Proposed amendments to the Family Law Act could make it easier for couples to separate.
If passed, the new changes would provide more clarity and guidance to address the dividing of property, pet ownership and pensions.
When considering the ownership of a pet, the act will require the consideration of ability and willingness for care, relations with a child, and risks of family violence or cruelty to the animal.
Ridding the “presumption of advancement principle” which historically applied to property transfer from husband to wife would ensure inclusive legislation for same-sex couples or unmarried spouses.
And sections of that apply to dividing pensions would also be updated to align with the current practices of pension-plan administrators.
All of the proposed changes come from phase 1 of the Family Law Modernization Project to address societal changes.
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