NCA Family Law study plan

Map the matrimonial property regimes recognised in the exam syllabus and write a one-page comparison table of their default rules

Explain in writing how the default regime applies on marriage breakdown versus on death, noting where the analysis diverges

Classify ten short hypothetical fact patterns into the correct regime and identify the first characterisation question to resolve in each

List the leading categories of property that raise classification disputes and draft the argument for each side

Apply the valuation and accounting rules for family assets, including the treatment of debts, to three worked problems

Draft a step-by-step division methodology that moves from characterisation to valuation to allocation

Identify the discretion points where a court could reach different outcomes and explain what facts drive each

Write model answer outlines for two division questions under timed conditions

Distinguish the legal tests for spousal support from those for child support and state the policy rationale behind each difference

Compute child support amounts under the applicable guidelines for five fact patterns with varying custody arrangements

Analyse how support obligations interact when both spousal and child support are claimed in the same proceeding

Draft the argument structure for a variation application, identifying the threshold and the evidence required

Articulate the best-interests-of-the-child framework and rank the statutory factors by how frequently they drive outcomes

Apply the custody and access tests to four fact patterns involving relocation, shared parenting, and a child's stated preference

Draft a parenting plan outline that would satisfy a court applying the best-interests test

Compare the standards used for custody versus access and explain when a court will order contact over a parent's objection

Contrast the grounds and consequences of divorce with those of annulment, and identify which remedy fits each of eight short scenarios

Explain the procedural prerequisites to divorce and the defences that can defeat a petition

Evaluate the enforceability of domestic contracts, listing the formalities and the grounds for setting one aside

Draft a checklist for reviewing a separation agreement for validity and completeness

Outline the child protection process from initial report through apprehension, hearing, and plan of care

Identify the legal thresholds that trigger state intervention and the rights of parents at each stage

Distinguish the types of restraining orders available and state the evidentiary standard and duration for each

Analyse how allegations of family violence affect custody, support, and property outcomes in the same proceeding

State the requirements for a valid marriage and the consequences of a defective marriage for each requirement

Explain the jurisdictional rules for divorce, support, and property claims, including the effect of foreign decrees

Trace the procedural path of a family file from commencement through interim motions to final order

Solve three conflict-of-laws problems involving out-of-province property or a foreign marriage

Complete a full timed practice examination under exam conditions and score it against the domain weightings

Re-teach the three lowest-scoring domains from memory in written summaries

Drill the highest-frequency issue-spotting triggers across all ten domains using flash-card style prompts

Build a final one-page issue checklist organised by domain for exam-day reference