At Duffy & Simon, years of experience have taught us that family law cases are always complicated in their own ways. We understand the unique complexities of navigating legal matters in the midst of a relationship breakdown or family crisis. As dedicated family lawyers, our goal is to help you through these difficult experiences by way of legal support and guidance, including acting as Family Court lawyers. We treat every client with care and compassion while endeavouring to offer realistic and honest legal advice.
The Court’s Family Law jurisdiction includes matters relating to property settlements, divorce proceedings, parenting arrangements and family violence. At Duffy & Simon, we are able to assist in all of these matters both in and outside of the court. We guide our clients through complex legal processes and assist by gathering evidence, offering insight and ensuring that every step of the process meets the requirements of the law.
Property Settlements to Ensure a Fair Division
If you are experiencing the breakdown of a relationship or marriage, you might find yourself in need of a property settlement service. A property settlement describes an agreement made between two parties that outlines the division of assets, liabilities and financial resources. These can be constructed with or without assistance from a court. If both the involved parties agree to the property settlement, it can be finalised through a consent order or financial agreement. If the parties don’t agree, they can each bring the situation to court and make an order on their own behalf. Whatever your situation, it is recommended that you contact trusted Family Court lawyers and organise financial matters as soon as possible after a separation.
Financial Agreements to Protect Both Parties
A financial agreement is a binding arrangement established between two parties either before, during or after a relationship. This agreement determines exactly how assets and liabilities are to be divided at the end of said relationship. It also establishes guidelines for any ongoing financial maintenance throughout the relationship. A financial agreement allows involved parties to avoid court proceedings, but they each must retain independent legal advice in order for the agreement to be valid. This is where a Family Court lawyer can step in and assist.
Consent Orders for Confirmation of Agreements
Consent orders are agreements made between two parties to determine how property will be divided and financial maintenance will be handled. Unlike financial agreements, consent orders are approved by a court and eventually become court orders. In order for the court to legitimise a consent order, the court must be satisfied that the agreement is fair. It should also be noted that once a consent order is made, it is very difficult to change it, as the court will want to avoid further property disputes. It is therefore important to have a family lawyer on hand to ensure that everything is fair and just.
Divorce Applications to Help You Start Fresh
Divorce applications can be overwhelming, especially when you are in a heightened emotional state. Thankfully, family court lawyers can help you with the legal process of preparing and lodging your divorce application, or even just offer advice on the overall process. For example, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met in order to get divorced. These include citizenship requirements, a 12-month minimum separation and evidence that the marriage is irreversibly broken down. Family Court lawyers can assist you in understanding these matters. Contending with the emotional repercussions of a divorce is difficult enough — make your life easier with assistance from a family lawyer.
Parenting Arrangements to Provide Your Child With the Best Outcome
With over 130 years of combined experience, the Family Court lawyers here at Duffy & Simon understand how complicated cases of family law can be. We also know that the complexity of these cases is only magnified when children are involved. When it comes to cases such as these, the safety and welfare of the children is always prioritised. Through this lens, we can advise you on parenting arrangements to suit your particular circumstances. Generally, parents are encouraged to resolve their disputes through informal arrangements such as mediation, negotiation and counselling; all of which are procedures we can help facilitate. However, if the parties involved can’t reach an arrangement, a Family Court Order may be required. In this case, the Family Court lawyers at Duffy & Simon can provide guidance and represent you in court as required.
Custody Agreements to Protect Your Child’s Best Interests
Every family is different, and every case of family law should be navigated with this in mind. At Duffy & Simon, we can help you figure out which custody arrangement works best for your family. Our Family Court lawyers know how to sensitively discuss living arrangements and can provide insight into which parent should be the primary carer. We can also offer advice on how to help the children maintain relationships with both parents.
Child Support to Protect Your Child’s Future
Family Court lawyers can advise you on your rights to child support payments and your responsibilities in terms of custody arrangements. If you are currently struggling with child support agreements or variation and dispute assessments, we can guide you through these processes as well.
Adoption Services to Expand Your Family
Adoption is the process that allows non-biological carers to retain the same legal rights and responsibilities for a child as that child’s birth parents. This is undoubtedly a long and emotionally exhausting process, as there are restrictions on who can adopt. Family Court lawyers would be happy to give you advice on this matter.
Family Violence Services to Protect You & Your Family
For those who have been affected by family violence, seeking help can be incredibly difficult. At Duffy & Simon, we have the experience and expertise to understand that people in this position require patience, sensitivity and kindness from their Family Court lawyer. We endeavour to provide our clients with legal help and advice that prioritises the safety and care of both themselves and their children.
Intervention Orders to Provide Additional Protection
If you are in a domestic violence situation, we can help you by securing intervention orders and other safety measures for both yourself and your children. Intervention orders are designed to protect a specific individual or group from being targeted by another specific individual, who is known as the respondent. The order outlines several conditions, all of which are carefully selected to prevent the respondent from gaining access to the individual(s). If the respondent attempts to break the conditions of the order, they can be charged with a criminal offence. Intervention orders are finalised in court, but if you require immediate attention, you can request an interim intervention order. This order protects the individual(s) until both themselves and the respondent can appear in court. At Duffy & Simon, we can assist you in obtaining both of these intervention orders.
Our Advice for Anyone Seeking a Family Court Lawyer
If you are seeking a Family Court lawyer, you are probably dealing with a great deal of stress. Family law cases can be incredibly intimidating, especially when they are expected to affect your future in such significant ways. When you’re in this situation, it is important to surround yourself with compassionate people, as well as professionals you can trust. This is what we offer at Duffy & Simon: dedicated experts who are entirely invested in the wellbeing of you and your family. Contact us today for more information.