Family Law is all we do.
We use our extensive specialist family law experience to provide clients reassurance that they are engaging lawyers who have walked this path many times and will be by their side to guide them to the best possible outcome.
+ Safety & Welfare
Your safety and welfare and that of your children is of the utmost importance. We understand the urgency of these situations and we are well equipped to deal with these issues as a matter of urgency by advising you about and assisting you to obtain Intervention Orders or other required Court Orders.
We have extensive experience in dealing with issues of family violence, child abuse and situations where mental health is a factor. We understand the difficulties and issues involved, and we are here to offer you support and practical assistance.
+ Settlement and Resolution
If you and your former partner are separated or considering separating, you may be able to come to a negotiated agreement.
This may involve:
- Assisting you to negotiate directly with your former partner;
- Negotiating directly with your former partner;
- Negotiating with your former partner’s lawyer;
- Attending a mediation;
- Attending a Round Table Conference with you, your former partner and your lawyer.
If a negotiated agreement is not possible, then litigation may need to be considered. We can help you navigate the whole process and all of your options.
+ Arrangements for Children
We know you want the best outcomes for your children, and you’re probably wondering who your children will live with (formerly known as “custody” or “residence”) in the event of separation. We are here to help you manage the logistics of arranging the time your children may spend with their other parent (previously referred to as “access” or “contact”). We understand these situations can be urgent and very delicate, potentially involving third parties such as grandparents, relatives, or other family members.
We can negotiate arrangements and refer you to other practical services such as psychologists and counsellors.
Our two Independent Children’s Lawyers have the expertise to manage complex parenting matters and provide a unique perspective as to how a Court would manage children’s issues. It is sometimes necessary to deal with urgent arrangements for children in circumstances which may include family violence or child abuse, child abduction, or unauthorised relocation of children.
+ Child Support
You may also be wondering about child support including periodic payments and school fees. Both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their children according to their means and capacity, until the child turns 18. The amount can be determined by private agreement documented in a Binding Child Support Agreement or by the Child Support Agency.
We can:
- Advise about child support entitlements and options
- Negotiate, prepare, and review Binding Child Support Agreements.
- Assist with applications to the Child Support Agency for assessment
- Assist with enforcement of child support obligations if your former partner is not paying the required amount of child support
- Assist with adult child maintenance, which is payable by a parent once a child is over the age of 18 years
+ Financial Support and Maintenance
Maintenance means receiving financial support from (or providing financial support to) your former partner. Maintenance entitlements arise when one person needs financial support because their expenses exceed their income and the other person has capacity to provide that support.
We can assess the financial positions of you and your former partner, advise whether maintenance entitlements or obligations exist, assess the level of obligation, and negotiate maintenance payments.
We can also advise about and pursue urgent Court applications for maintenance and financial support when necessary.
+ Property and Superannuation
We can assist with dividing assets and superannuation entitlements, so you can achieve financial separation and independence. We can guide you through the process, which includes obtaining financial disclosure, identifying property values, and assessing your entitlements under the Family Law Act. We assess all contributions, including those of a partner who has acted as a homemaker or a stay-at-home parent.
We have extensive experience in dealing with complex financial matters which may involve businesses, companies, trusts, or property developments. Where necessary we also work with forensic accountants, valuers, financial planners and other relevant professionals in the financial industry. We can also advise about and assist with location and recovery of overseas assets.
Complete financial disclosure is critical. We can facilitate the location and tracing of financial assets if your former partner is being untruthful. We can also take urgent action so that your former partner cannot dispose of assets without your knowledge.
+ Court Proceedings
We have extensive experience with litigation to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We advocate for you throughout the Court process, which deals with and determines issues including:-
- Arrangements for children;
- Financial support;
- Property and superannuation.
We have particular expertise in high value and complex family law litigation.
The litigation process may involve obtaining urgent or interim Orders to protect you, your children or your assets. We will guide and support you through every aspect of the litigation process.
+ Divorce
A divorce is the legal ending of a marriage and can be obtained 12 months after the separation date. Divorce requires that appropriate arrangements are in place with respect to care arrangements and financial support for children. We can assist you by applying for the divorce and undertaking all necessary work to obtain the divorce on your behalf.
+ Pre-Nuptial and Relationship Agreements
These Agreements offer security by removing stress and uncertainty in the event of a future separation. This is about establishing financial security before commencing a relationship or during the course of a relationship.
These Agreements can deal with:-
- Pre-existing assets;
- Inheritances;
- Gifts;
- Financial arrangements during the relationship;
- Financial support in the event of a separation; and
- Division of assets in the event of a separation.
These Agreements act as a form of insurance and can provide significant certainty, security and peace of mind and prevent disputes from arising.
We can assist by advising you about the options and preparing and finalising an appropriate Agreement and reviewing Agreements prepared by other lawyers.
