Read about the latest update to FamilyProperty below. Want to suggest a feature request or enhancement?
Updates to "future needs" in the questionnaire New!
We've simplified the questions in the "future needs" section to make them yes/no responses, and to also handle responses for both sides. You'll find the updates next time you open the questionnaire.
Confidential Case Outline New!
We've launched support for the Confidential Case Outline with a new smart form for completing the entire court form. Explore this document through More -> Smart forms or through the document library.
Response To Initiating Application New!
We've launched support for the Response To Initiating Application Court form! There is a smart form for filling in all the information, and both children and financial legal orders will be populated within the document. Explore this document through More -> Smart forms or through the document library.
Initiating Application
We've launched support for the Initiating Application Court form! There is a smart form for filling in all the information, and both children and financial legal orders will be populated within the document. Explore this document through More -> Smart forms or through the document library.
Configure the questionnaire experience through the shareable link
You now have full control over the matters created by the shareable link, including how matters will be set-up (either as a lawyer or mediator matter), who will automatically have access, and which sections in the questionnaire you want people to complete.
Support for WA consent orders
We've expanded our property consent orders and parenting consent orders templates to support Western Australia married and de facto matters. This builds on our existing support of the Form 11 - Application for Consent Orders.
New matter type - Parenting!
You can now set-up matters for parenting only or parenting & property scenarios. This includes a new parenting section in the questionnaire that helps you to capture information on your client's children and their situation, as well as any current parenting arrangements. This information is also available within a new "parenting" tab in the dashboard.
Parenting - Interactive calendar
The new "parenting" tab in the dashboard includes a smart form that allows you to design robust parenting arrangements which are then automatically plotted onto an interactive calendar so you can see how they play out over time. It supports parenting arrangements for all children or specific parenting arrangements for each child if needed.
Parenting - Automated documents
Convert parenting arrangements designed in within the "parenting" tab into downloadable documents including a Parenting Plan, Parenting Orders and Parenting consent Orders.
New questionnaire sections - Current situation.
Include four new sections in the questionnaire to asisst you to capture information on your client's current situation. These sections include "where you're at", "proceedings/orders", "family voilence", "how you and your ex-parenter are coping". This information is also available within a new "current situation" tab in the dashboard.
Navigate between the questionnaire, dashboard and client portal
A new navigation menu now allows you to seamlessly navigate between the questionnaire, dashboard and client portal. You can update information and upload documents in any of these points, and the information will automatcially flow through, providing a unified process for managing your family law matters.
"Add mediator" button
To make adding or assigning a mediator to a matter faster, we've added a new "add mediator" button to the matter set-up screen which will allow you to add a mediator to both parties in one go.
Update multiple attachments as "accessible" (mediator matters)
You can now flag multiple attachments as accessible in one go!
To do this, click on the "more" tab and select "attachments", tick the boxes next to the attachments you want to mark as "accessible", and then click the "mark as accessible" button, bottom right.
Improved versions!
We've worked hard to simplify versions and make them work how you expect them to.
Now, versions won't be automatically updated as you continue to make changes to the balance sheet, keeping your versions intact at the point when you saved (or last updated) them.
You can choose to update a version as needed with the current working balance sheet, putting you in control of all updates.
We've also added the ability to quickly switch between versions (like moving between tabs in a spreadsheet) simply by clicking on the balance sheet heading and selecting the version you wish to display.
Add cash payments to the balance sheet
Need to add a specific sum to your balance sheet as a cash payment from one party to the other? Now you can do this from the "add" button in the balance sheet!
When you choose to add a cash payment, you can give it a description, who is receiving the payment and the amount, and it'll automatically add an asset and liability into your balance sheet.
The great thing about this is that when you change the value or the description of the asset or liability cash payment in the balance sheet, it'll automatically update the other for you, keeping your cash payment asset & liability in alignment in your balance sheet automatically.
Convert assets to financial resources and vice versa
Now its simple to convert an asset to a financial resource, or convert a financial resource to an asset and add it to the balance sheet, with a click of a button!
To do this, simply click on the asset (or the financial resource), then scroll to the bottom of the "information" tab to find the option.
Convert assets to disposed assets and vice versa
Now its simple to convert an asset to a disposed asset, or convert a disposed asset to an asset and add it to the balance sheet, with a click of a button!
To do this, simply click on the asset (or the disposed asset), then scroll to the bottom of the "information" tab to find the option.
Copy individual items to the other balance sheet
Previously you were able to copy an entire balance sheet from one party across to the other. Now, you can copy an individual item (such as an asset or liability) from one balance sheet to the other, saving time in having to add it manually.
To copy an item to the other balance sheet, simply click on the item, then scroll to the bottom of the "information" tab and click on the "copy over this..." button.
