Welcome to our Sydney Mills Oakley Family Law Newsletter for September 2026.
Below we provide you with the latest updates on our team, recent developments in family law and links to interesting articles and case law in the family law arena.
It’s been another busy month for the Sydney Mills Oakley Family Law Team. From guiding clients through complex matters to celebrating client’s successes, and plenty of events in between, there’s been lots happening.
Take a look below to find out what we’ve been up to!
International Academy of Family Lawyers 2026 Annual Meeting in Dublin
Our Partners, Susan Warda and Carly Mirza-Price together with Special Counsel, Antonia Marran and our Foreign Legal Advisor, Samantha Gershon, were delighted to attend the International Academy of Family Lawyers Annual Meeting for 2026 held in Dublin, Ireland.
Beyond the learning, events like this offer an invaluable opportunity to strengthen relationships with family lawyers worldwide, reconnect with longstanding colleagues and friends, and exchange perspectives on the shared challenges of practising international family law across jurisdictions.
The program was outstanding, offering valuable insights into the increasingly complex international issues affecting families whose lives, relationships and assets extend across multiple countries. It was a privilege to learn from leading practitioners, exchange ideas, and develop meaningful professional connections that strengthen our international network and enhance the support we provide to clients with cross-border family law matters.
Navigating Family Law and Protecting Wealth Across Borders Panel in Paris
On 14 September 2026, Partner, Susan Warda presented, along with International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) Fellow, Elodie Mulon, at the Australia France Business Association event Navigating Family Law and Protecting Wealth Across Borders in Paris, France.
Susan and Elodie discussed the complexities that can arise when Australian and French legal systems intersect.
The discussion covered parenting arrangements, financial settlements, divorce proceedings, pre-nuptial agreements, marriage contracts and Binding Financial Agreements. It also highlighted the important distinction between financial gifts and family loans when a relationship breaks down.
The evening reinforced the importance of practical guidance for Australians living in France who are navigating legal and financial issues across borders.
Celebrating the Hong Kong Family Law Association’s 40th Anniversary
This month, our Foreign Legal Advisor, Samantha Gershon, was delighted to take part in a fireside chat as a past Chairperson, marking the beginning of celebrations for the Hong Kong Family Law Association’s 40-year anniversary.
The event was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and return to Sydney with fresh insights from family lawyers across jurisdictions.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with their international family law matter, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Warda at [email protected] or Carly Mirza-Price at [email protected] or + 61 2 8289 5800.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has announced a new National Enforcement List, commencing 21 September 2026, aimed at streamlining the management of enforcement applications and requests in family law matters.
In the below article, Partner, Carly Mirza-Price and Senior Associate, Jenna Georgopoulos, explain the two enforcement pathways available under the new regime, and what parties need to know when seeking to enforce family law financial orders.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (“the Court”) has announced a new National Enforcement List, designed to streamline case management of enforcement applications and requests in family law proceedings.
The National Enforcement List will commence on 21 September 2026.
An Enforcement Application is used to enforce an order, other than a parenting order, when a party or corporation has failed to pay money, progress the transfer or sale of an asset, comply with financial obligations, or otherwise do something required by a final or interim order.
The objective of the National Enforcement List is to:
What Applications can be filed?
Two types of Applications and requests may be filed in the National Enforcement List:
An Application – Enforcement is to be filed with an Affidavit that has been signed by the Application at least two (2) days prior to filing the Application. The Applicant must serve the Application upon the Respondent and provide evidence of such service to the Court, or at least evidence that the Respondent is aware of the terms of the Orders.
The Application, once filed, will be allocated a First Return Hearing (unless a request for an urgent hearing has been granted by the Court) before the Registrar, on which occasion procedural orders will be made for the progress, and ultimate hearing, of the Application. The Registrar has the power to order further evidence and disclosure, grant leave for the issuing of subpoenas and may refer the parties to Dispute Resolution.
There is a new second pathway, being Enforcement Requests. Such Requests are available when an enforcement Order has already been made and the Applicant seeks the Court act on that Order. The Request will be considered by an Enforcement Registrar in chambers.
This pathway covers:
In both instances, the Applicant must file an Enforcement Application or a Request by email to a single national email address, being [email protected], instead of filing on the online Court portal. This email address is administered by Enforcement Registrars whom are specifically allocated to consider Enforcement Applications and Requests.
Conclusion
The link to the Family Law Practice Direction – National Enforcement List – can be found here: Family Law Practice Direction – National Enforcement List.
In the event an Enforcement Application or request is deficient and/or fails to comply with the Family Law Practice Direction and the Federal Court and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules (2021), an Enforcement Registrar may decline to accept it for filing. As such, filing an Enforcement Application or an Enforcement Request requires careful consideration and preparation.
Our team is well equipped to assist with enforcement measures. If you would like further advice about this article or enforcement, please contact one of our family lawyers.
The Mills Oakley Sydney Family Law Team are delighted to welcome Sahar Ansari, who recently joined our team as a Lawyer
We sat down with Sahar to ask her our five quick fire questions. See Sahar’s answers below:
How long have you worked in the Sydney Family Law Team at Mills Oakley?
Around 1.5 months now.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
Honestly, it might have been after a deep dive I did into Amal Clooney in my early high school years. I had genuinely found her and her discourse on human rights very inspiring.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (work or personal)?
Probably to just trust my gut – it definitely hasn’t failed me (yet).
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
Top of the list would be my primary passions – football and tennis. Followed by Pilates, running, travelling, baking and reading.
Go to coffee order?
Skim cap with a bit of honey 😊
We work hard ot ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients, and we value the feedback we receive every day. Here’s a snapshot of what some of our client’s said this month:
“Thank you for today. I really appreciated the advice and support.” [to Partner, Carly Mirza-Price]
“Dear Susan and Antonia, you both have gone above and beyond. She was very fortunate to have you support her through a very traumatic life event. Thank you again.” [to Partner, Susan Warda and Special Counsel, Antonia Marran]
Referrals are important to us. If you know someone who would benefit from a confidential conversation with a family lawyer, please pass on our details and we will do our very best to look after them.
If you would like further information or have any queries regarding other matters, please do not hesitate to contact:
