Divorce & Family Separation

De facto relationships are legally recognised in Australia, and the rights and responsibilities of separating partners can be just as complex as those of married couples. At Chamberlains, we assist clients in determining whether their relationship qualifies as de facto under the law, which typically requires living together for at least two years or having a child together.

Understanding Your Legal Status

We provide tailored advice on your entitlements and obligations following separation, including property division, financial support, and parenting arrangements. This is a crucial first step in protecting your rights.

Navigating Separation & Entitlements

We provide tailored advice on your entitlements and obligations following separation, including property division, financial support, and parenting arrangements. Our team understands the nuances of de facto law and works to protect your interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

We’re here to ensure that your contributions to the relationship are recognised and that your future is secure.

When children are involved, their wellbeing becomes the central concern in any separation. At Chamberlains, we help parents develop practical and child-focused parenting arrangements that reflect the best interests of their children. This may include living arrangements, time spent with each parent, schooling, healthcare, and other important decisions.

Creating Child-Focused Parenting Plans

We work with you to create parenting plans through negotiation or mediation, tailored to your family’s unique needs. Our goal is to foster stability and cooperation, ensuring your children feel supported and secure throughout the transition.

Applying for Parenting Orders

Where informal agreements aren’t possible or sufficient, we assist in applying for parenting orders through the Family Court. We guide you through the process with empathy and expertise, advocating for arrangements that protect your children and uphold your rights as a parent.

Our approach is always to minimise conflict and promote cooperative co-parenting, while ensuring that your rights as a parent are respected. We understand how important stability and security are for children during this time, and we’re committed to helping you achieve that.

Dividing property and finances after a separation can be one of the most challenging aspects of family law. At Chamberlains, we provide strategic advice to help you reach a fair and equitable settlement that reflects your contributions and future needs. This includes assessing assets such as real estate, superannuation, investments, businesses, and debts.

Strategic Advice or Complex Assets

We take a comprehensive approach to financial settlements, considering both short-term outcomes and long-term financial security. Our team is experienced in handling complex financial structures and high-value asset pools, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Resolving Matters with Respect

Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we advocate for your best interests and aim to resolve matters efficiently and respectfully. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence, knowing your financial future is secure.

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one partner to the other after separation, where one party is unable to adequately support themselves. At Chamberlains, we provide clear and practical advice on whether you may be entitled to receive, or required to pay, spousal maintenance, based on your financial circumstances and those of your former partner.

Applying for Maintenance

We assist with both interim and long-term maintenance applications, helping you gather the necessary financial information and present a strong case. Our team ensures that your application is thorough, compliant, and focused on achieving a fair outcome.

Responding to Claims

We also help clients respond to maintenance claims, ensuring that their obligations are reasonable and legally justified. Our goal is to ensure that you are not left in financial hardship and that any support arrangements are fair and sustainable.

Not every family law matter needs to end up in court. At Chamberlains, we believe in resolving disputes through collaborative and cost-effective methods whenever possible. Our team offers a range of alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation, negotiation, and collaborative law, to help you reach agreements without the stress and expense of litigation.

Preserving Relationships Through Collaboration

These approaches are particularly effective in preserving relationships, especially when children are involved, and often lead to more durable and amicable outcomes. We focus on solutions that foster cooperation and long-term stability.

Supporting You Every Step of the Way

We work closely with you to prepare for mediation, represent your interests during discussions, and formalise any agreements reached. If court proceedings become necessary, we are fully equipped to advocate for you with strength and integrity.