Pin notes to different sections in the dashboard
Want to pin additional information to sections in the dashboard for quick reference, such as to the balance sheet, income, contributions and future needs? Pinned notes show up as a note icon on the left side of the section they are pinned to, and the note is displayed when the icon is clicked on.
To pin a note to a section of the dashboard, click on the "more" tab and then select "notes". Then, when you are adding a note select the section of the dashboard you wish to pin it to.
Allow everyone to access all matters
If your policy is for everyone in your account to have access to everyone elses matters (as "admins"), then now you can enable this in FamilyProperty!
To enable this option head over to "account" -> "settings" and open "matters". Then, set "access to all matters" to YES.
Update multiple attachments as "accessible" (lawyer matters)
You can now flag multiple attachments as accessible in one go!
To do this, click on the "more" tab and select "attachments", tick the boxes next to the attachments you want to mark as "accessible", and then click the "mark as accessible" button, bottom right.
Target percentage outcomes for a super split
You can now define target percentage splits for the super pool, selecting which super fund you'd like to split to reach the outcome.
To apply a target percentage outcome for super only, click on the "balance sheets" tab, and then click on "apply calculations". You'll then find the option: "define a target percentage outcome (for super only)".
Add text notes to versions
You can now store your own text notes with each version, allowing you to provide information which can then be included in generated proposal documents.
WA Form 11
A draft Application for Consent Orders (form 11) is now available for download as a Microsoft Word document.
To download this document from the dashboard click on the "more" tab and then click on "show all". You'll find the document under the "agreements" heading.
Customisable templates for more emails
You can now define your own email content to be used in the following emails: "invite to questionnaire", "invite to client portal", "invite to use BankStatements" and "matter access" emails.
To enable this option head over to "account" -> "settings" and open "email settings".
Clients can mark attachments as "accessible"
You now have the ability for your clients to mark their attachments as accessible through their client portal, making them available to the other side. This is especially handly for mediators who want to give this control to their clients to manage.
To enable this option head over to "account" -> "settings" -> "Matters" and set "Allow clients update their attachments to be "accessible" to YES.
ZIP downloads for clients
Your clients can now download all their files as a single ZIP file through the client portal.
Two-way disclosure
Introducing two-way disclosure for family law financial matters! You can now mark specific attachments as "accessible", which will make them available through the new disclosure portal.
The disclosure portal is a "Dropbox" style screen that you can share with the other side, enabling them to easily access your accessible files, and quickly upload and disclose files back to you, all categorised against your balance sheet in your matter.
To get the link to your disclosure portal, open a matter in dashboard mode, click on "more" and then select "disclosure portal". This will display a link that you can share to access that matter's disclosure portal.
Already using FamilyProperty? From within a disclosure portal you'll have the option to connect your FamilyProperty matter, enabling you to manage two-way disclosure directly within your matter dashboard!
Financial Statement smart form
You can now generate a completed Financial Statement form in Word format by completing our new Financial Statement smart form! This references information already in your working balance sheet, and provides an online form for completing the remaining information needed.
If you need to also fill in Part N then you can use the "Financial Statement - Part N" smart form to collect and complete this section.
To access the Financial Statement smart form, click on "more" from within the matter dashboard and select "smart forms". Then in the new window click on "financial statement". You can optionally get a shareable link to send to your client if you would like them to have a go a completing the smart form.
Customise the questionnaire for each client
You can now select which steps in the questionnaire you would like each client to complete, tailoring and streamlining the experience for each client's situation. For instance you can leave out the questions related to expenses or children for a particular client if you wish.
When you invite a client to complete the questionnaire the steps are now displayed underneath as selectable boxes.
Smart form: Financial Statement - Part N
Need to complete the Part N of the Financial Statement? Head over to "more" and select "smart forms", and from there you can open the Part N smart form.
It auto-calculates the totals for you, and it's shareable too, which means that you can send a link to your client requesting they fill in the Part N smart form without having access to the matter dashboard.
Import an ActionStep summary report Beta
You can now generate a matter summary report in ActionStep, and then use it to populate the essential details for a matter; such as client name, address and phone number. To access this new import feature click on "more" and then select "import".
Import a LawDocs info sheet Beta
You can now generate a matter information sheet in LawDocs, and then use it to populate the essential details for a matter. To access this new import feature click on "more" and then select "import".
Dashboard UI enhancements
We've revised the dashboard menu; bringing the options found from the "actions" button up under "balance sheets", and expanding the "more" tab to include one-click access to the most popular automated documents, and the new disclosure options such as the attachment manager, client portal and the disclosure portal.
