Family Lawyers Sydney
Our team of Sydney family lawyers will guide you through the grief and complexities of separation, providing you with solid, practical advice and a clear plan to navigate the way forward.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
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Find out if we’re a good fit for you.
Access bespoke advice
Timely advice from experienced family lawyers, tailored to your unique circumstances. Let us simplify what can feel like a complex and overwhelming process.
Know What To Expect
Our expertise extends across all areas of family law. We help you understand your rights and responsibilities and empower you to make informed choices.
Reduce stress, time and costs
Our family law team will manage the complexities of your family legal matter, helping you to avoid expensive and stressful delays.
Sydney Law Group
Why work with our Sydney Family Lawyers?
Choose a Lawyer That Makes a Difference
Do I need a family lawyer?
The lawyer you choose can make the difference in your family law matter. Separating from a spouse or partner is difficult. There are no two ways about it. We know that half of all relationships end in divorce, but not one of us ever expects it to happen to our relationship.
Whether the breakup is your choice or not, your grief can be overwhelming in those early days. You might experience feelings of loss, anger, sadness and resentment, and you may also have to deal with how everyone else reacts to the separation – your partner, children, parents, friends and acquaintances.
And as it happens, when you’re feeling the most vulnerable, you find yourself with some incredibly difficult issues. How will you and your partner tell the kids? How will you share the parenting? Where will you both live? How will you agree on who gets what? And here’s a big one, how can you avoid a long and expensive court process?
Unfortunately, separations can become ongoing arguments that leave everybody feeling damaged. This is what you want to avoid, and the good news is that you really can avoid it if you and your separating partner work together to resolve differences.
There’s no such thing as a fun separation, but there are separations where both sides keep their dignity intact to move on positively to the next phase of their lives.
To achieve that outcome, you need the advice and guidance of an experienced family lawyer interested in keeping you out of family court and helping you move to the next chapter of your life without a nasty fight.
Sydney Law Group has extensive experience in all issues associated with family law, including divorce, the breakdown of de facto and same-sex relationships, property settlement, asset division, parenting arrangements, financial agreements, spousal maintenance, agreements by consent, wills and probate, and cases of domestic and family violence.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
Customer Feedback
Please pass on my thanks to Jeff and your team with this difficult divorce. I am extremely happy with my new life and have a wonderfull caring man who is so different – thank god.
K.G – Sydney
Our Family Law Services
Helping You Acheive a Fair Outcome
Family Dispute Resolution
If you and your former partner are disputing children and property, Australian law requires you to make a genuine effort to resolve issues through family dispute resolution (‘FDR’). You must do this before filing an application in court for orders.
Using counselling, mediation and negotiation, it’s shown that as little as 5% of cases require a final hearing in a family law court. There are many advantages of avoiding court:
- You may be able to move on and come to terms with the situation sooner;
- Reduced financial cost;
- Empowerment to make your own decisions rather than having a court decide for you; and
- Maintaining or improving communication with your former partner.
Your family lawyer can provide advice throughout this process and help you develop options and draft settlements.
While some exceptions apply – including circumstances involving domestic violence – in most cases, the courts only become involved after these measures have failed. Here, your lawyer will play a crucial role in advocating for you in court, ensuring the fairest outcome is reached.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
Why are Sydney Law Group’s Family Lawyers the team to trust?
Our unique approach sets us apart from other family law specialists in Sydney. We place a strong focus on providing services tailored to meet the distinct needs of your situation. We will become your strongest advocate.
Our people are discreet, sensitive, and compassionate. Alongside addressing a case’s practical side, we emphasise your emotional well-being.
Are you looking for an expert family solicitor in Sydney or New South Wales? Our team comes highly recommended and will remain by your side at every stage. We are known for expert counsel based on the most current legal knowledge. Our lawyers offer peace of mind and a friendly ear when you need it most.
Step #1
FREE Appointment
On first meeting a client we work to establish a strong rapport. We’ll take steps to understand your situation, concerns and goals, before outlining your options.
Step #2
Ask Us Anything
Most people have little knowledge of family law, so you’re likely to have many questions. Asking the experts demystifies the process and provides much-needed reassurance.
Step #3
Take Your Next Steps With Confidence
Advice from an experienced family lawyer during a difficult time lets you know what to expect, and where you stand. It empowers you to make the most informed choices.
Contact Us
Step #1
Book Your Free Appointment
A consultation with our discreet and sensitive Sydney family lawyers offers sound legal advice designed to facilitate the best outcomes.
