What to Expect When Working with a Family Law Firm in Sydney
This article outlines the services and benefits of working with family law firms in Sydney, including expert guidance on divorce, child custody, property settlements, and dispute resolution to help clients navigate complex legal challenges.
Family law issues can be emotionally challenging and legally complex, requiring expert guidance.
Family lawyers in Sydney provide the expertise and support needed to navigate legal challenges effectively.
A family breakdown in any capacity is an incredibly emotionally challenging and overwhelming time. The issues and disputes that arise during a family breakdown can be both trying and complex and therefore, require a sympathetic and informed legal counsel. Due to the highly contentious and emotional time that is a separation it is important that your family lawyer is supportive and compassionate towards your situation, as often the issues that arise during this time extend beyond the confines of the law. The family law team at Chamberlains can provide the necessary expertise and support to navigate the legal challenges that arise during a separation.
Family law practitioners have an obligation to ensure the best interests of the children are upheld during the course of all proceedings regarding parenting arrangements of children. A good practitioner will alleviate the stresses involved in organising a parenting arrangement post-separation by providing a professional representation of your interests. Family law practitioners will assist you in all the pre-trial procedures such as organising mediation and negotiating offers of settlement. Practitioners have an obligation to attempt to settle parenting disputes outside of Court where appropriate.
A family law practitioner should be instructed where parties would like to formalise a post-separation parenting arrangement. A practitioner need not be instructed only in situations of high conflict; they can be instructed in situations where there is an amicable separation where the parties wish to formalise any parenting agreement that was reached post separation. In situations of a high conflict separation, instructing a family lawyer may be prudent to avoid further hostility or endangerment to yourself or the children. Your safety and the children’s safety will always be a priority to a family law practitioner. It is important that you find legal representation with experience dealing with child custody cases and sensitivity to the unique circumstances of your separation. The family law team at Chamberlains embodies both experience in dealing with all kinds of child custody disputes whilst retaining a particular sensitivity to each individual case at hand.
The purpose of a property settlement between two people who were previously in a relationship is to sever the financial relationship between them. The legislation is designed to end the financial relationship of the parties in a manner that is just and equitable accounting for a multitude of factors like the future needs of the parties and the contributions of the parties to the relationship. Contributions are not always financial, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) recognises the contributions to a relationship in the capacity of a homemaker. The role of a family lawyer is to identify and clearly articulate the respective contributions to the relationship that you have made and the impact of any division of property on each party. The Court aims to achieve a financial severance where it is just and equitable to alter the legal and equitable interests in property to do so.
Parties have an obligation to provide one another full and frank financial disclosure to ensure a fair separation can be achieved. Full and frank financial disclosure is comprised of providing all relevant documentation that evidences the financial standing of both parties. The disclosure documents provided by both parties will inform the balance sheet drafted by your family lawyer to convey the financial standing of each party. This balance sheet, along with the disclosure documents, is weighed against contributions and future needs to reach a settlement.
The role of your family lawyer is to ensure full and frank financial disclosure is exchanged and to protect your interests when proposing a fair financial settlement. Should your matter proceed to litigation, your family lawyer should continue to support your legal and equitable interests in matrimonial assets and consider your contributions and future needs when proposing final orders.
Professional family lawyers in Sydney, such as those at Chamberlains, offer essential guidance and support during emotionally difficult family breakdowns. They provide expertise in handling parenting disputes, property settlements, and financial agreements, ensuring fair outcomes while prioritising safety and wellbeing. With experience in mediation, dispute resolution, and court representation, we tailor legal advice to individual needs.
If you have any questions or concerns contact Stuart Robertson of our Family Law Team on 02 9264 9111