Family Law
We pride ourselves on taking a sensitive approach to resolving any legal issues that may result from relationship breakdown. We also know that families handle separation in many different ways, and that new changes to the Family Law Act may impact on the decisions that you make.
Whether you are newly separated, sorting out new living or family arrangements, or are ready to re-partner, we can give you helpful information and advice.
Some of the services that we offer include (click for more information on each):
Family dispute resolution
Resolving your case outside of court, where possible is something that we are highly focused on. It is requirement in most cases under the relevant Family Law legislation to try and resolve disputes without going to court. But we firmly believe that there is merit in trying to settle your dispute outside of court, because it helps you avoid the expense and polarising effects that going to court often has. Contact us to find out how we can help you.
Parenting orders
If you are unsuccessful in resolving your case through mediation, we can assist you to get in contact with your child or children, help you to recover your children where the other party is refusing to return them to you, and can even help you to decide on issues that involve the upbringing of your child. Contact us to find out how we can help you.
Contravention of children’s orders
Where there are court orders in place, it is sometimes unfortunately the case that the one person fails to abide by them. The family law legislation allows a someone who is affected by this to make an application to court to have the other party penalised. Such penalties can include fines and even, in extreme cases, imprisonment. Contact us for more information.
Child support & spousal maintenance
If you are having issues collecting or paying child support, we can help you with friendly advice on your rights and obligations. Contact us for advice on your issue today.
Specific issues such as schooling, child’s name, etc.
The law allows you to seek its assistance where there is a dispute over how your children are being raised. Such disputes could be anything from what school the child goes to, or even what name it takes. If you are having any such issues we can help you. Contact us to find out how.
Hague Convention proceedings
It is becoming more and more common, with mass inward migration to Australia, that Australians and partnering foreign spouses. If children arrive and the relationship breaks down, sometimes the foreign partner absconds with the child. There are many things we can do to advise you about this. If your overseas partner or spouse is from a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, then we can apply for a court order in Australia that will be enforceable in the foreign county for the return of your child to Australia. Contact us to find out how we can help you.
Property settlements
Relationship breakdown often involves debates over who gets what. We can help you fight for your rights, whether that be to a share of a house, to the other party’s superannuation, or even to the household cat. Contact us to find out how.
Divorce applications
Once you’ve been separated for 12 months, even if you still live under the same roof, and there is no prospect of getting back together, you can apply for a divorce. Getting a divorce is something we can help you with even if you have married overseas. Contact us to find out how.
De facto relationship breakdown issues
The law often affords the same rights to separated de facto couples as to those who are married. Contact us now to find out your rights if you have split up with someone who you have lived with.
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