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Separation is rarely simple, particularly when property (including businesses and superannuation) and children are involved. One of the most common questions we are asked is: “Who gets what?” In Australia, property settlements are governed by the Family Law Act 1975 . The process is structured, but outcomes depend heavily on the specific circumstances of each relationship. No each case is the same. Step 1: Identifying the asset pool The first step is identifying and valuing the total asset pool. This includes: Real estate Savings and investments, including cryptocurrency and shares Businesses and trusts Superannuation Vehicles and personal property Liabilities and debts Importantly, the asset pool includes everything owned individually, jointly, or through entities such as companies or discretionary trusts. Step 2: Assessing contributions The court then considers the contributions made by each party, including: Financial contributions (such as income earned by the parties during the relationship, assets brought into the relationship, and the payment of the mortgage, rates and utilities during the relationship and post-separation) Non-financial contributions (such as renovations conducted on any real estate during the relationship and post-separation, care provide to family members, and the completion of housework) Homemaker and parenting contributions Contributions are not assessed in dollar terms. Raising children or supporting a partner’s career are recognised as relevant contributions. Step 3: Future needs The court also considers future factors, which include (but are not limited to): Income earning capacity Age and health Care of children Length of the relationship Adjustments may be made if one either party have a future need. Time limits apply Strict time limits exist: Married couples must apply for property settlement within 12 months of a divorce order being made. De facto couples must apply within 2 years of separation. Missing these deadlines can significantly complicate your position, such it is important to get advice regarding your matter as soon as possible after separation to avoid being “out of time”. Do I need to go to court? Most property settlements are resolved through negotiation (whether through parties themselves or solicitor correspondence) or mediation. Court proceedings are generally a last resort. However, formalising any agreement through Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement is critical to ensure finality and protection from future claims. Early advice makes a difference Every separation is different. Business structures, trusts, inheritances and superannuation can significantly affect outcomes. Obtaining early legal advice helps clarify: The likely asset pool Your contribution position Potential future needs adjustments Strategic options for resolution If you are considering separation or have recently separated, our family law team can provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances. Do you need family law advice? Kells specialises in all areas of family law and have a team of experienced dedicated family lawyers conveniently located throughout Sydney and the Illawarra.

The occurrence of fatal road accidents are a tragic reality of people using our roads to travel and get around. Sadly earlier this week a cyclist in Dapto was allegedly struck by a bus and died due to his injuries. The outcome of an accident like this has consequences, not just for the untimely death of the cyclist but also for their family and persons who may have witnessed the fatal accident at the scene. Although it is reported that no one else was physical injured in this incident, it is possible that people may suffer a psychological injury as a result of having witnessed a tragic event such as this. Even close family members of a deceased person injured in a motor vehicle accident may suffer a psychological injury as a result of their untimely and tragic death. Psychological injuries may not be as obvious or visible as physical injuries and people who suffer psychological injuries may not realise they have sustained any injury unless and until they seek the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner or psychologist. People who have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident may be entitled to compensation. This may also include people who have witnessed a motor vehicle accident that has resulted in a serious or fatal injury to another person or family members to a person injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. If you or somebody you know has witnessed a tragic motor vehicle accident that has resulted in the death or serious injury of another person and believe that as a result, you may have suffered a psychological injury, you should discuss your potential rights and entitlements to compensation with our team of compensation lawyers. Your potential entitlements to compensation may include: payment of your regular weekly salary while you recover treatment expenses a claim for pain and suffering where you may not be able to return to work indefinitely, a claim for your future economic loss. It is important that you seek legal advice early with respect to your rights and entitlements to motor accident claims, especially within the first three months since the date of the injury. Being involved in or witnessing a road accident can be overwhelming and upsetting. At Kells, we understand what you’re going through and are here to help. Speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers for guidance on your options and whether you may be entitled to a claim. Our services are offered on a no win, no fee basis, with a free initial consultation, so you can focus on your recovery. Have questions or need legal guidance?

The 2026 Kells Kiama Sevens has once again cemented its place as one of Australia’s premier rugby sevens tournaments, drawing elite teams, passionate supporters, and the wider community together for a day where speed met spectacle and tradition met ambition. Held at the iconic Kiama Showground, the tournament delivered fast-paced rugby, electric sideline energy, and a standard of competition befitting its reputation as the Southern Hemisphere’s longest-running sevens event. In a gripping Cup Final, Manly defeated Easts, claiming the 2026 title in emphatic fashion. The final showcased the very essence of sevens rugby, precision, pace and pressure, thrilling the crowd from first whistle to final siren. Kells Lawyers congratulates Manly on their championship victory, Easts on an outstanding campaign, and all divisional winners and participating clubs whose skill and sportsmanship defined the day. Beyond the scoreboard, the Kiama Sevens remains a powerful engine for community impact. Through the Kiama Sevens Foundation and the enduring work of the Kiama Rugby Union Club, proceeds from the tournament are reinvested directly into grassroots rugby — supporting junior development pathways, coaching programs, player welfare initiatives, and the long-term sustainability of the sport within the region. The event also continues to deliver meaningful economic benefits to the local area, with visiting teams, families and supporters contributing to accommodation providers, hospitality venues and local businesses throughout the weekend. For Kiama, the Sevens is more than a tournament; it is a celebration of community identity and regional pride. Kells Lawyers commits to a further two years as Naming Sponsor Following the success of the 2026 tournament, Kells Lawyers is proud to confirm its commitment as naming sponsor of the Kells Kiama Sevens for a further two years. This renewed partnership provides the strategic certainty required for organisers to plan ambitiously for future tournaments, enhancing player experience, strengthening commercial partnerships, and ensuring the long-term growth of the event. “As a firm deeply embedded in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region, our commitment to the Kiama Sevens is about more than sponsorship,” said Paul Magagnino, Managing Partner at Kells. “It’s about investing in community, backing grassroots sport, and supporting an event that brings extraordinary energy and opportunity to the Kiama region. Securing our partnership for another two years allows the tournament to plan strategically and build on its remarkable legacy.” With the extended sponsorship in place, anticipation is already building for the next chapter with the 2027 Kells Kiama Sevens set to take place on 27 February 2027. Kells Lawyers looks forward to standing alongside players, volunteers, sponsors and supporters as the tournament continues to evolve, proudly championing rugby excellence while reinvesting in the community that makes it possible. For more information, visit Kells Kiama Sevens . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au