Family Law

SEPARATION & DIVORCE

When a couple separates or divorces it can be one of life’s most challenging and stressful events for all parties and the children. Having years of experience as a negotiator, and providing family law advice for the division of property accumulated during the relationship and parenting and custody matters, I am able to provide clients with easily understood family law legal advice so they know their rights, they know what to expect, and they know their options.   

I listen to my clients and assist them throughout their family law matter by formulating a pathway in partnership with them that will lead to a practical and meaningful family law settlement either by agreement, or through the Court system.

THE FOUR STEP PROPERTY DIVISION PROCESS UNDER THE FAMILY LAW ACT

When dividing property the Family Law Act sets out a 4 step process on how to divide property when a marriage or a de-facto relationship breaks down. To put it simply, we need to determine:

  1. The value of the property pool.

  2. The contributions of the parties.

  3. The future needs of the parties.

  4. What would be a just and equitable division of the property between the parties after an assessement of points 2 & 3 above.

CHILD CUSTODY & PARENTING ARRANGEMENTS

I provide family law advice to clients prior to separation and during the separation process concerning child custody disputes and parenting arrangements, and that is focused on ensuring the best interests of the children are met as required under the Family Law Act. I advise on complex parenting matters including risk of harm, family and domestic violence, and mental health issues.

I assist clients in negotiating parenting plans and legally binding parenting agreements through either the negotiation process, mediation, or court. I always strive to ensure my clients know that they are being heard, they are empowered and understood through this process,  and that the children are protected through arrangements that give stablility and consistency in relation to the care, including who the children live with, who the children spend time with, and who will make the decisions about the children’s welfare and upbringing.

MEDIATION & ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Mediation is a cost-effective and time-tested way of resolving family law disputes for property settlements and parenting matters. 95% of matters settle out of court. I appreciate that most clients do not want to go to court and I represent clients at lawyer-assisted family law mediations conducted by accredited Family Law mediators for both custody disputes, parenting and property settlement matters.

USEFUL LINKS

Division of Property

Child Support

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