Legal Aid for Families

In addition to litigating family law disputes in courts, the Legal Services Commission assists clients to resolve their conflicts through alternatives to litigation. The Commission, however, offers legal assistance in complex family disputes when FDR is either inappropriate or has not been successful.

It also provides parties with advice and representation in family law matters, including:

• • Dissolution of marriage and separation
  • Issues related to children
  • Maintenance and child support
  • Payments related to property settlement
  • Interventions related to orders
  • The court may also decide to issue injunctions, location and recovery orders, breaches, and enforcement orders, as well as disputes over children’s passports.

Providing Legal Services to Families

Our comprehensive services are divorce, asset division, and matters involving children relating to family law and relationship law. Finally, we will provide strategic advice in a supportive environment, allowing you to focus on your journey ahead.

1. Divorce or separation: The decision to separate from a de facto relationship or marriage is not an easy one. It would be best if you had information and advice on how to proceed. After making the tough emotional decision, you will have to make some practical decisions, such as arranging parenting arrangements, property settlements, and filing for divorce.

2. Child custody: Children’s rights are our top priority.

Everyone feels the pain of divorce or separation. In the event of a relationship breakdown, we offer straightforward, essential legal guidance.

As you work through the emotional effects of your separation, we know that the family legal system may seem complex. Our child custody lawyers are here to protect your rights and ensure your children obtain the best result possible when it comes to child custody and parenting arrangements.

However, Australian Family Law does not specifically use the term “child custody”. Instead, ongoing care is discussed as it relates to the child’s needs and parenting agreements.

3. Child support: In a separation or divorce, child support is calculated as each parent’s financial contribution to their children. Generally, child support is paid through periodic payments, lump-sum payments, expenses, or other property settlement arrangements. We can tell you what your legal rights are if you’re unsure. Child support services experts on our team will assist you in understanding your position as well as represent you in child support matters.

4. Spouse maintenance: When a couple separates in Australia, spousal maintenance often arises if one party cannot support themselves. There are many emotions involved with spousal maintenance, whether you’re the one asking for it or the one paying it. As a result of a broken relationship, you must adjust your lifestyle. If you are paying maintenance, this may include added pressures related to living on one income, living without income, or being self-sufficient.

5. Property settlement: Couples often share property and debts. During or after a relationship, one party may acquire assets or liabilities. The partner who made the minor financial contribution might have made up for it in other ways. We ensure you get the best possible outcome in your property settlement with straightforward advice and attentive representation.

6. Asset protection: You should learn how to protect and mitigate your family member’s gift of money to buy a house when you plan to advance them money to do so. We can help you understand how simple Asset Protect is by speaking to one of our asset protections lawyers.

Do you have any questions about family law or relationship law? Contact us!