How family law changes in WA offer hope for victim-survivors

Financial abuse is one of the most damaging and often invisible forms of family violence. It happens when someone uses money or control over finances to trap, intimidate, or isolate their partner. This might look like being denied access to your own bank account, being forced into debt, or having your ability to work or study sabotaged. For many people, this kind of abuse doesn’t stop when the relationship ends, it can continue through the legal system, especially during property settlements.

That’s why the changes to the Family Law Act, effective from 10 June 2025, are so important. These reforms are designed to better protect people who have experienced financial abuse and coercive control, especially after separation. They offer clearer recognition of what financial abuse looks like and ensure that the courts take it seriously when dividing property and assets. If you’ve ever felt financially trapped or controlled by a partner, these changes are for you.

How the new family law changes offer hope

Starting 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act will include stronger protections for people affected by family and domestic violence. These changes are not just legal updates; they’re a shift in how the system understands abuse and its long-term impact.

Redgum Justice Principal Solicitor, Funmi Adesina, says “the new laws will help courts better recognise and respond to ongoing abuse after separation, including controlling behaviour and financial abuse. There’s also greater recognition of the importance of pets and the need for full and honest financial disclosure.”

For those who’ve experienced abuse, this means the court will now look more closely at how your former partner’s behaviour may have affected your financial situation. This includes things like lost income, coerced debt, or being shut out of financial decisions. These are no longer just “relationship issues”—they’re recognised as serious forms of abuse with real consequences.

What the law now recognises as financial abuse

A crucial part of these new protections is the clearer recognition of coercive control. This isn’t about a one-off argument over money. It’s a pattern of behaviour designed to intimidate, control, and strip a person of their independence. From a financial standpoint, coercive control can be incredibly subtle yet profoundly damaging.

The updated law gives clear examples of financial abuse, making it easier for you to explain what you’ve been through and for the court to understand it. This includes:

Restricting access to money – like being given an “allowance” or having your income controlled.
Sabotaging your job or education – such as being pressured to quit work or blocked from studying.
Forcing you into debt – being made to take out loans or credit cards in your name.
Controlling financial decisions – being excluded from major financial choices or kept in the dark.
Hiding assets – deliberately concealing money or property to stop you from getting your fair share.

By specifically highlighting these examples, the new laws make it easier for victim-survivors to articulate their experiences and for the courts to recognise this behaviour for what it is: a form of family violence with lasting financial consequences.

What happens with “wasted” money or assets

Another important change is how the court now deals with what’s called “wastage.” This refers to situations where one partner recklessly or intentionally spends or loses money, often just before or after separation, to reduce what’s left to divide. Think of it as financial sabotage.

Examples include gambling away savings, spending big on a new partner, making risky investments without your knowledge and selling property for less than it’s worth. Now, the court can treat that wasted money as if it’s still part of the asset pool. This means the person who caused the loss may get less in the final settlement, helping to protect your financial future.

Why this matters for you

If you’re trying to rebuild your life after abuse, these changes mean the law is now better equipped to recognise the financial mountain you might be facing. The court can consider how the abuse affected your ability to earn, save, or contribute financially and adjust the property settlement accordingly.

This isn’t just about dividing money. It’s about recognising the full impact of what you’ve been through and making sure the outcome is fair.

Rebuilding financial confidence after abuse

Legal protections are essential, but the journey doesn’t end with a property settlement. The financial damage caused by economic abuse often comes with emotional damage – a loss of confidence in yourself and your ability to manage money, diminished self-worth, and fear about making financial decisions.

Financial coaching can play a vital role in your recovery. Unlike traditional financial advice that focuses solely on numbers, financial coaching takes a holistic approach. It’s client-led, strengths-based, and values-driven—helping you:

Rebuild trust in your own financial decision-making
Establish new meaning and purpose through personalised goals
Develop skills for long-term financial resilience
Move from survival mode to planning a future you choose

Recovery is possible, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

You’re not alone and help is available

These changes send a powerful message: financial abuse is real, and it matters. If you’ve experienced this kind of control, you deserve support, and now, the law is more on your side than ever before.

If any of this sounds familiar, or if you’re supporting someone who might be affected, please know that help is available. Legal services, financial counsellors, and domestic violence support organisations can guide you through your options and help you understand how these new laws apply to your situation.

These reforms are a step toward justice, safety, and a more secure future.

Reach out to a financial counsellor for free, non-judgemental, independent and confidential help.

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