Modern family law support throughout Australia.

No. Divorce legally ends the marriage, but property settlement, superannuation, spousal maintenance and other financial matters are dealt with separately. Time limits can apply after a divorce becomes final, so it is important to seek advice early.

Yes. Many parents reach an agreement through discussion, negotiation or family dispute resolution. Parenting arrangements can be recorded in a parenting plan or formalised through consent orders, depending on the level of certainty and enforceability required.

Separation is when one member of the relationship forms the view that the relationship is over. Divorce is the legal process that formally ends your marriage. You must be separated for 12 months before you can apply for divorce in Australia.

You’re not legally required to have a lawyer, but property settlements can be complex. A lawyer helps ensure your interests are protected, contributions are properly valued, and agreements are legally binding. Unrepresented parties often miss entitlements or create agreements that don’t hold up over time.

Australian courts consider financial and non-financial contributions during the relationship, contributions as homemaker or parent, future needs including age, health, income, and care of children. There’s no automatic 50/50 split. Each case is assessed on its individual circumstances.

For married couples, you have 12 months from the date your divorce becomes final. For de facto relationships, you have two years from the date of separation. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to claim, so it’s important to act promptly.

If parenting orders are being breached, you have several options including family dispute resolution, contravention proceedings in court, or reporting to authorities if child safety is at risk. Document any breaches carefully. We can advise on the most appropriate response for your situation.

Yes, many people begin the process themselves and then seek legal advice once they realise how complex the system can be. Family law forms, evidence requirements, deadlines, and court expectations can be harder to manage than they first appear. A lawyer can step in at any stage of your matter, review what you’ve already done, identify any issues, and help you get the case back on track. Early advice can also prevent mistakes that may delay your matter or affect the outcome.

This is very common. If you’ve filed an application, parenting plan, financial statement, or other court documents and are unsure what comes next, a family lawyer can assess your material, advise on any gaps, and prepare the next steps with you. We look at what the court will expect at future stages, such as mediation, disclosure, affidavits, or hearings, and make sure your case is properly prepared. Getting advice at this point often reduces stress and avoids issues that can arise from incorrect or incomplete filings.