By Paul Fildes, Principal

Before reflecting on the year that has passed, it is important to acknowledge the profound tragedy that has touched Australia this week. The devastating attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, in which fifteen innocent people were killed and many more injured, has left communities across the country grieving deeply. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, the first responders, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. Moments like these remind us of the fragility of life, the strength of community, and the need for compassion as we move toward the end of the year.

When I sat down to “muse” back in 2022, I described that year as a “wild ride.” Little did I know that the rollercoaster wasn’t slowing down anytime soon. Four years later, 2025 has delivered its own share of twists and turns, both in the family law world and beyond. If nothing else, it reminds me that change is the only constant—and sometimes, it’s best to buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Let’s start with the law.  The standout case for us this year was Shinohara v Shinohara [2025] FedCFamC1A 126. Acting for the wife, we were front and centre in a decision that effectively shut the door on notional add-backs. Thanks to the Family Law Amendment Act 2024, property that no longer exists in the hands of either party can no longer be included on the balance sheet. The Full Court made it crystal clear: only existing property counts under s 79(3)(a)(i). For practitioners, this means the old Omacini categories now live on only as historical contributions or future circumstances—not as phantom entries on a spreadsheet. It’s a significant shift in how we approach settlements, and one that will keep us all on our toes in 2026.

Beyond the courtroom, the headlines didn’t disappoint.  The leak of the Epstein files dominated global news and sent shockwaves through political circles—Donald Trump found himself back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Closer to home, Labor held onto power in the federal election, cementing Anthony Albanese’s leadership and leaving the Coalition to ponder its future. Meanwhile, Melbourne finally celebrated the opening of the Metro Tunnel after years of disruption—a Christmas miracle for commuters!

Technology stole the show this year and AI has well and truly arrived in the legal space. From drafting assistance to predictive analytics, it’s changing how we work and how clients expect us to deliver. While some fear robots will replace lawyers, I suspect they’ll just make us faster, sharper, and maybe even a little more human—because someone still needs to explain why “justice and equity” can’t be outsourced to an algorithm.

Economically, it’s been a mixed bag.  Interest rates eased slightly, but cost-of-living pressures remain front of mind for many families. Housing valuations continue to wobble, and the word “recession” still pops up in conversations more often than we’d like. Yet, as always, Australians adapt—whether that means working from home on Mondays and Fridays or rediscovering the joy of a three-day office week.

And because no year-in-review would be complete without a nod to culture: we mourned icons, cheered sporting triumphs, and queued for concerts that reminded us life is for living. Even Melbourne’s weather played along—eventually.

So, as we head into the final weeks of the year, I’m reminded that while laws evolve, technology accelerates, and politics entertains, the constants remain: family, resilience, and the pursuit of fairness. I hope the coming break brings everyone a chance to rest, reconnect, and reset after an intense and emotional end to 2025.

Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and restorative start to the new year.