LEGAL SERVICES
Separation and Divorce
We provide clear, compassionate advice to help you navigate separation and divorce while protecting your rights and interests.
In Australia, divorce is the legal ending of a marriage and generally requires the parties to have been separated for at least 12 months. We can provide tailored advice for complex circumstances, including separation while living under the same roof.
Divorce, property matters and parenting arrangements are separate legal issues and may require different applications or agreements. Where children under 18 are involved, the Court must be satisfied that appropriate care and welfare arrangements are in place before granting a divorce.
We can assist with divorce applications, separation arrangements, property settlements, parenting matters and family dispute resolution, as well as providing advice where court proceedings are necessary.
Property Settlement
We provide practical advice and support to help you navigate the division of assets, liabilities and superannuation following separation.
Our practitioners can assist with assessing your property interests, negotiating a settlement and formally documenting any agreement reached. Where valuations of property or business interests are required, we can also connect you with appropriate professionals.
We aim to resolve matters efficiently and without Court proceedings where possible, while providing experienced representation where Court proceedings are necessary.
Child Support
We provide practical advice and support to help you navigate child support and child maintenance arrangements.
Child support generally provides financial assistance for children under 18, while child maintenance may apply to adult children in certain circumstances. Payments are primarily managed through Services Australia, with assessments based on factors including each parent’s income, level of care and the child’s age.
We can assist with child support assessments, agreements, changes in circumstances and disputes with Services Australia, helping you understand your rights and obligations at every stage.
Children’s Care Arrangements
We provide clear advice and support to help you establish care arrangements that prioritise your child’s best interests and provide stability following separation.
Arrangements can be informal, documented in a parenting plan, or formalised through legally binding parenting orders, including consent orders. Parenting plans provide flexibility but are not legally enforceable, while parenting orders are enforceable by the Court.
We can assist with negotiating arrangements, preparing parenting plans or consent orders, and seeking parenting orders where an agreement cannot be reached.
Third Parties in Family Law Matters
Our practitioners have extensive experience in representing third parties whose rights or responsibilities are affected by family law proceedings
Third parties may be affected by parenting or property disputes and, in some circumstances, may need to be formally joined to the proceedings so their interests can be considered by the Court.
We can assist third parties seeking to join proceedings, as well as those who have been joined, by advising on their rights, responsibilities and the potential impact of the proceedings.
Family Violence
If you are facing family violence, our dedicated team will provide the legal expertise and compassionate support needed to help you regain safety and control over your situation
Family violence can include physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, as well as other behaviours that cause a person to feel unsafe or threatened.
We can advise you on your legal rights and assist with Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs), including applications for interim and final orders. We can also provide guidance if an FVIO has been made against you.
Wealth Protection in Future Relationships
Our team of family lawyers can help you protect your future financial position in the event of separation.
A Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) sets out how property and financial interests will be dealt with if a relationship ends. BFAs can be entered into before or during a marriage or de facto relationship.
We can advise you on the benefits and risks of a BFA, tailor its terms to your circumstances and prepare the agreement. For a BFA to be binding, both parties must receive independent legal advice before signing.
Dispute Resolution in Family Law
We provide practical advice and representation to help you resolve family law disputes efficiently and, where possible, without Court proceedings.
Dispute resolution can include negotiation, mediation, Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), collaborative practice and arbitration. Parties are generally expected to make reasonable attempts to resolve disputes before commencing Court proceedings, provided it is safe and appropriate to do so. For most parenting matters, FDR is required before applying to the Court, subject to limited exceptions.
Our practitioners can advise you on the most appropriate dispute resolution process for your circumstances, assist with negotiations and represent you during FDR conferences. Where an agreement cannot be reached, we can advise and represent you in subsequent Court proceedings.
We understand that family law disputes can be stressful and complex and are committed to helping you achieve a practical and lasting resolution.
