Family & relationship law
When the unthinkable happens
When you start a relationship and begin your journey together, it is unlikely that you are thinking about how it might all fall apart. We don’t plan our relationships thinking this will do for now or the next 5 years. We jump in wholeheartedly. So when things go wrong, or you grow apart, it can take you completely by surprise and be heartbreaking. It is during this time of heartbreak and heightened emotions that decisions need to be made – what will happen to the children, how do we divide our property, where are we going to live, how will we afford it?
Get the right support
You might turn to friends or family for advice. You might search the internet for advice and you may have found yourself here at this webpage. Information and knowledge during this time of crisis is so important. The more information and knowledge you have, the easier it will be for you to make key decisions in the short and long term. However, a lot of information can also be overwhelming without advice and guidance.
When you make an appointment to meet with one of our family lawyers, you will receive detailed information and advice tailored for your dispute; an assessment of realistic outcomes for you; and a strategy to best assist you to resolve your matter as efficiently as possible.
You should also be prepared to talk about, or at least start thinking about, your short- and long-term goals. We strive to ensure that, whatever the legal outcome of your matter, it aligns with your goals so you can move forward with a sense of certainty and ownership of the decisions made.
We can assist you with the following family and relationship matters:
Before & during your relationship
- At the beginning of or during your relationship, we can assist you in preparing a financial agreement (pre-nup) that sets out your financial arrangements and what you intend to happen if you separate.
- We can also advise you about a financial agreement prepared by your partner’s lawyer.
After your relationship
When your relationship ends we can assist you to:
- Apply for a divorce after you have been separated for 12 months;
- Negotiate and document a short or long term parenting agreement (previously called ‘custody’);
- Negotiate and document your property settlement;
- Go to the Family Court if your matter is in court or proceedings are necessary;
- Facilitate a mediation or attend mediation with you;
- Apply for or respond to a domestic violence protection order.
Surrogacy support
We also provide services to assist clients in the surrogacy process, advising birth parents and intended parents about the legal obligations and processes involved.
If we can assist you with any of these areas or other family and relationship matters not specifically listed above, contact us today.
When you start a relationship and begin your journey together, it is unlikely that you are thinking about divorce or how it might all fall apart.
We don’t plan our relationships thinking this will do for now or the next 5 years.
However, it’s essential to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, which is why many couples consider consulting family lawyers to safeguard their interests in the long run. Our law firms, based on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane are here to guide you.
There is a greater need for certainty in post-separation arrangements when there are children involved.
There are a range of considerations, and it is wise to consult an experienced family lawyer, as the legal process involved in determining a parenting agreement can be complex.
After a relationship has ended, the property of the relationship needs to be divided.
There are a range of considerations, and it is wise to consult an experienced family lawyer from our reputable law firm on the Sunshine Coast or in Brisbane, as the legal process involved in determining a property settlement can be complex.