PRACTICE AREA
Family law
Separating is hard enough. We help you understand your options early, so decisions about your children and your property are made with a clear head.
How we help
- Separation and divorce
- Parenting arrangements, parenting plans and consent orders
- Property settlements, including superannuation
- Family dispute resolution and mediation
- Binding financial agreements
- Domestic violence orders, including urgent applications
How it works
- A free first call to understand where things stand and what needs to happen first.
- A meeting to go through your finances, your children's arrangements and what you want to happen.
- We try to reach agreement through negotiation or mediation. Most families settle without going to court.
- We put the agreement in writing, as consent orders or a financial agreement, so it is binding.
What it costs
We quote a fixed fee for divorce applications and consent orders. For property settlements and parenting matters we give you a written estimate before we start, and update it if anything changes.
Time limits to know
- If you were married, you generally need to apply for a property settlement within 12 months of your divorce taking effect.
- If you were in a de facto relationship, it is generally within two years of separating.
- After those dates you need the court's permission, which isn't guaranteed.
- Before asking a court for parenting orders, you usually need a certificate from a family dispute resolution practitioner, unless an exception such as family violence or urgency applies.
General information only, not legal advice. Deadlines depend on your circumstances, so talk to us early.
Common questions
Do I need to be divorced before we sort out property?
No. You can reach a property settlement any time after separating. Many people sort out property first, then apply for a divorce once they have been separated for 12 months.
Will we have to go to court?
Most families don't. We aim to settle through negotiation or mediation, and only recommend court when it is the only safe or fair way forward.
Can you help if there is family violence?
Yes. Tell us on the first call and we will put your safety first, including urgent domestic violence orders if you need them. If you are in danger now, call 000.
Talk it through with a solicitor
Your first 15‑minute call is free, and there's no obligation to go further.