Separation & Divorce
It’s Time to Break Free
Navigating a divorce or separation can feel overwhelming, but the process is often more straightforward than many expect. In Australia, divorce is granted on the basis of a marriage breaking down irretrievably, with no need to prove fault.
You must have been separated for at least 12 months and one day, and appropriate arrangements need to be in place for any children. It’s important to know that a divorce only legally ends the marriage, it doesn’t cover property, financial, or parenting matters, which must be dealt with separately.
Whether you need a legal separation or divorce, hiring a family lawyer ensures you reach a quick resolution with dignity and clarity.
Get Clarity in 24 Hours.
Fill out the form below and one of our family law solicitors will give you a call back within 1 business day.
Steps 1: 15 Minute FREE Phone Call
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- Solicitor introduction
- Conflict check
- Discuss brief details of your circumstance
- Run through our process & next steps
Step 2: Strategy Session
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- In-person meeting with our experienced solicitors
- Review asset pool
- Devise strategies for asset split and divorce plans
Separate Amicably and
Get Legal Advice.
WHY DO YOU NEED A LAWYER?
Yes, it is legal to separate and divorce without hiring a family lawyer.
However, we see many cases where one party assumes the separation will be amicable but goes on to receive unexpected demands that incur more legal costs than expected. The process is far more complex than it appears to be.
With proper legal guidance, you can save more than you lose.
Even if you and your ex-partner are on good terms, speaking to a lawyer today will give you a better understanding of what to expect and avoid during the separation and divorce process.
Strategic Asset Separation
Our integrated legal and accounting services ensure we account for every asset that needs to be split or protected to ensure you don’t get hit by any unexpected financial surprises.
When a couple separates, whether they are married or in a de facto relationship, a key part of the procedure involves the property settlement.
This lists the couple’s assets and indicates how they are going to be divided between the two parties. After assets, resources and liabilities are identified, the financial and non-financial contributions of each party are listed.
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How the Court Considers
Property Separation
The court will then consider factors such as the future needs of each party, whether they will be the resident parent, the state of health of each party and other related variables. Using these factors as a guide, the court will then make a determination, if the parties agree, consent orders are then filed for final approval.
A property separation can be completed either by:
- Consent Orders (legally binding orders that are filed with the court to avoid any disputes in the future)
- A binding financial agreement (contract between two or more parties, not filed with the court).
We can assist at all stages of the property settlement process, optimising the chances that you will get the outcome you’re looking for.
Common Assets We Handle
Property
Business & Trust
Superannuation
Savings
Motor & Recreational Vehicles
Complex Assets
How We Guide You Through Separation…
Property Pool Assessment
- Determine amount in super?
- Determine amount in house?
Determine Your Share & Plan Settlement
- Relationship history
- Children
- Financial & Non-financial contributions
Proceed With Settlement Strategy
- Valuation
- Mediation
- Consent order
- Settlement offer
- Property settlement
How We Guide You Through Divorce…
Eligibility Review
- Ensure you’ve been separated for at least 12 months and 1 day
- Review of your marriage certificate
Pay court fees
- File a sole or joint application
- If filing as a sole applicant, we may engage a process server
Proceed with divorce filing
- File for the allocation of assets within 12 months of divorce
Complex Asset Separation? No Worries.
Unlike other family law firms, our family law solicitors work with integrated legal and financial services.
This means, complex asset separation is handled with oversight from property Conveyancers and Certified Practising Accountants.
This means, we can find, split and protect valuable assets while managing capital gains tax and super implications.
Clarity for Families
If you’ve recently separated with children, we can help create a parenting agreement that suits your needs.When parents in Australia separate, they often come up with a parenting agreement to determine the care arrangements for their children.
This agreement can either be an informal parenting plan or a parenting order. A parenting plan is a contract between the parents whereas a parenting order is lodged with the court and sealed upon consideration to ensure the agreement is binding on both parties. Serious consequences can arise if a party breaches a parenting order.
Within either parenting agreement, parents are able to include the specific arrangements for the best interests of the child(ren), including time arrangements for special events, schooling, extra-curricular activities and communication.
Ultimately, the form of parenting agreement that works best will depend on the specific circumstances and needs of each family.
Trusted Solicitors for Financial Separation & Divorce
Rob Hollis
Rob’s experience as a family law practitioner enables him to advise on a broad range of family and de-facto matters including property settlements, child custody orders, separation, divorce, consent orders and binding financial agreements.
Rob understands his clients’ needs and works together with them to receive the best possible outcome.
Rob believes that effective negotiation and realistic advice from the outset are the keys to achieving satisfying results for his clients.
Rob also ensures that his clients receive timely, accurate and cost-effective legal advice throughout their case.
“Rob Hollis was the right solicitor for me the moment I met him. I appreciated
him keeping me in the loop about filed papers and every little step that needed
to be handled to move the case forward to a successful and speedy conclusion.”
-Martin
Taylor Wilson
Taylor is passionate about Family Law because she believes in the importance of providing compassionate and effective support to clients during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
She is dedicated to helping her clients navigate complex legal issues with empathy and professionalism, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for their families.
Taylor also proudly volunteers at the Suncoast Community Legal Centre once a month, providing free legal assistance to disadvantaged members of our Sunshine Coast community.
“Thank you Taylor for your patience and perseverance in my matter. Also your
thoroughness was valued. I would recommend Greenhalgh Pickard.”
-Stephen
Fixed-Fee Divorce Pricing
Filing for Divorce
SOLE DIVORCE APPLICATION
Prices range from $1,250 – $1,750 inc GST.
There is also an additional outlay for the court processing fee of $1,125. This fee is paid directly to the court and will only be subject to a fee exemption in appropriate circumstances (i.e. pensioner or on Centrelink benefits).
JOINT DIVORCE APPLICATION
A fixed fee of $1,060 inc GST.
There is also an additional outlay for the court processing fee of $1,125. Please note this fee is paid directly to the court and will only be subject to a fee exemption in appropriate circumstances (i.e. pensioner or on Centrelink benefits).
Separating with Children
ADVISE & SETTLE – BINDING CHILD SUPPORT AGREEMENT (BCSA)
Prices range from $1,500 to $4,000 inc GST.
PARENTING CONSENT ORDER APPLICATIONS
Starting from $5,000 to $10,000 inc GST depending on the complexity of the matter.
Ready To Make A Plan
For Your Future?
Book a Free Call With Our Solicitors.