Questionnaire UI enhancements
We've revised the visual appearance of the questionnaire; moved the menu from the top to the left side and changed the labels from simple numbers to the titles of each step. In addition to this we have also changed the header of each step to be a visual image to better represent and explain each step.
Two-pool calculations
Need to do a quick two-pool calculation? Now you can! To display two pool calculations click on the "more" tab and select "settings", and then enable "show two-pool calculations in the final outcome". This will then display the two sets of totals in the "outcome" panel at the bottom of the balance sheet.
You can also exclude superannuation from target percentage outcomes now too. You'll find an option to "exclude super from outcome calculations" at the bottom of the target percentage outcome configuration.
Matter attachments manager upgrades
We've brought some nice upgrades to the matter attachments manager. Now you can quickly navigate through your entire matter by using the folders on the left side, and upload files to any item in your matter by selecting a folder and clicking "upload". You can also edit any of your attachments through the matter attachments manager too, by clicking on the "dots" menu and selecting "edit".
Client portal upgrades
We've brought some nice upgrades to the client portal screen. Now your clients can quickly navigate through their entire matter by using the folders on the left side, drilling into selected items to make reviewing the recommended files uploading them even faster.
Introducing firm reports
We are introducing a set of new reports to help you access reporting at your firm/organisation level. The first report we have released is "matter and payments", which is CSV file containing details for each of your created matters, including payment information.
To access firm reports you first must be a firm administrator, and then click on "firm" from the top menu and select "reports".
New Report! Financial effect of agreement
You can now generate and download a "financial effect of agreement" table that details the final position for both parties once an agreement is reached.
This works by automatically deducting any connected liabilities from their assets to give the final financial position.
To download this new document, from the matter dashboard go to the "more" tab, select "documents", and then click on "Financial effect of agreement".
Email alerts: On matter archived and upgraded
You can now define specific email addresses to receive the automated email notifications that are sent out when a matter is archived, or matter is upgraded and the payment is processed.
To add additional email addresses for these notifications, head to firm settings, open the "email settings" section, and then open the "email alerts" section within, at the bottom.
Balance sheet comparison tool
What to quickly identify the points of difference between the party's balance sheets and see how close you are to an agreement?
Now you can view this style of comparison in a concise table, and quickly click into items in your balance sheet to make changes.
To access the comparison tool, click on the "balance sheets" tab, and select the compare "working balance sheets" option.
Import balance sheets from Excel files.
You can now import a filled in Excel balance sheet (in a matching format to the Family Court Word version) straight into any working balance sheet. This will save alot of time in manual entry.
To import a Excel balance sheet, click on the "balance sheets" tab and select "from XLSX balance sheet" option.
You can then define if you are importing as the applicant or respondent.
Store attachment activity & disclosure.
You can now store a list of important activities relating to each attachment, such as when an attachment was recieved or disclosed.
To add an entry, just add or edit an attachment, and click on the "add" button under "attachment activity".
You can assign an activity type, date and optional note. This information can then be included in the "matter attachments" document templates.
Undo changes to your balance sheet.
Made a mistake in your balance sheet? Now you can undo your changes at a click of a button. Just head down to the "actions" button and select "undo".
Matter Considerations document.
We've released a new document template: Matter Considerations. This document contains a list of contributions and future needs information that have been added to a matter.
You can customise this document by uploading your own version of our template through Firm Settings -> Templates. You'll find this document under "other" in the matter documents list.
Import balance sheets from Word files.
You can now import a filled in Family Court Word balance sheet straight into any working balance sheet. This will save alot of time in manual entry.
To import a Word balance sheet, click on the "balance sheets" tab and select "from DOCX balance sheet" option.
You can then define if you are importing as the applicant or respondent.
Support for versions in neutral balance sheet.
You can now load in selected versions for each party into the neutral balance sheet.
Additionally, you can update the displayed versions with the contents of the neutral balance sheet, as well as creating a new version directly within the neutral balance sheet.
To explore versions within the neutral balance sheet, head to the "actions" button down the bottom right of the screen.
Additional chronology entries.
You can now add your own additional entries to the chronology report by adding them directly to assets, liabilities, superannuation funds,
contributions, financial resources and disposed assets.
To add a new chronology entry, open an item's details window, open the "additional information for this..." panel, and click "add" to add your chronology entry.
In specie transfers.
You can now define propsed actions for individual items in businesses, trusts, investments and SMFSs. When you do this the item will continue to be listed in its owners's sub-balance sheet,
however it will also be listed in the master balance sheet too, where you can use the proposal sliders to define the action to be taken, and it's value and proposals will be included in the auto-calculations and generated documents.
This is a hotly requested feature which we'd love your feedback on!
To propose an action for an item in a sub-balance sheet, open its details window, and then tick the new box labelled "define a proposed action for this item".
You can now disable offer publishing.
