Areas of Practice
Family law
We subscribe to and practice a model of family law which seeks to protect your interests while not contributing to or escalating any conflict between you and your former spouse.
Wherever possible, we work with solicitors on “the other side” who subscribe to the same model.
This model of family law (called collaborative practice) is a practical and considered approach to achieving your settlement without resorting to protracted, adversarial negotiations between lawyers, or to court.
We support you with all of the information, advice and advocacy you need to reach a settlement that works for you, focusing on the real issues of importance to you in your particular circumstance, and working to resolve them in a way that is transparent and solution focused rather than adversarial and point scoring.
At the end of the process we document the agreement you have reached and file it with the court in the ordinary way.
If you would like a civilised divorce, one which maintains your dignity and spares your children from the conflict associated with a litigated process, then collaborative family law is likely to be the option for you.
The process is also a lot faster than going to court and much kinder to your wallet.
A collaborative process is not suitable for everyone or every matter. If your matter does need Court determination we will assist you through the Court process, using the same set of skills to minimise conflict and maximise outcomes.
Family dispute resolution
Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a facilitative mediation process which is specifically focused on assisting families to resolve their disputes.
As family dispute resolution practitioners, we are trained in resolving disputes relating to families, children, finance or property matters. We help separating couples to discuss the issues in dispute between them, and assist them to consider a variety of possible options while maintaining a focus on the needs of their children.
FDR can help families to avoid court, by assisting couples to sort out their issues for themselves. It is also a compulsory process for those people who wish to seek assistance from the court system to resolve disputes relevant to their children (parenting matters).
Even if your matter ends up in court, it is worthwhile making a genuine effort in FDR as this will assist you to narrow the issues in your dispute, retaining your ability to choose where you can, and leading to a faster, less expensive court process in the end.
Mediation
Mediation is a process which is not specific to families or separation. Mediation can assist families, and can also assist other people who have disputes such as work colleagues, neighbours and people in conflict about a commercial or residential lease.
As mediators, we act as a neutral third party, assisting parties to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement or outcome.
We facilitate communication, promote understanding, assist the parties to identify their needs and interests, and use creative problem solving techniques to enable parties to reach their own agreement.
We do not impose solutions. If all of the parties do not agree to proposals or pathways, the dispute remains unresolved.
Legal Agreements
If you have already agreed, we can assist you to formalise all types of family law agreements:
Financial Agreements (BFA’s)
Child Support
Consent Orders (Parenting and Property)
Applications for Divorce
Parenting Plans