Areas of practice

We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family. We offer a broad range of specialised family law services, which include the following:

Your first consultation - divorce checklist

Separation and Divorce

An application for a divorce can only be made if parties have been separated for a continuous period of more than 12 months.
Parties can be separated even though they are residing under the "one roof".
Once you are divorced you have twelve months within which to apply to the Court for a property settlement or spousal maintenance. After that time you must obtain the permission of the Court to apply.
If you have been married less than two years, you will both be required to attend counselling to discuss the possibility of reconciliation prior to filing an application for a divorce
Applications for a divorce must be made to the Federal Magistrates Court of Victoria.

Child Related Issues

Significant reforms have resulted in a change in approach to parenting arrangements.
The best interests of children will be taken into account when determining the time the children will spend with their parents after separation.
Parties must attempt to resolve issues regarding parenting arrangements through mediation and file a Dispute Resolution Certificate before Family Court proceedings can be issued.
What is a parenting order?
What factors does the Court take into account when making orders?

Financial Matters

The four step process taken by the Court in assessing your property entitlements.
Documenting a financial settlement by way of Court Orders of a Financial Agreement.
What is maintenance?
The relevant law with respect to property division is found in Sections 79 and 75(2) of the Family Law Act 1975.

GLBTI Family Law Issues

Children's matters
Property matters
Donor agreements
Financial agreements
Registration of your relationship

Child Support

Child Support Assessments
Private Agreements

Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a process in which parties and their lawyers commit to resolving a family law dispute outside of litigation.
Parties and their lawyers use an “interest based” approach to negotiations, which focuses on outcomes and solutions for the parties.
All negotiations are confidential and advice is given openly to both parties in an open forum during a series of "four way" meetings.
Third party experts such as counsellors, psychologists, accountants and financial planners can all participate in the collaborative process as and when necessary.
Lawyers for both parties must be trained in collaborative law to participate in collaboration.

Mediation and Alternate Dispute Resolution

Mediation is an informal process, and a confidential means of attempting to resolve disputes between parties.
Mediation is intended to bring parties together to reach a resolution.
A mediator cannot impose a decision on the parties; rather they facilitate discussions and explore issues in depth to attempt to reach agreement.
Mediation can be a cost effective way to resolve disputes and can form part of the Court process.
Mediation should be considered as early as possible after a dispute has arisen.

Family Violence and Intervention Order matters

Intervention Orders under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008
Intervention Orders under the Stalking Intervention Orders Act 2008