The Family Law team at WJM practise exclusively in Family Law and has a solid reputation in this area.
We provide a complete range of Family Law services and bring a professional edge to our services, whilst having an understanding of how difficult this area of law can be for our clients.
We are able to draw on the valuable expertise and knowledge of our experienced lawyers who practise in other areas of the firm to help our clients with taxation issues, business restructuring, succession and Wills and Powers of Attorney, all with a view to assist our family law clients in stabilising their financial future.
We have the experience and knowledge that you need to settle matters following separation in a dignified, timely and cost-effective manner.
The Family Law team at WJM provide comprehensive advice to assist parties to resolve issues with the use of:
- Conciliatory processes
- Mediation
- Collaborative law processes
- General negotiation
Should litigation be required however, we have a thorough understanding of Family Court and Federal Circuit Court processes, and are able to assist you with:
- Parenting Matters
- Property Settlements
- Separation and Divorce
- Spousal Maintenance
- Family Violence
- Binding Financial Agreements (post separation)
- Child Support Matters
- Superannuation and related family law issues
- Contravention Matters
- Intervention Orders
Members of the Family Law team at WJM do their own Court appearances whenever possible, as this assists in the client’s understanding of the nature of the processes and achieving their aims following separation.
If you have a Family Law issue or query then contact one of the WJM Family Law team for a free half hour appointment:
The Family Law team at WJM are able to provide whatever specialist knowledge is required in your particular circumstances including advice about:
Divorce and Separation
The breakdown of a marriage can be one of the most confusing and emotional times in a person’s life. We understand this. We offer you objective and expert advice to take the next step. We can help you negotiate an outcome as quickly as possible to let you move on with your life. There are issues of property, parenting, maintenance, and child support to consider. L et us assist you through this maze by providing you with proper advice and representation.
Children’s Matters
Making decisions and determining which parent is to be primarily responsible for the care of children can be difficult and complex.
We are able to assist you to do this with professional and timely skill and care. In child custody and parental responsibility cases we focus on the best interests of the child. It is a child’s right to have time with both parents unless there is a very good reason not to.
Court Applications are usually made when parties are unable to reach agreement between themselves as to the parenting arrangements in relation to a child or children. A Court may make Parenting Orders upon Application by a parent, grandparent, the child or any other person concerned with the care, welfare or development of the child.
Property and Financial Settlements
The Family Court and Federal Circuit Courts have wide discretion to make Orders as to how to distribute assets, financial resources, and superannuation of the parties.
If an agreement has been reached between the parties we can advise you of the most appropriate manner by which to formalise a property settlement.
All property settlements ought to be finalised properly, either through the preparation of a Binding Financial Agreement or by a Court Order. A Court Order does not mean that you will need to give evidence in Court and can be completed administratively.
The Family Law team can assist you with your property and financial settlements to ensure they are finalised properly and effectively.
Child Support
Under the relevant legislation, every parent has a primary duty to maintain their children. Child support is assessed and collected by the Child Support Agency (“CSA“) which is part of the Australian Government Department of Human Services.
Usually the parent with whom the child lives applies to the CSA for an assessment of the amount of child support payable by the other parent. The CSA makes as assessment of child support by considering a range of factors.
A private Child Support Agreement can be entered into if there is agreement by both parents. We can assist you with drafting a Child Support Agreement. This agreement can be registered with the CSA or the parties can comply with the agreement privately.
Family Violence and Intervention Orders
The aim of an Intervention Order is to protect a person from family violence or stalking by a member of the person’s family, household or someone they know.
If you have been a victim of family violence, it is important to ensure that you and your children are protected from this violence. Protection is available by way of an Intervention Order though the Magistrates’ Court, or a Family Violence Order through the Family Court.
The Family Law team at WJM can assist you with your Application to the Court for an Intervention Order and appearing at Court on your behalf at the hearing.
Our specialised team recognise that family violence is a difficult and complex area which requires appropriate and supportive advice and intervention. We are able to offer this and are committed to the welfare and personal safety of each and every one of our clients.
Our experienced Family Law team have represented clients:
- in the Magistrates’ Court
- in the Federal Circuit Court
- in the Family Court
- in the Childrens’ Court
- at Case Assessment Conferences
- at Conciliation Conferences
- at various Mediations (both formal and informal)
The Family Law team at WJM is focused on helping our clients to stabilise their lives and to put them back on their feet as soon as possible after the difficult time of a relationship breakdown and the often complex issues that follow.