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I was recently surprised by a flurry of social media activity advising me that there is less than 8 weeks until Christmas and I won’t deny that my heart skipped a beat.
This reaction was not because I was worried that the time frame was too short to find things to fill my son’s Santa sack, or that I was panicking about the Christmas lunch menu that has been delegated to my sister and I because our older more culinary sister is refusing to cooperate this year. My stress was because it was a timely reminder that I need to raise the issue of Christmas with all my Family Law clients.
Every year the Federal Circuit and Family Court gives lawyers a cut off date by which any application that seeks to deal with Orders concerning Christmas needs to be filed. If an application is not filed by the required date the Court will not have the opportunity to deal with it prior to the Christmas break. This year applications need to be filed by 4:00 pm on Friday 15 November 2024.
Ideally of course an agreement would be reached between parents regarding Christmas and other special occasions well in advance of the event, meaning special days can be shared and enjoyed by all, without conflict.
If you are yet to reach an agreement with your family about how Christmas will be shared, contact one of our experienced family lawyers as soon as possible.
About the author
Samantha Sticklan
Director
LLB, Acc. Spec (Fam. Law), Accredited Mediator NMAS, BA(Journ)
Samantha Sticklan commenced with Macrossan & Amiet in February 2018. Samantha grew up in Northern NSW, relocating to Brisbane to attend boarding school and later obtaining her law degree at Griffith University.
In 2004 Samantha relocated to Mackay to take up employment as an Articled Clerk. Samantha was previously employed by another local practice for 14 years, during which time she was successful in obtaining recognition as an Accredited Family Law Specialist by the Qld Law Society.
Samantha is a mother and wife, and when not working keeps her stress levels at bay by taking part in a variety of physical pursuits.
Samantha is an active member of the Mackay Community, currently volunteering with Artspace Mackay Foundation, the Mackay Community Legal Centre and the BMA Mackay Marina Run.
About Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors
For over 100 years, Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors has been a leading local law firm in Mackay, with offices in Proserpine and Cannonvale servicing the Whitsundays region. Our experienced solicitors provide professional legal services to individuals, families and businesses across regional Queensland.
Whether you need representation in court, assistance buying or selling property, or advice on protecting your assets, our Mackay lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
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