Family Law

We’re here to have your back

Separation touches everything at once — children, home, money, business, and your own wellbeing. Our role is to bring order to it: to listen first, explain where you stand, and set a course that protects what matters most to you. We act for clients in married, de facto, opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.

Wherever possible, we resolve family law matters by agreement — through negotiation, mediation and family dispute resolution — because agreed outcomes are usually faster, cheaper and easier to live with. When court is necessary, we prepare properly and represent you firmly.

Parenting

Parenting arrangements & plans Practical arrangements focused on the children’s best interests.
Consent orders Making agreed parenting arrangements legally binding.
Child support Advice on assessments, agreements and departures.
Family dispute resolution Structured mediation to reach agreement without court.

Property & finances

Dividing property after separation is about full disclosure, fair valuation and a workable split. We have particular experience with matters involving businesses, trusts, self-managed superannuation and other complex financial structures — where family law and commercial law meet.

Property settlement Negotiated, mediated or litigated division of assets and liabilities.
Binding financial agreements Before, during or after a relationship.
Financial consent orders Formalising agreed settlements with the court.
Spousal maintenance Advice for those seeking or responding to a claim.
Superannuation splitting Valuing and dividing superannuation interests properly.

Divorce

We prepare and file divorce applications, advise on service and timing, and make sure the related matters — parenting, property and your will — are dealt with rather than left to chance. Divorce ends a marriage; it does not by itself resolve property or parenting, and time limits apply once it is final.

When court is the right path

Some matters need a judge — urgent parenting issues, non-disclosure of assets, or an unreasonable other side. Our litigation practice carries family matters through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia with the same preparation we bring to every dispute.

Common questions

Do we have to go to court?

Usually not. Most parenting and property matters resolve by negotiation, mediation or consent orders, without a judge deciding the outcome. Court is the backstop for urgent issues or when agreement genuinely cannot be reached.

Are there time limits for property settlement?

Yes. As a general rule, court applications must be made within 12 months of a divorce becoming final, or within two years of separation for de facto couples. Outside those windows the court’s permission is needed, so it pays to get advice early.

What’s the difference between a parenting plan and consent orders?

A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents — flexible, but not legally enforceable. Consent orders are approved by the court and binding. Which suits your family depends on your circumstances; we’ll explain both.