LAW4177 · Introduction to family law

Overview

This unit gives you an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts in Family Law. Topics include: • the family - history and the concept of 'the family' • practising family law - professional and ethical challenges and courts jurisdiction; • marriage and divorce - obligations created by marriage • dividing property under the Family Law Act - principles relating to property division between married couples and those living in a de facto relationship • children's rights and parental responsibilities - the Family Law Act relating to parental responsibility and parenting orders • family support spousal maintenance and child support.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. S1-01 and SSA-02: Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts and policies underlying the Australian family law system, as well as the current challenges and debates surrounding Australian family law. WS-01: Comprehend and explain the essential concepts and policies underlying the Australian family law system including the broader context in which the system operates.
2. S1-01 and SSA-02: Critically analyse and persuasively evaluate key issues in family law, contextualised within a broad range of practice, policy and theoretical perspectives. WS-01: Critically evaluate the challenges and debates surrounding family law including the ethical debates and professional responsibilities facing family lawyers.
3. S1-01 and SSA-02: Undertake research, in order to develop a detailed investigation, analysis, and comprehensive evaluation of complex information related to key issues in family law. WS-01: Identify, analyse and critically comment on disputes between parties to a marriage or parties in a de facto relationship involving issues of property, children and maintenance.
4. S1-01 and SSA-02: Demonstrate highly engaging, detailed and persuasive communication in a range of formats and for diverse audiences. WS-01: Demonstrate reasoning skills and professional judgement which generate appropriate responses to complex statutory problems.
5. WS-01: Communicate effectively, appropriately and persuasively on issues pertaining to family law.
6. WS-01: Learn and work autonomously and collaboratively and use feedback to improve capabilities and performance.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcome for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.