Whether you are contemplating separation or have separated, we recommend seeking advice early. We will guide you through your options and ensure you understand your rights and entitlements along the way. We provide supportive, expert advice with a focus on lessening the impact of the separation on you and your family wherever possible.

A relationship can create family law rights even where there was no legal marriage. We can advise you on the elements of a de facto relationship in family law and guide you through your rights and entitlements.

Dividing your assets after separation can be a difficult process. We can assist with identifying and valuing assets (including your contribution to those assets) and ascertain what’s required to help secure your financial future. We are determined to achieve the best outcome for you, whether through negotiation or if required, litigation.

Negotiating parenting arrangements can be the hardest part of a separation. We will provide you with support and guidance along the way so that your family achieves the best outcome. We advise on general parenting arrangements as well as more complex issues such as relocation and alienation. We understand that litigation of parenting issues is a last resort, but when the court process becomes necessary, we provide expert advice and guidance.

We understand that separation often leads to financial stress. We will ensure that you and your children receive appropriate financial support after separation, whether that be through child support and/or spousal maintenance.

Even in good times, it’s still important to protect your financial position and assets. Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements can be signed at any time, whether before or after marriage or in a de facto relationship.

Once you have been separated for 12 months, you can apply for divorce. Even if you don’t intend to marry again, we usually recommend that you divorce to ensure that the relationship is formally ended from a legal point of view. We can assist with the divorce application, the divorce hearing and obtaining a divorce order.

As you exit a relationship, it’s important that you update your will and other estate planning documents to reflect your changed circumstances. Our estate planning lawyers can provide you with expert guidance to ensure that your assets are received by your preferred beneficiaries.