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A Field Guide to the Tactics You May Encounter in Family Court Family law is supposed to deliver justice, not strategy. Yet, some legal representatives have developed a pattern of tactics that—while technically lawful—tilt the process in their client’s favour by stretching time, evidence, and emotion to breaking point. Understanding these moves doesn’t make you paranoid. It makes you prepared. Below is an anonymised summary of recurring patterns seen across Australian Family

Overview The percentage of family violence allegations against men that are proven false in Australia is generally estimated to be between 5% and 9% , according to a range of studies and official reports. While individual research varies slightly, the consensus among experts — including judicial and academic reviews — is that intentionally false allegations are rare , occurring in roughly 1 in 20 cases . False Allegation Rates (Proven False) Most cited figures place the rate

An evidence-based approach This report addresses and refutes the assertion that the mere presence of licensed firearms in the custody of a respondent to a family violence (FV) allegation provides a statistical basis for inferring elevated risk. Furthermore, it comprehensively argues that punitive measures such as automatic firearm removal and a 10-year prohibition imposed solely on the basis of an unproven allegation represent an unwarranted breach of proportionality and huma

It’s finally happening. After years of silence, stonewalling, and systemic failure, the global pushback against family court injustice is building momentum —and it’s not just talk. This week, American reformer Robert Garza announced that his 3 Strikes Law —already gaining traction across the U.S.—is heading to Australia . This legislation cracks down on repeated breaches of custody orders. No more slaps on the wrist. Fines. Jail time. Real accountability. It’s exactly what A

Risk assessments play a vital role in family law, especially in issuing AVOs and FVOs. But what happens when the frameworks used aren’t backed by real evidence or best practice? Main points: What a real risk framework looks like. ISO 31000 outlines clear steps: define risk, measure likelihood and consequence, apply controls, and review regularly. DFV-RAMF skips nearly all of this . Subjective judgment replaces hard data. DFV-RAMF and MARAM rely heavily on practitioner “intu

The Victorian Government’s MARAM framework is often cited as best practice in family violence risk assessment. But is it really a robust risk tool—or just a values-based policy disguised as one? Main points: What MARAM gets wrong. MARAM defines risk levels using vague terms like “at risk” or “serious risk” without any evidence-based thresholds. It prioritises subjective fear over calibrated analysis . No audit trail. No accuracy metrics. Unlike ISO 31000, MARAM offers no..

When an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) or Family Violence Order (FVO) is issued, it’s meant to protect lives. But what if the tools guiding those decisions—like the ACT Goverment's Domestic and Family Violence Risk Assessment and Management Framework (DFV-RAMF) —aren’t up to standard? Main points: DFV-RAMF isn’t actually a risk framework. It lacks core elements like calibrated risk scales, control measures, and auditable metrics. In short, it’s a set of practice guides pr