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Meri Oakwood, Lecturer in Law, Southern Cross University

Family law changes will better protect domestic violence victims – and their pets

domestic violence
Zivia Kerkez/Shutterstock

Welcome changes to family law come into effect this week to better support victims of domestic violence in property settlements.

Importantly, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 will provide a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in divorce and separation proceedings. Pets will no longer be recognised merely as property, but as “companion animals”.

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