/how-do-workers-develop-good-judgment-in-the-ai-era

https://www.lexisnexis.com/community/pressroom/b/news/posts/ai-is-speeding-up-junior-lawyers-work-but-raising-questions-about-how-judgment-is-learned

https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/insights/the-mentorship-gap/index.html

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10383441.2025.2493493#abstract

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17579961.2026.2633688

Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we delve into the Use of Generative AI Practice Note from the Federal Court of Australia. 

In Law in Motion, we explore how court proceedings can be weaponised against your client and what you can do to reduce the risk of this occurring.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

0:44 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week

4:24 - Law in Motion - Weaponised Court Proceedings

22:14 - Your Questions Answered

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.

About the podcast:

This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Topics covered in this episode:

- Use of Generative AI Practice Note from the Federal Court of Australia

- Weaponised Court Proceedings

- AI in the Legal Profession

- Future of AI Regulation in Courts

- Weaponisation of Court Proceedings

- Impact on Clients of Court Proceedings

- Limitations of the Family Law System

- Practical Guidance for Family Lawyers

- Legal Funding & Cost Management

- Self-Represented Litigants

- Best Practices for Using AI in Law Firms

Links:

Use of Generative AI Practice Note

https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/law-and-practice/practice-documents/practice-notes/gpn-ai 

Submit a question or provide feedback:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs as well as a scam divorce website warning in WA. 

In Law in Motion, we explore how to manage different personality types in family law including over-anxious mums, alpha male clients, and alienating parents.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:49 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week
7:11 - Law in Motion - Managing Different Personality Types in Family Law
24:57 - Case Note Corner: Jeremy & Taklit

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.

About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Topics covered in this episode:

• New Family Court forms 
• Scam alert: Fake divorce filing websites
• Practising certificate renewals
• DV & suicide inquiry insights
• Legal profession misconduct cases
• Managing difficult client personality types:
  • Overly anxious/hypervigilant parent
  • Alpha male/manosphere client
  • Alienating parent
• Client communication & strategy
• Case note: Jeremy & Tacklit [2026] (solicitor costs order appeal)

Links:

Grace period for using old forms finished 17 April 2026 https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/updates-profession/forms-update-mar26

Inquiry into the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) and suicide

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Social_Policy_and_Legal_Affairs/DFSVSuicidedata

DPP lawyer accused of sexual relationships with inmates  

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/dpp-lawyer-accused-of-sexual-relationships-with-inmates-receiving-thousands-of-dollars-20260413-p5zniv.html

SA legal power couple in confidential email scandal

https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/sa-legal-power-couple-embroiled-in-confidential-email-scandal-20260414-p5znns

Scam Website 

https://familycourt.wa.gov.au/_apps/news/detail.aspx?ID=1446&uid=2548-5324-9056-5489

Case Note Corner Reference: Jeremy & Taklit [2026] FedCFamC1A 32 Justice Schonell | 5 March 2026 

Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore key family law updates in Australia, including a survey for the evaluation of the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 and an article on the successful court dog program that has been trialed across 11 NSW courts.

In Law in Motion, we explore public perception that the Family Law system is Australia is broken and how lawyers can help clients understand the reasoning behind the outcomes of their matters.


Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week
5:54 - Law in Motion - Is the System Broken?
18:23 - Your Questions Answered


Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.


About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.


Topics covered in this episode:
- Family Law Amendment Act 2023 Survey
- Court Dog program in NSW 
- Grandparents supporting their adult children in Family Court matters
- Third Party Review of Backlogs in the Tasmania Court System 2026 
- FCFCOA outcomes
- Educating your clients about their outcomes 
- Using AI in Family Law Matters
- Explaining use of AI to clients
- Criminal law 
- Domestic violence allegations
- Initial client interviews



Links:
Evaluation of the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Closes 30 June 2026)
https://survey.confirmit.com.au/wix/p338993664621.aspx

Court Dog program across 11 NSW courts has been a success
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-04/companion-dog-program-nsw-courts-guide-dogs/106465000

Grandparents risking financial security to support adult children in Family Court matters
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-02/grandparents-assisting-adult-kids-financially-in-family-court/106208516

Third Party Review of Backlogs in the Tasmania Court System 2026 – Open for Public Consultation
https://www.lst.org.au/third-party-review-of-backlogs-in-the-tasmania-court-system-2026-the-review-open-for-public-consultation/



Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore key family law updates in Australia, including a Sydney lawyer who was ordered to repay a council millions and an article from the Law Institute of Victoria urging Junior lawyers to stand out with strong AI skills.

In Case Note Corner, we explore the case of Kim Kardashian and Kanye's divorce, and how Kanye's mental health affected proceedings. We also take a look at their case through an Australian lens.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:01 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week

4:19 - Case Note Corner: Kim & Kanye's Divorce

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.

About the podcast:

This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Topics covered in this episode:

- Desmond Freeman 

- Junior Lawyers

- AI in Family Law

- Keith Redenbach 

- Overcharging for services

- NSW Supreme Court ruling

- Kim Kardashian and Kanye's divorce

- Mental Health in Family Law proceedings

- Divorce in the US vs Australia

Links:

Desmond Freeman is believed to have been shot dead by heavily armed police

http://sbs.com.au/news/article/accused-police-shooter-dezi-freeman-seven-month-search-ends/2aosst87o 

Junior lawyers urged to stand out with strong AI skills

https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/03march/junior-lawyers-urged-to-stand-out-with-strong-ai-skills.aspx 

Sydney lawyer Keith Redenbach ordered to repay council millions after billing impossible hours

https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/sydney-lawyer-keith-redenbach-ordered-to-repay-council-millions-after-billing-impossible-hours/news-story/0052889c88f2451c7785e5c1d3eca52a

Submit a question or provide feedback:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we explore key family law updates in Australia, including NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics, Update to Court Forms, and a new AI tool for self-represented litigants.

In our new segment 'Ethics with Elena', we explore the case of Jennings & Barrese [2025], where the legal practitioner was found to have breached the South Australian legal practitioners conduct rules, resulting in a referral to the legal profession conduct commissioner.


Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week
8:07 - Ethics with Elena: Jennings & Barrese [2025]


Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.


About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.


Topics covered in this episode:
- NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research 
- DV and coercive control statistics
- 2026 Asia Pacific Coercive Control & Children Conference by Safe and Together Institute
- Update to Court Forms
- Court Transcripts company VIQ goes into voluntary administration
- Resilient practice forum
- Rytz, the AI tool for self-represented litigants



Links:
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research 
https://bocsar.nsw.gov.au/research-evaluations/2026/nsw-recorded-crime-statistics-quarterly-update-dec-2025.html

Update to Court Forms
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/news-and-media-centre/updates-profession/forms-update-mar26
https://thefamilylawbook.com.au/practice_news/family-law-news/

VIQ goes into voluntary administration
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-18/court-transcripts-viq-solutions-voluntary-administration/106463942?fbclid=IwVERDUAQn9FVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeMsCSNeICq4hN3GkSnYjOkYFqEByXjN0RCOhUym8yL6TBO0mMCr3Fd5mxxCA_aem_-ESGT0M2vCc2nkixHmS6Rw

Resilient practice forum
https://www.familylawsection.org.au/events/17-continuing-professional-development/2158-trauma-informed-practice-forum-2026.html

Coercive control and children conference presentation

https://www.sheisnotyourrehab.com

AI tool for self-represented litigants
https://rytz.com.au/



Submit a question or provide feedback:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAPAu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leap.family.law1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapfamilylaw/