HOW WE CAN HELP
FAMILY LAW SERVICES
NEWCASTLE & MAITLAND
We are here to make sure your divorce is finalised as efficiently and seamlessly as possible.
To apply for divorce, it is a requirement that:
- There is an irretrievable breakdown of your marriage;
- You and your former spouse have been separated and living apart for 12 months; and
- You and your former spouse have made proper arrangements for the care and welfare of your children.
At the Family Law Co., we can arrange your standard divorce application for a fixed fee of $1,500. In addition, there is a mandatory Court filing fee of $940.
Think you’re ready to start the process of divorce? Contact us to take the first step.
Parenting
Arrangements
Separation can be an upsetting and stressful experience for everyone involved. You and your former partner may need to make important joint decisions about the future care of your children, which can be difficult and emotionally challenging.
With so many factors to consider, it is important for both you and your children to have the appropriate support to help you navigate this difficult time.
The team at Family Law Co. are here to help.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help you determine the best parenting arrangements for your children.
Property
Settlements
During the separation process, it is important to consider how your assets (such as property) and liabilities (debt) will be divided.
- If you are divorced, applications to the Court for property adjustment must be made within 12 months of your divorce becoming final.
- If you were in a de facto relationship, applications to the Court for property settlements must be made within 2 years of the breakdown of your de facto relationship.
Contact us to discuss how a property settlement might be determined in your situation.
Recovery of
Missing or
Removed Children
If you believe your child has been unlawfully taken by a family member, and all efforts to locate and return the child to you (in accordance with a parenting order) have failed, you should seek immediate legal advice.
A recovery order can authorise or direct a person or persons, such as police officers, to take appropriate action to find, recover and deliver a child to their primary carer and can provide directions about the day-to-day care of a child until the child is returned or delivered.
Contact us to discuss whether a recovery order is suitable for your situation.
Alternative
Dispute
Resolution
At The Family Law Co., our top priority is ensuring that your family law dispute is resolved as efficiently as possible.
If you are considering going through the process of separation or divorce, we will encourage you to consider alternative dispute resolution services such as family counselling, family dispute resolution, mediation, and arbitration to help resolve your dispute.
Reaching an agreement with your former partner can offer many advantages for example:
- You make your own decision.
- You greatly reduce the financial and emotional costs involved.
- Your ability to co-parent is less likely to be negatively impacted.
- You are better able to move forward and make a new life for yourself.
- You may improve communication with your former partner and be better able to resolve disputes in the future.
Contact us to find out more about your alternative dispute resolution options.
Collaborative Practice
Collaborative Practice is a versatile approach of resolving family law disputes, focussed on preserving the parties’ dignity and respect whilst providing the support they need.
The parties, together with their solicitors and any other experts, are engaged in a series of meetings, facilitated by the Collaborative Coach. The coach guides the parties and their lawyers through the issues, encouraging the parties to discuss them in an open and respectful environment, and facilitating interest-based negotiations.
In addition to legal professionals, a number of collaboratively trained professionals may be included in discussions; Financial Advisors, Child Consultants for example. Coaches foster communication, assist in managing stress and support parties who find it difficult to speak up for themselves.
Contact us to discuss your options regarding Collaborative Practice.
Town Agents
Can’t attend Court? Leave it to us.
Having centrally located offices in Maitland and Newcastle, we can provide the following services as your town agent.
- Attendances at directions hearings, mentions, interim or final hearings in respect of parenting and property matters in the Family Courts.
- Attendances at the Newcastle Local Court for criminal matters.
- Urgent filing.
- Appearances in mediations or conciliation conferences.
- Subpoena inspection.
We are available to undertake work on behalf of privately paying clients as well as those in receipt of legal aid.
To enquire about our availability please contact us.