Family Law in Gippsland

Adjust to new circumstances with our expert legal team’s guidance.

The breakdown of a relationship can be emotionally challenging and often involves complex legal processes. Given the emotional nature of family law disputes, we understand the significant stress and hardships you may be going through during these difficult circumstances. That’s why our experienced family law lawyers, based right here in Gippsland, are here to provide you with legal support to work through the maze of family law. Whether it be lodging your divorce, dividing property or dealing with parenting matters for children of the relationship, we’re here to help.

The breakdown of a relationship or marriage may mean it’s necessary to divide up property, financial assets and liabilities. Dividing up property can be a complex and time-consuming process, and, at a time of heightened emotional stress, can be the last thing you and partner will want to deal with. We can help you navigate the complex property settlement process and assist in areas such as preparing consent orders, formalising documents and settlement agreements, and aiding in court cases that may result from a relationship breakdown. We can assist in finalising a settlement between you and your ex-partner that is just and equitable.

A financial agreement is an agreement entered into before, during or after a relationship has broken down. It outlines how any assets are to be divided and any ongoing financial maintenance to be paid. Financial agreements are a useful way of dampening the effects of a relationship breakdown as it means you won’t have to deal with the hassle and complexities of the courts. They are also very adaptable to unique asset situations you may find yourself in, such as those involving a child from a previous relationship. They can be very technical documents, so we’re here to help you create a document that will be fair and equitable to both parties.

Divorce can be a tough and demanding process for the whole family. Generally, you can apply for divorce of your marriage after a period of 12 months from the date you separated from your spouse. It can still be counted as separation even if both parties still live under the same roof. If children under 18 are involved, the court will need to be satisfied proper arrangements are in order to guarantee the welfare of the children.

We are here to make the process as smooth as it possibly can be. Our expert lawyers can assist with either a mutual divorce or with the process of preparing and lodging your application if only one of the parties wishes to divorce. We can also help assist with any other issues that may arise as a result of the divorce such as resolvering property, parenting and child support matters.

Parenting is stressful enough without having to deal with the involvement of lawyers and the courts. That’s why our expert lawyers always approach matters involving children with sensitivity, understanding and with the goal of ensuring the best interests of the children. We’ll provide useful and pragmatic advice on a variety of issues such as parenting arrangements (custody), child support, family violence and adoption.

The breakdown of a relationship or marriage can become more complex when children are involved. That’s why our experienced team makes sure that both parties understand their rights, as well as their obligations, with respect to the child support legislation and framework. We can assist with child support agreements, child support advice and variation and dispute assessments. Child support is an area of the law that is quite complex and it will require an expert professional to guide and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your children.

Family violence can happen to anyone and can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, verbal or economic abuse. Dealing with family violence can be an extremely harrowing time of great personal strain and we understand that the last thing you’d want to deal with is the complex legal minutiae. That’s why we are here to provide critical advice to ensure the safety of you and the rest of your family, with regards to intervention orders and further safety matters.

We are experienced advocates and embrace innovative methods to resolve complex family law disputes. Our lawyers provide clear and easy-to-understand advice, with regular communication throughout the entire process. We approach each new family law case with the utmost sensitivity, professionalism, and respect.

Our experienced Gippsland family lawyers assist many different kinds of families in achieving just and equitable outcomes through either negotiation, mediation and/or litigation. Whether you need representation in court, or assistance in drafting formal documentation, Duffy & Simon will be able to help.

If you would like advice, representation or assistance in an area of family law, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 03 5941 1622.