Divorce or separation generally starts with letting your partner know of your intentions. It’s a good idea to seek legal advice as early as possible from a trusted family law firm to understand that. If you are in a de facto relationship, no formal process is required to end the relationship. Divorce proceedings are filed through the Federal Circuit and Family Court under the Family Law Act. Our specialist divorce lawyers guide you from the very beginning, ensuring paperwork and proper service are completed while offering focused advice on your legal matters.

After a relationship breakdown, it’s generally necessary to initiate a financial settlement, which can need to begin within time limits. Property settlement can be a very complex process determined by the contributions and financial interests of both parties. Our family law team provides practical advice, negotiates settlements, and, where required, provides legal representation to achieve a fair outcome and protect your financial matters.

Decisions about living arrangements (child custody) generally focus on the child’s best interests. Our family law specialists provide family mediation, draft parenting plans, and offer legal advice in court proceedings to ensure secure, stable arrangements for children.

Police and the courts can issue protection orders and other protective measures. Our experienced family lawyers provide compassionate legal advice, support, and representation to ensure safety and legal safeguards for family violence issues, including emotional abuse and coercive control.

Child support payments are assessed using income, care arrangements and statutory formulas. Our family law solicitors assist with applications, resolving child support disputes, and negotiating financial arrangements to ensure children receive adequate support and financial stability.

Consent orders formalise agreements regarding property division, parenting arrangements, or financial matters without the need for a full court hearing. Our family law team helps clients draft, review, and submit consent orders in compliance with the Family Law Act, providing legal guidance to ensure agreements are enforceable and protect the interests of all parties involved.

A Binding Financial Agreement protects financial interests for spouses or de facto couples before, during, or after separation. Our specialist family law team drafts BFAs, provides independent legal advice, and ensures compliance with legal requirements. BFAs can prevent disputes over property or finances and provide certainty about how assets and liabilities will be handled in the future.

Court proceedings can be complex, involving parenting matters, property division, spousal maintenance and financial arrangements. Our dedicated family law team provides expert legal representation, practical advice, and strategic guidance throughout the process. We help clients prepare evidence, navigate hearings, and resolve disputes efficiently while protecting rights and achieving the best outcome possible.

It’s important to get expert legal advice to clarify your situation, as well as a no-obligation chat or initial consultation with our family law specialists. We assess your legal issues, explain options and provide practical advice on the best course of action. This ensures you make informed decisions about parenting arrangements, property settlements, financial support or other family law matters.

Yes, many family disputes can be resolved through negotiation, family mediation, collaborative law or other alternative dispute resolution methods. Our family law specialists provide guidance through mediation sessions, facilitate agreements on parenting, child support or property matters, and aim to reduce stress, keep legal fees reasonable while securing fair and enforceable outcomes.