Family Law (LAWS50047)
Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Teaching staff:
Belinda Fehlberg (Subject Coordinator)
Catherine Hillis
Louise Hunter
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject aims to encourage a broad and sophisticated understanding of, and critical thinking about, contemporary Australian family law, by drawing on recent debate, research, and legal and policy developments in the area, focusing on parenting and financial disputes on relationship breakdown. A key goal is to consider legislation and case law in the context of empirical and other research literature from Australia and overseas to explore law in action. This is a particularly important goal given the importance of social sciences knowledge and professional skill in family law practice, research, policy and reform.
Family law is a rapidly changing area of law. Specific areas of emphasis throughout the subject will be influenced by contemporary developments. However, in broad terms here is an indicative list of the principal topics we will cover:
- Relationship recognition and flow-on impacts of this in family law;
- Post-separation parenting law and process;
- Family violence and family law: the relevance of family violence to both process and the substantive law (parenting and financial disputes);
- Child support;
- Property division on marriage and de facto relationship breakdown; and
- Spouse/partner maintenance.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject, students will have:
- An advanced and integrated understanding of the complex legal framework and processes and professional skills now relevant to determining post-separation rights and responsibilities of family members in Australia on relationship breakdown;
- A sophisticated appreciation of the relevance and contribution of social sciences knowledge to family law practice, research and reform;
- A sophisticated appreciation of, and ability to engage in, the complex policy debates in relation to family law and policy, particularly regarding parenting and financial disputes on relationship breakdown;
- A nuanced understanding of the differences that may exist between family law 'in books' (that is, in legislation and case law) and family law 'in action' (that is, as it is practiced and as it is experienced by family members); and
- A capacity to critically and independently analyse, reflect on and evaluate recent family law reform initiatives and proposals.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students are required to have passed this subject
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS50033 | Equity and Trusts | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Final exam
| During the examination period | 100% |
Additional details
The timing of centrally managed final examinations can be found when the exam timetable is made available.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Belinda Fehlberg Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Subject will be taught by means of 1 x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr tutorial (each week) Total time commitment 150 hours Pre teaching requirements Please refer to Canvas LMS to check on the pre-class readings and preparatory learning activities before the teaching period commences. Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Teaching staff:
Belinda Fehlberg (Subject Coordinator)
Catherine Hillis
Louise HunterFor current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject has an enrolment quota. Please refer to the Juris Doctor enrolment webpage for further information about re-enrolment and subject quotas. Melbourne Law School may reserve places in a subject for inbound study abroad and exchange students.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025