There is no set age. A child can have their own solicitor when they are mature enough to understand the issue and give clear instructions. Many teenagers can. For younger children, the court often appoints an independent children’s lawyer instead. I’m a family lawyer in Dandenong. Parents and teens ask me this often, usually after
At What Age Can a Child Have Their Own Solicitor in Australia? Read More »
Going to court for child custody in Australia usually costs $5,000 to $20,000 in legal fees for a simple case. A fully contested case can cost $50,000 to $100,000 or more. The court also charges its own fees. From 1 July 2026, it costs $455 to start a parenting case. I’m a family lawyer in
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Court for Child Custody in Australia? Read More »
Legal Aid in your state funds the independent children’s lawyer (ICL) upfront. In Victoria, though, parents without a legal aid grant are usually asked to contribute. The amount depends on each parent’s finances and can be reduced or waived. When the court appoints an ICL in your parenting case, one of the first questions I
Who Pays for an Independent Children’s Lawyer? A Victorian Family Lawyer Explains Read More »
Am I responsible for my husband’s debts?” is one of the first questions I’m asked when a marriage ends. The worry is understandable. Nobody wants to leave a relationship and then find out they owe money they never spent. In Australia, divorce itself doesn’t divide debts. You deal with debts in your property settlement, where
How Are Debts Divided in a Divorce? Who Is Liable in Australia? Read More »
Penalty For Hiding Assets In Divorce Trying to gain an edge by hiding assets in divorce can backfire badly. Australian family law expects both people to be transparent about their financial position, including property, bank accounts, superannuation, income, debts, and financial resources. If the court believes someone has deliberately concealed assets or misled the other
Penalty For Hiding Assets In Divorce: 7-Point Guide Read More »
Teen Relocation Consent If you’re planning to move and your child is a teenager, you may be wondering whether their opinion legally matters. Teen relocation cases can be more complex than those involving younger children, particularly when the teen is vocal about wanting — or not wanting — to move. Understanding when a teen’s consent
Teen Relocation Consent: When Kids Do (or Don’t) Need to Consent to Move Read More »
Navigating parenting after separation can be complex, especially when teenagers are involved. Unlike younger children, teenagers often have their own views about where they want to live, how they divide time between parents, and how decisions are made about their education, healthcare, and lifestyle. If you’re parenting a teenager in Dandenong while separated from your
Separated But Still Parenting: Legal Agreements for Teenagers in Dandenong Read More »
Relocating overseas with your child after a separation can be incredibly complex — both emotionally and legally. If you’re considering an international move, or if your former partner is proposing one, it’s important to understand your rights, the legal process involved, and the potential impact on your parenting arrangements. Hiring family lawyers in Dandenong experienced
Yes, but it depends on a few factors, including ownership, registration, and how the car is used in the relationship. In Australia, if your spouse takes your vehicle during a separation or dispute, their right to do so hinges on whether they legally own the car, whether it’s jointly owned, or whether it’s considered part
Can Your Spouse Take Your Vehicle: Comprehensive 6-Point Guide Read More »
If you’re a father moving away from child, you can still maintain a strong relationship—though it may require extra effort, planning, and cooperation with the other parent.Legally, if there are parenting orders in place, you may need to seek court approval or agree with the other parent before relocating, especially if the move affects the
Father Moving Away from Child: Helpful 6-Point Guide Read More »
