Sunshine Coast
Family Lawyers
Whether you and your partner have children, are a couple with no kids or are empty nesters, if you are about to separate or are separated, it’s important to find out what family law issues may affect you.
For professional legal advice on all family law matters, with steps taken to minimise your stress, you can count on Greenhalgh Pickard.
Property Settlements
When a couple separates, 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.
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. Get in touch today!
Family Law Solicitors Sunshine Coast
Separation rights
Asset disclosure
Assistance with out of court settlements
Child support issues
Company and Trust Issues
Complex asset pool structure and tax issues
Court representation
De facto relationship rights and responsibilities
Dispute resolution and mediation
Divorce application
Parenting agreements
Pre-nuptial agreements (binding financial agreements)
Property division litigation
Property protection injunctions
Property settlement
Spousal maintenance
Superannuation
Mediation On The Sunshine Coast
Divorces, parenting arrangements, the division of property and child support are all legal issues that can trigger considerable emotion. Unfortunately, protracted court action is expensive and won’t necessarily provide the outcomes that either party is looking for.
Mediation is required as a means for parties to reach an agreement prior to the intervention by a court. A skilled mediator works as a go-between, working with both parties to agree on a way forward. The trained, time-served mediators can work successfully even where there is considerable animosity between parties.
If you want a cost-effective method of reaching an agreement on issues such as property and child access when direct negotiation between parties isn’t an option, mediation can be a suitable alternative.
Divorce Legal Services
For the court to grant a divorce, all that is required is:
That the parties had been validly married
The parties have been separated for at least 12 months
One or both of the parties were at all relevant times domiciled in Australia
Appropriate arrangements have been made for the care of the children of the relationship (if there are any)
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Protection Of Assets
In limited circumstances, an individual’s assets may be excluded from the communal pot which forms the basis of the property settlement. Our team have knowledge and experience in the law as it applies to the protection of assets.
We can identify if your circumstances are such that you are eligible for the protection of assets. Our team will work with you to ensure the justification for protecting your assets is as strong as it can be.
De Facto Law
A de facto relationship is recognised within family court, for couples who have lived together on a genuine domestic basis. De facto couples are subject to many of the same legal requirements and constraints as married couples.
If you are in a de facto relationship, you have two years from the date of separation to initiate any applications for property settlement or spousal maintenance. After this time, you require the leave of the court, which is not always granted.
Binding Financial Agreements
Particularly if an individual has significant assets, they may want some certainty that they will retain control of them should their impending marriage fail in time. To minimise the risk of unpleasant surprises further down the line, some couples will commission a binding financial agreement, commonly called a pre-nuptial agreement. A BFA is a legally binding document that sets down how assets should be divided if the couple separate at a later date.
Although binding financial agreements can be challenged, or even overturned, in court, this possibility can be minimised by making sure that the agreement is composed by a seasoned legal professional with a good grasp of the complexities binding financial agreements can present. Our legal team can advise on all aspects of prenups, as well as compile customised agreements that are tailored to your circumstances.
In need of a Mediation Space on the Sunshine Coast?
Learn about our Mediation Venue Hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you finalise a divorce without going to court?
Yes! A court is required to finalise the divorce, but there’s no need for either party to be present if both parties consent to the divorce by signing a joint divorce application or if you have no children under the age of 18.
What happens to super in the event of a divorce/separation?
What makes a financial agreement binding?
- that it covers two parties entering (or in) a de facto relationship, marriage or a civil partnership.
- it’s signed by both parties.
- a statement in the document that both parties received independent legal advice.
- evidence that independent legal advice was provided.
Financial agreements are tricky documents that can be overturned if not completed correctly. Turn to the team at Greenhalgh Pickard for tailored legal advice on financial agreements, ensuring you get the best outcome for your circumstances.
What is a DVO?
An application for a DVO can be made by the aggrieved (person experiencing DV), a police officer, a solicitor or an authorised person on behalf of the aggrieved. This order must impose upon the respondent (person committing DV) to be of good behaviour. The court may impose further provisions prohibiting contact, locating, approaching as well as specific conditions to limit the DV behaviours.
It’s important to note that violating an order is a criminal offence and can result in criminal charges liable up to imprisonment. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or harassment, don’t hesitate to contact our office for advice and assistance.
What can happen if you don't pay child support?
It is important to remember that child support payments provide for the welfare and education of your child. If your circumstances change and you are unable to make a payment, it is advised that you contact the Department of Human Services as soon as possible to discuss an alternative payment plan. Neglecting child support obligations can have long-lasting negative impacts on both yourself and your child.
What legal rights do defacto partners have in Australia?
Time limits do apply on making claims and therefore you should call our team to discuss your separation as soon as separation occurs.
What is the most common form of parenting agreement?
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.
How is property settlement calculated in Australia when a couple separates?
Contributions made by each party may include financial contributions such as income or inheritance, but also include non-financial contributions like caregiving or homemaking. Future needs, such as the age and health of the parties and their capacity to earn an income, are also considered in the calculation.
Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own circumstances and factors. Ultimately, the goal is to reach a just and equitable outcome for both parties involved.
Greenhalgh Pickard’s Family Law Solicitors
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