Services

Our family lawyers can help you with your divorce and the legal steps following separation.

Whether you and your former partner are amicable or in dispute, we ensure all the legal requirements are met to ensure your divorce is formalised so that you can move forward with certainty.

Parenting arrangements set out how separated parents will share care of their children and make decisions about their day-to-day life and long-term welfare.

Parenting arrangements can be agreed between parents and recorded in a written parenting plan or formalised through consent orders. If agreement cannot be reached, the Court can make parenting orders. We can assist in all of these avenues.

A property settlement is the process of dividing assets, liabilities and financial resources after separation. It can include real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, debts and superannuation. We can provide tailored advice to ensure your financial split is fair and equitable and assist you in formalising the agreement.

Mediation and dispute resolution are processes designed to help separated couples resolve parenting and financial issues without going to Court. With our assistance, you can discuss options, negotiate practical arrangements and work towards an agreement that suits your circumstances. If an agreement is reached, it can often be recorded in writing and formalised into consent orders or a parenting plan or binding financial agreement.

Consent orders are court orders made by agreement between the parties. They are used to formalise agreed parenting and/or financial arrangements, without the need for a contested hearing. Once made, consent orders are legally binding and enforceable.

A binding financial agreement is a formal written agreement that sets out how property and financial matters will be dealt with. It can be made before, during, or after a relationship. We can assist you to ensure this document is properly prepared and executed, so that it can provide certainty and help you avoid future disputes by recording a clear financial arrangement.

Separated parents can set out the arrangements they wish to put into place for their children in a written agreement called a parenting plan. This can include arrangements such as where the children live, time with each parent, holidays, changeovers, communication, and decision-making. A parenting plan is generally a practical way to record agreed arrangements, but it is not the same as a court order nor is it legally enforceable.

Unfortunately, domestic/ family violence (including coercive control) affects many families and children. We act quickly in cases involving domestic and family violence to ensure your and your children’s safety. We can seek urgent Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders or urgent court orders on your behalf, contact us today.

Child support is usually assessed by Services Australia; however, parents can instead have a private agreement as to the amount of child support to be paid. We can assist you in preparing or reviewing an existing child support agreement and also advising you on a child support decision made by Services Australia.

Spousal maintenance or de facto maintenance is financial support paid by one party of the relationship to the other, usually after separation or divorce, if that party is unable to adequately support themselves. If you need maintenance or wish to challenge your ex’s claim for maintenance, contact us and we can advise you on the prospects of a successful claim.

Court is a formal legal process used to resolve family law disputes when agreement cannot be reached through negotiation, mediation or consent orders. Court proceedings are governed by strict rules, deadlines and evidence requirements to make binding decisions, such as parenting orders or financial/property orders.

If your ex-partner has commenced proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, it is important you seek urgent legal advice, contact us today.