You can trust us in handling your divorce or separation or because we have:

• Over 40 years of combined legal experience
• Assisted over 3,000 clients with all aspects of divorce, separations and wills and estates.
• Authentic and genuine client testimonials since 2011
• Comprehensive and up to date legal knowledge
• Ongoing commitment to all our clients moving forward

A. Do I need to use a divorce lawyer?

Yes definitely. Smart people know that they don’t know it all!

Smart people know that, Google, their neighbour or their best friend are not specialist family lawyers and do not know the details or legalities of your individual and personal matters. So, trying to Google your way out of your divorce questions, may leave you misinformed and confused.

Fact: Knowledge is power

B. How much will it cost to use a divorce lawyer?

Everyone has heard of someone who spent an obscene amount of money on their family/divorce matter. Perhaps it was your neighbour, family member or even a work colleague who complained of the money they spent and got no outcome or were left worse off than before. 

The answer to the question how much will it cost to use a Family Lawyer in Sydney will depend on you and your ex-partners’ willingness to negotiate your issues and reach an agreement that you can live with. Most people can find some way of settling a matter without the need to go to court. 

So, if you are settling your matter through negotiations and other dispute resolution methods, the costs can be anywhere between $3,300 – $25,000 (over a period of around 6 to 12 months).

If your matter is litigated, then the costs will anywhere from $30,000 – $150,000 (over a period of 2 to 4 years) BUT this will generally include the cost of your expert witnesses, your barrister and any other 3rd party costs, as well as filing fee costs. 

Fact: Legal advice is an essential service!

Legal advice is an essential service. If you think you can do this ‘on the cheap’ or on your own, then think again!

C. How long will it take to get through my divorce or separation?

Fact: If you’re married, you can’t file for divorce unless you have been separated for 12 months.

Fact: You don’t need to be legally divorced to finalise your property, financial and children’s matters.

Fact: If you are in a de facto relationship, there is no formal application required to separate – you have 24 months to finalise your financial and property matters.

The legal process of separation from start to end typically takes 6 to 18 months. However, we have had matters that can wrap up in a matter of weeks – it’s a matter of how quickly you and your ex can process the separation emotionally and then deal with the legalities. 

D. What if my ex refuses to speak to me or mediate?

We recently had a client call us in an absolute panic because her ex-spouse cut off all communication and threatened to never agree to the divorce or even to give our client ‘one cent’, even though they had been married for 13 years!

This is a typical reaction from someone who has lost control and simply doesn’t know how to respond. Instead, they react by shutting down, threatening, in the hope that all will go away.

Although it is a very frustrating and upsetting situation to find yourself in, there are solutions:

1. Stay cool, calm and in control of your emotions. If you feel you can send an email or text that is understanding, yet holds your ground on what you want, then go ahead and send it. We suggest sending something that says: “Hey, I know this is really hard right now and your reaction is totally normal. In fact, I’ve read that many people have the same reaction – imagine what it would be like if we could be different and find a way to get through this somehow.”
2. Another great option is consulting a mediator or family lawyer in Sydney who can gently invite your ex to negotiate or discuss resolving your issues. Never underestimate the power of a gentle invitation from your mediator or lawyer to reinforce to your ex that you are serious and want to find a way to move forward.
3. As a very last resort, you could go to Court and, with a court date looming, you can write to your ex and tell them that, even though you have been forced to file at Court, you are still willing to negotiate and mediate your issues.

E. Can I still see my kids even if my ex and I don’t have any formal agreements?

Absolutely, you can see your children! During times of troubles, children need both their parents. Be present and make sure that the children know that you love and care for them. If your ex becomes difficult or is compromising your relationship with the children, get professional guidance and advice asap.

Fact: the longer you leave your existing parenting arrangements, the harder it is to change them.

F. I run a successful business; how can I keep and protect it?

Yes, you can, as long as you take steps to ensure that your ex is removed as director/shareholder/partner or any other involvement in the business. You will need to be transparent and give your ex-partner access to the financials of the business, as well as agree to valuations if required. The business is an asset, just like your home, car, shares or any other items of value.

Fact: Smart and strategic business owners are proactive and think long-term. They know that any financial loss is only temporary and, before they know it, they are more profitable than ever, once they get through the bumpy road of divorce.