Legal Services
Family Law
Compassionate, practical guidance through life's most challenging transitions.
Overview
How We Can Help With Family Law
If you have recently separated from your spouse or partner, you need practical, yet comprehensive legal guidance to ensure your rights and your family's rights are protected to help you move forward.
A legal property settlement formalises the division of the parties' assets and financial resources, and can be sought as soon as you separate — de facto partners have two years from separation, and divorced couples twelve months from their divorce becoming final, to apply. In every parenting matter, the best interests of the children remain paramount.
What We Cover
Our Family Law Services
Divorce & Separation
Preparation and filing of divorce applications, including document preparation, service, and marriage annulment where relevant.
Prenuptial & Financial Agreements
Binding Financial Agreements and prenuptial agreements to protect your assets before or during a relationship.
Property Settlement
Formalising the division of assets and financial resources after separation, negotiated or through the court where necessary.
Parenting Arrangements
Parenting plans and consent orders addressing where children live and how care is shared, always centred on the children's best interests.
Child Support & Spousal Maintenance
Advice on child support arrangements and enforcement, and spousal maintenance where one party needs financial support.
Guardianship & Grandparents' Rights
Advice on parental, father's, and grandparent's rights, plus guardianship, adoption, and surrogacy arrangements.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to apply for a property settlement?
If you were married, you have 12 months from the date your divorce becomes final to apply to the court. If you were in a de facto relationship, you have 2 years from the date of separation. Acting promptly is strongly advisable.
Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. The majority of family law matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation without court proceedings. We always explore non-court options first — they are faster, less expensive, and less adversarial.
How is property divided in a separation?
There is no fixed formula. The court considers the total pool of assets and liabilities, each party's financial and non-financial contributions, and future needs. We can provide a realistic assessment of what a fair outcome looks like in your situation.
What are parenting orders?
Parenting orders are court orders that set out arrangements for where children live and how time is spent with each parent. They can be made by consent (agreed) or by the court after a hearing. The child's best interests are always the paramount consideration.
What if my ex-partner won't cooperate?
We have strategies for dealing with uncooperative parties — including formal legal correspondence, applications to the court, and urgent interim orders where there is a risk to you or your children.
Legal Insights
Family Law Articles
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