We strive to deliver value-based services most efficiently. Our goal is always to deliver the best outcomes as quickly as possible. Our people are here to offer peace of mind and a friendly ear when you need it most.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment Only
First Appointment Free (Extended)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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When can I apply for a divorce?
Australian law states that for a divorce application to be made, a couple must demonstrate they have been separated for a continuous period of 12 months.
Length of separation can clearly be demonstrated where the couple has lived at different addresses during that time. However, if you can show the court you have led separate lives during that period while remaining in the same home, you will also be eligible.
Couples who have lived together during the separation period should ask a divorce lawyer for advice on the steps required to maintain an acceptable level of independence. The court will request confirmation of separation from an independent third-party, in the form of an affidavit.
What is involved when sorting property and finances after a divorce?
The most advantageous route to separating your property is an agreement between you and your partner without court intervention.
When a couple has difficulty agreeing to the terms of their property division, a family lawyer can provide advice. They can facilitate FDR measures, such as professional mediation and negotiations, if necessary.
After an agreement is reached, it’s important to make it legally binding by applying to the court for a legal ‘Property Settlement’. Property settlements are finalised through the Federal Circuit Court.
The court can step in where independent discussions and FDR measures have failed. At this stage, all decisions are out of your hands, and a Property Settlement is developed on your behalf.
Is the process of dividing property different for de-facto couples?
In cases where a de facto couple is seeking property distribution, the legal process largely reflects that which applies to married couples.
However, one difference is the need to demonstrate the existence of a de facto relationship, as defined by the Family Law Act. This means it must be considered a ‘marriage type’ relationship.
In making this determination, the court might consider the length of the partnership, whether it was sexual in nature, living and financial arrangements, and any shared children. Gender is not a consideration, meaning same sex couples are equally able to meet the definition.
Documentation such as joint bank accounts, shared mortgages, tenancy leases and tax invoices can help demonstrate the existence of a de facto relationship.
To seek a legal binding ‘Property Settlement’ through the courts, a de facto couple must meet one of the following criteria:
- the relationship lasted at least two years
- you share a child with your partner
- you have made a substantial contribution to property and finances
- the relationship was registered, or
- for at least one third of your relationship you lived in any Australian state or territory except Western Australia (where the uniform family law legislation does not apply).
De facto couples must apply for a legal Property Settlement within two years of the relationship ending.
Contact us today for a free initial call.
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How are arrangements for the care of children decided following separation?
During separation, important decisions need to be made about who you children will live with. Arrangements are also needed to ensure children can maintain appropriate contact with both parents.
In many instances parents can mutually agree on arrangements for the future care of their children, without external intervention. A ‘Parenting Plan’ will need to be developed, which allows for children to spend close to equal time with each parent.
Where parents struggle to reach an agreement, FDR measures are necessary. These include mediation, counselling and negotiation, and must be entered into before the court will step in.
How are financial child support payments determined?
Considerations for child support include the financial circumstances of both parents, and the agreed percentages of care. It is most advantageous when parents can come to an agreement without court intervention. Child support can be agreed upon privately using binding financial agreements or can be calculated through the government Child Support Scheme. If agreeing privately, a number of factors are taken into account, including parenting arrangements, income and expected earning capacity of both parties involved, in relation to the ongoing needs of the child, or children, involved.
In certain situations, the court may be required to step in and make its own judgements about how child care expenses will be managed, as well as custody and access. If there are complex family law matters that cannot be resolved by other means, this is a distinct possibility. If you are facing family law disputes that cannot be resolved out of court, having quality legal advice will equip you to make informed decisions and resolve financial disputes related to child support or other family law matters.
A specialist family lawyer can provide support at any stage in this process, as parents and/or the courts work to develop a plan in the best interests of the children.
What if my partner refuses to comply with court orders?
Noncompliance and breaches of court orders are serious offences that may result in further legal issues. Your family lawyer will outline your rights and responsibilities and may recommend steps to resolve the matter without court involvement. This can be done through meditation, negotiation or collaborative law techniques.
If court intervention is necessary, you must file an application to the contravention of orders, accompanied by an affidavit and a certificate from an FDR practitioner (except where circumstances are deemed exceptional).
Where the court determines one party has demonstrated noncompliance, they must consider whether they have a reasonable excuse. This could include failure to understand their responsibilities, or a reasonable belief that noncompliance was necessary for somebody’s protection or wellbeing.
Based on the above, the court will determine what action must be taken. This might include amending the order, demanding compensation, or imposing community service, a fine or imprisonment.
For expert advice & a clear plan forward, speak with one of our specialist family lawyers in Sydney today.