Our family law team is committed to helping you resolve your family law matter as swiftly and amicably as possible.

We provide considered advice about how the family law system works and present our clients with tailored options on how to resolve their disputes. We want to work with you to find the best solution for you and your situation.

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The vast majority of all family law matters are resolved without the need for litigation. We recognise that it’s in your interests to resolve your matter as soon as possible and we’re dedicated to helping you reach the solution that is right for you.

At each point we will give you the options as we see them and help you to choose the right one. We will listen to you. We will try to understand you and your desired outcomes. We will provide you with realistic advice about what you can expect and what outcome is obtainable.

We focus on resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods, in particular through mediation and negotiation.

If your matter does need to progress to litigation, our lawyers are experienced advocates and we are ready to fight for you – but only after we’re sure that there is no better alternative.

We offer our clients a comprehensive legal service by providing not only specialist family law advice, but also access to advice in relation to superannuation; business law; personal injury; and wills, estates and elder law – all within Snedden Hall & Gallop.

We can also provide you with referrals to trusted professionals and services, such as counsellors, women’s refuges, real estate agents, valuers, accountants and actuaries, and financial planners.

When a couple decide to separate, and children are involved, decisions about parenting need to be made. These decisions should focus on the rights and best interests of the children, including protecting them from harm and allowing them to have a meaningful relationship with each of their parents. Every family is different, and we can help you determine how best to deal with the parenting issues that affect your family.

We can provide you with advice and representation in relation to:

  • parental responsibility and decision-making
  • with whom children live and the time that the children spend with each parent
  • interstate or international relocations
  • parenting plans – an informal agreement relating to care arrangements for children
  • consent orders
  • adoption.

Following a separation, the assets and liabilities of parties to a relationship are divided in accordance with the provisions of the Family Law Act. We can provide you with advice about your rights, responsibilities and entitlements following separation, including in relation to:

  • spousal maintenance
  • the sale or transfer of real property
  • superannuation
  • businesses, partnerships and corporations
  • equitable interests including interests held in trusts
  • mortgages and other liabilities
  • shareholdings
  • bank accounts and other assets.

If you and your former partner have reached an agreement, we can provide you with advice about formalising that agreement to protect your future interests. We can draft consent orders on your behalf and represent you in undertaking negotiations with your former partner. We can also help you to navigate applying for consent orders and filing your documents with the Court.

Parties who are seeking certainty in their financial arrangements, or who otherwise wish to take steps to avoid unnecessary litigation at the conclusion of a relationship, can enter into a binding financial agreement (BFA). BFAs, which are also referred to as pre-nuptial agreements prior to marriage, can be entered into at the commencement of a de facto relationship, during a marriage or a de facto relationship and even following separation.

We can provide you with advice on whether a BFA would be appropriate for you, and draft an agreement on your behalf.

Separated parents have rights and responsibilities with respect to the paying or claiming of child support. We can provide you with advice in relation to the processes and procedures relating to child support assessments, binding child support agreements, and the payment of child support through the Commonwealth Department of Human Services.

We can assist you with obtaining, or defending, a Family Violence Order (FVO) or Personal Protection Order (PPO). We can assist you to apply for both an urgent interim (temporary) order, as well as representing you at conferences and hearings in relation to final orders.

We understand that these matters are often time sensitive and distressing to the parties involved. We are able to provide you with timely advice and represent your interests in a way that protects your privacy and safety.

We can provide you with advice about the law relating to divorce and annulment, including in relation to the process of applying for a divorce and joint applications.

People who have lived together for 2 years, may, under the Family Law Act, be in a de facto relationship. We can provide you with advice in relation to your rights and entitlements under the Family Law Act, including in relation to the division of assets and liabilities.

We welcome clients who are seeking advice and representation following the breakdown of their marriage or de facto relationship.

We appreciate that when you are going through a difficult time, the last thing you need is uncertainty in relation to fees.

We offer competitive hourly rates and can undertake fixed-fee work upon request. We will consult with you throughout your matter, and provide you with regular estimates for our fees and disbursements.

We are committed to finding swift and cost-effective outcomes for you, in particular through alternative dispute resolution. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our rates.

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