Separation is hard enough. And the efforts to keep your emotions under control are often challenged by the financial fallout. For anyone who has experienced having their bank accounts controlled, being denied access to money, being pressured to quit work, or discovering hidden assets only after the split, the upcoming changes to family law are a game-changer. These reforms finally give the courts the tools to recognise economic manipulation as a form of family violence and ensure settlements are fair.
From 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act recognises economic abuse as family violence. These changes apply not only to new cases but also to ongoing proceedings, so long as a final hearing hasn’t taken place. That means couples who thought they understood how property and financial settlements would work may find the rules shifting beneath their feet.
A real-life scenario: My ex husband is hiding money
Consider a couple separating after 12 years together. One partner always controlled the money, restricted the other’s spending, and even coerced them into leaving their job to focus on home duties. Hidden bank accounts were discovered only after separation. If you’re asking yourself, “My ex husband is hiding money — what can I do?”, under the old system, the courts might have focused narrowly on the asset pool and calculated contributions in a fairly mechanical way.
Another example: a partner who was pressured into taking out loans in their name or to cover the household expenses while the other’s spending remained unchecked. If you’re wondering “How can I prove my ex is hiding money?” or “How can I find out if my ex is hiding money?”, these kinds of financial control tactics are now officially recognised as a form of family violence and will be considered by the court in settlement decisions.
What the courts will now weigh if my ex is hiding money
Key changes under the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 include:
Economic and financial abuse is formally recognised as family violence, covering behaviours such as denying access to money, controlling accounts, coercing financial decisions, or dowry-related abuse.
Courts must assess how family violence impacted a person’s contributions and future needs, including lost career opportunities or diminished earning potential.
Companion animals now have a legal framework in property settlements, meaning pets can be considered alongside other assets.
The Less Adversarial Trial (LAT) model can be applied to financial disputes involving family violence, reducing the emotional toll of litigation.
Full financial disclosure is now required under the Act itself, so hiding assets or misleading the court carries significant risk.
For anyone in ongoing proceedings, these reforms could completely reshape outcomes. What once might have seemed like minor manipulations - like controlling the household budget or secretly moving money - now has legal weight in property settlements. If you’re thinking, “My ex is hiding money”, these changes mean you have a much stronger legal footing than before.
Why action matters now if my ex husband is hiding money
Even though these reforms take effect in June 2025, their impact can already be felt. If proceedings are underway, the stage of the case matters: strategies, negotiations, and settlement discussions may need to be reassessed in light of the new rules. Understanding the changes early allows better preparation and ensures that legal advice and settlement planning reflect the new law.
If you’re struggling with questions like “How can I prove my ex is hiding money?” or “How can I find out if my ex is hiding money?”, now is the time to speak to a legal expert. Early action can protect your financial security and ensure that hidden assets are discovered and fairly distributed.
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 represents more than just legislative change. It recognises real-life power imbalances, protects against economic abuse, and provides the courts with tools to ensure fairer outcomes.
The Family Law Property Settlement Reform is one of the most significant changes in decades to how Australian family courts handle property, money, and fairness. From recognising economic abuse to giving pets a legal place in settlements, the law is evolving to reflect the realities of modern relationships.
Anyone facing separation or property settlement should understand these reforms and plan accordingly. Early legal advice can make a significant difference in protecting financial security and ensuring fairness - especially if you are thinking, “My ex is hiding money.”
