FAMILY LAW
We believe in trying to reach a quick, amicable and cost-effective outcome whenever possible. It is always our aim to work with the wants and needs of our clients and we try very hard not to ‘de-rail’ the process. Here at Denise Maxwell Solicitors, we will provide you with the advice relevant to you and your situation, along with the options and practical steps towards finalising your family law matter.
Our Family Law Solicitor, Tamara Hensen, has extensive experience in all things relating to relationships: family law matters (property, parenting, maintenance, financial agreements etc), domestic violence matters and child protection matters. Because of this, we are able to offer our clients expert advice and guidance through what is often a very stressful process.
With separating parties, a lot of the time there is some common ground that has already been reached between the parties or, with some advice and guidance through the process, we can reach some common ground. We build on this and help our clients reach a final agreement. However, we also understand that not all matters suitable for a collaborative or dispute-resolution focussed process. This is particularly the case when there has been domestic and family violence which has, and often still does, impact on a party.
For parties currently in a relationship, we provide advice to help our clients navigate the family law process and can help put together the pieces of the puzzle to reach an agreement about what is going to happen during the relationship (if needed), and what will happen in the event that the relationship breaks down.
No matter what the circumstances are, we will always ensure that we are in our client’s corner and we are strong advocates for our clients.
OUR FAMILY LAW TEAM
TAMARA HENSEN | Solicitor
Tamara is the Head of Family Law at Denise Maxwell Solicitors, and also helps clients in the Wills and Estates field. Her compassion brought Tamara to Family Law, and this is the quality that she draws on most as she helps guide families through difficult transitions.
“I help clients through what can be the worst time of their life. I offer my clients the wisdom of other people’s experiences in the same journey, combined with the knowledge that they are not going it alone.”
NICOLA BOWES
Nicola works across Wills and Estates, Family Law, Conveyancing and Commercial Law at Denise Maxwell Solicitors. Nicola believes that information is power, and that cake can solve many of life’s problems. Nicola is owned by a rough collie (like Lassie!) named Fletcher.
“Most people who walk through our doors are nervous. I love that I can help people to feel empowered to make the decisions that help them live the life that they most want. I am so lucky to be able to have the knowledge to help people build better future.”
FAMILY LAW FAQ
In Australia, these documents are formally known as a Binding Financial Agreement, but are often referred to as a ‘pre-nup’ or ‘pre-nuptial agreement’. Binding Financial Agreements set out what is to happen in the event that the relationship breaks down in the future, and can sometimes also contain provisions about what is to happen during the relationship. This agreement does not require going to Court or submitting any documents to the Court.
Binding Financial Agreements require both parties to have (separate) lawyers to give them advice and sign the document.
Parties can elect to document an agreement one of two ways – through Consent Orders, or through a Binding Financial Agreement.
Consent Orders
Consent Orders can be filed in the Court after a relationship has ended. These documents set out the circumstances and agreement about property matters and/or children’s matters. It does not matter if the parties were in a de facto relationship or married (and for parenting matters, it doesn’t matter if the parents were in a relationship). The parties are not required to go to Court, and the judicial officers will consider the matter just based upon the documents filed.
The Court requires that parties file at least two documents – an Application for Consent Orders and a document setting out the terms of the agreement (the Orders that are proposed to be made by the Court). Depending on the circumstances other documents may be necessary. The Court has quite a lot of useful information about Consent Orders on its website.
We always recommend that you at least get some initial advice and, whenever an agreement is reached, that you get legal assistance in drafting these important documents.
Binding Financial Agreement
A Binding Financial Agreement can also be entered into after a relationship has ended to document an agreement about property matters. Similar to the information above, Binding Financial Agreements require both parties to have separate lawyers, but does not involve going to Court or submitting documents to the Court.
We can assist you before, during and after entering into a Binding Financial Agreement. Make an appointment to talk with our Family Law Solicitor today.
Property settlement refers to finalising who receives what assets, liabilities and superannuation after a relationship has broken down. Nowadays, the Family Law Act provides for property settlement between both married couples and parties to a de facto relationship (including either married or de facto same-sex couples). Most commonly this involves adjusting parties’ interests in houses, cars, debts and superannuation. But property settlements also include dealing with more complex matters involving corporate entities, Trusts and self-managed superannuation funds.
Maintenance of a former partner, or an adult child, is separate from a person’s obligation to maintain their child – which is known as child support in Australia.
However, matters involving children can also include issues like time with grandparents or other family members, as well as issues such as interstate or international relocation, surrogacy, IVF or other issues.
Some alternate dispute resolution process are done without solicitors (such as through Relationships Australia or other government funded programs), but if you are intending to commence alternate dispute resolution or have been invited to attend by the other party, we recommend you get some legal advice by talking to us today.
If you need to start or respond to Court action, talk to us today.
Divorce is the process to formally end to a marriage and thus allow parties to remarry. However, divorce does not finalise any of the other aspects of a relationship breakdown (property, parenting or maintenance issues).
- Adoption matters for all couples
- Domestic violence matters for all couples
- Child protection matters.
