A family lawyer, or family law solicitor, specialises in legal matters related to family relationships. They provide advice, support, and representation in situations involving separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and other family-related issues. Here’s a breakdown of what a family lawyer typically does:
1. Separation and divorce:
- Advises clients on the legal implications of separation and divorce.
- Assists with the divorce application process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Provides guidance on timelines, documentation, and how to proceed amicably where possible.
2. Property settlements:
- Helps divide assets, liabilities, and superannuation following a separation.
- Negotiates fair property settlements based on contributions and future needs.
- Represents clients in disputes involving complex financial arrangements, such as trusts, businesses, and farms.
3. Parenting and child-related matters:
- Assists with parenting arrangements, including custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities.
- Advises on relocation matters if one parent wishes to move with the child.
- Represents clients in disputes involving child safety, family violence, or other risk factors.
- Helps create and formalise parenting plans and agreements.
4. De facto relationships:
- Provides advice on rights and responsibilities in de facto relationships.
- Assists with property and parenting disputes for couples who are not married.
- Helps formalise agreements through Binding Financial Agreements or Consent Orders.
5. Mediation and dispute resolution:
- Facilitates negotiation and mediation to resolve disputes without going to court.
- Participates in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) processes to help clients reach mutually acceptable agreements.
6. Litigation and court representation:
- Represents clients in family law courts when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation.
- Prepares legal documents, evidence, and arguments to advocate for clients’ rights and interests.
- Guides clients through the court process, ensuring compliance with court rules and procedures.
7. Protection from violence and abuse:
- Assists clients in obtaining Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) to protect against threats or harm.
- Advocates for clients dealing with family violence, ensuring their safety and that of their children.
8. Wills, succession and estate planning for families:
- Advises on family-focused estate planning, including Wills and succession plans.
- Assists rural clients with farm succession planning to ensure fair distribution of assets.
9. International family law issues:
- Handles cases involving international custody disputes, relocation, or cross-border family law matters.
- Assists with enforcing overseas family law orders in Australia.
10. Emotional and practical support:
- Provides empathetic, client-centred advice during emotionally challenging times.
- Helps clients navigate the emotional and practical aspects of family disputes while focusing on the best legal outcomes.
In short, a family lawyer is your advocate and guide during some of life’s most challenging transitions, helping to protect your rights, achieve fair outcomes, and find a path forward with confidence and clarity.
If you need assistance with anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out to our family law team to determine how we can help. Contact Orman Solicitors today on 1300 676 267 for immediate assistance.