Balance sheet publishing is designed to allow you to save the last formal offers as modelled in your balance sheets, so you can review, compare, and generate documents from them at any time.
However mostly this may be overkill for the majority of situations, and as such we've introduced the option to disable the publishing workflow.
Disabling the publishing workflow simplifies things a great deal, and you won't need to publish balance sheets to use any of the "agreement" documents, as they will be generated straight from your working balance sheets.
To disable the publishing workflow, go to your firm settings, open the new "Matters" section, and select "no - disable publishing" from the list under "enable offer publishing".
Simplified matter creation.
Does your firm only provide mediation services, or perhaps you don't do mediations at all and only ever represent a single party?
Now you can tell FamilyProperty how you would like new matters to be setup, either in single party (i.e for lawyers) or both party (i.e for mediators) matters.
You can still leave it as "let me choose" if you would still like to choose which setup is most appropriate when creating new matters.
To change this setting, go to your firm settings, open the new "Matters" section, and select the appropriate option from the list under "setup new matters as".
Simplified publishing workflow.
Based on your feedback, we've simplified the balance sheet publishing workflow by removing the requirement to publish a balance sheet as an independent step.
Now, when you create a new version, you'll have the option to also "publish" that version as your latest offer.
You now also have an additional option to copy your balance sheet to the other party's balance.
This will save you time having to manually populate the other balance sheet and/or keep it up to date.
Matter attachments report in Excel format.
You can now choose to download the matter attachments report in either Word or Excel format. The Excel version allows you to quickly sort and filter the list of attachments as needed. Head over to the matter documents screen to find the new Excel option!
Questionnaire customisations.
You can now customise the introduction text that is displayed to your clients at the commencement of the questionnaire, as well as providing your own background image.
To change these properties, go to your firm settings, and open the new "Questionnaire" section towards the bottom.
New report! Matter recommendations.
Download a Word document that contains a list of all recommended actions (e.g required documents, tasks to complete) for a matter. It includes a list of existnig attachments for reference.
Great to use as a review tool to identify what information has been disclosed, and what information and tasks still needs to be completed.
Joint balance sheet view.
This is part of the neutral balance sheet. Once your working balance sheets are in agreement, you'll now find the option to switch to a "joint balance sheet" from the "balance sheets" menu.
This view will simplify the neutral balance sheet back into single rows for each item, and any changes you make will be automatically applied back to each party's balance sheet, keeping the agreement in sync.
Super helpful for working towards reaching that final agreement.
Share attachments with the other party in neutral matters.
In a neutral matter, FamilyProperty keeps attachments uploaded by each party isolated and separate.
This means that individuals invited to access one side of the matter will not have access to attachments uploaded by the other side.
Now within neutral matters, you can explicitly define if you want to keep each attachment isolated, or accessible by the other party.
This is a powerful feature enabling information sharing between the parties within the one secure platform.
To define who has access to a specific attachment, open the attachment upload form, and you'll find a new "who has access" option, where you can select either "party only" or "everyone".
View recent user access logs.
You can now view details who is accessing specific matters.
An access log will display the person, what they accessed (either questionnaire or dashboard), and when they accessed it.
This is especially helpful if you want to find out if a client or invited user has actually logged in and accessed the matter.
Note: Records will only start displaying from the 24th of April 2019.
You'll find the new access logs browser in the "Set-up" matter screen, at the bottom of the "Party users" section.
Customise the client invitation email.
When you invite your client to complete the intake questionnaire, we'll automatically send them an email with a link to get started.
You can now customise the content of the automated email with your own instructions and wording.
To do this head over to "My Firm" > "Settings" > "Email Settings" and edit the content in the "Client invite email" editor and save.
It's now easier to invite account users to access a matter.
Once a matter is in dashboard mode, you have the opportunity to invite other people to access the matter.
Now, it's even easier to invite other account users, by selecting them from a list under the "Account users" section, instead of having to add in the names and emails manually.
You can still add other users too, by adding in their name and email addresses as required under the "Other users" section.
Connect liabilities to their asset.
You now have the ability to "connect" a liability to it's related asset. This will list the liability under that asset, and display the net value calculations for you.
An example of where this could be used: you would like to calculate the outcome from the proceeds of sale from the family home, factoring in it's mortgage and other discharge expenses first.
You would connect the mortgage (and other liabilities) to the family home asset, which will automatically re-order your balance sheet placing the liabilities under the asset, and then display the net value calculations below that.
To connect a liability to its asset, open the liabilities properties panel, then in the "Connect this liability to" field select the asset and save.
This will then automatically move the liability under the asset, and display the net value calculations below.
You can disconnect a liability by following the same steps above, but unselect the asset in the "Connect this liability to" field.
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