Separation, whether it has been a marriage of 30 years or short de facto relationship, is one of the most significant and emotional events in the lives of those who experience it.

The emotional nature of separation can cloud a person’s judgment and lead to inappropriate decisions being made. in addition, Family Law has become an increasingly complicated and technical area of law and there are many potential pitfalls in navigating the 767 pages of the Family Law Act 1975, not to mention the 443 pages of Family Law Rules 2004.

Getting legal advice is not a decision to head to Court. The vast majority of cases (approximately 95%) resolve before a judge is required to make a final determination, and many matters are settled without even commencing legal proceedings.

At Nicholes Family Lawyers we believe that you will be able to make the best decisions when you are well informed. We can help you to make decisions after ensuring you are fully informed of all your options. Sometimes issuing court proceedings is the most appropriate option, but there are many other options which work far better for most people. We have successfully helped many clients over the years to avoid having to see the inside of a court room and this is something of which we are very proud.

We actively look to use alternative approaches to resolving separation issues before considering court proceedings. The lawyers and Nicholes Family Lawyers are trained in such methods, including negotiation and mediation. We also have several practitioners trained in collaborative law. Both parenting and financial matters can be formalised without the need for a court hearing.

If you have a family law matter, whether it’s just started or been ongoing for some time, we can outline all your options and provide you with advice about the most appropriate way to proceed.