How the Priority Property Pools Program Can Streamline Your Property Settlement
Priority Property Pools (“PPP”) – Property pools under $550,000
Have you recently separated from your spouse or de facto partner on the Sunshine Coast and have been unable to reach an agreement about the division of your assets?
Do you and your former spouse or de facto partner have less than $550,000 in net assets combined, excluding superannuation?
If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (“the Court”) may have just the remedy for you.
On 1 March 2020, the Court piloted a program to fast-track property settlement applications where the net asset pool of the parties combined was less than half a million dollars. That program has successfully facilitated the quick resolution of many family law property disputes on the Sunshine Coast.
On 30 October 2023, and in light of the program’s success, the Court expanded the eligibility of parties to the Priority Property Pools (PPP) list by increasing the value of the net property pool to $550,000 (excluding superannuation), making it a cornerstone for those seeking efficient divorce solutions and property division on the Sunshine Coast.
The PPP list promotes the quick, inexpensive, and just resolution of family law property disputes by:
Reducing the number of Court documents required to be filed by each party;
Introducing closer monitoring of the parties’ compliance with orders, particularly early on in the proceedings;
Reducing the number of Court appearances required; and
Revising the procedure at the final hearing (should a final hearing be needed).
However, not every application made to the Court for a property settlement where the property pool is less than $550,000 will be allocated to the PPP list. There are a number of disqualifying factors.
The team at Pippa Colman Family Law & Associates can advise you about your eligibility to be considered in the PPP list, providing expert family law advice on the Sunshine Coast.