Family Law
Family law is a branch of law that deals with family matters and domestic relations. It covers a wide range of issues, from marriage and civil unions to matters involving children, such as custody and adoption. In Australia, family law also encompasses financial agreements and property settlements following relationship breakdowns.
Why Would You Need a Family Lawyer?
Family lawyers strongly advise exploring all available options before court proceedings, yet if a resolution remains elusive, we provide representation in court.
Representing yourself in family court, known as ‘self-representation,’ is a choice some people make. However, family law can be complex and emotionally charged. Without legal training, it’s challenging to navigate the legal system, present your case effectively, and understand the legal implications of the court’s decisions. When dealing with legal matters, especially sensitive cases like divorce or child-related issues, seeking guidance from family lawyers becomes crucial.
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family lawyer in Australia can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the duration of legal proceedings. This section will provide an overview of typical fee structures, such as hourly rates and fixed fees, and offer insights into budgeting for legal expenses in family law cases.
Dandenong Family Lawyers are committed to providing personalised and attentive representation when it comes to Family Law matters. This means that we strive to reach the best outcome for you. We focus on settling disputes in the most amicable, efficient and affordable way.
About Dandenong Family Lawyers
Our Dandenong family lawyers bring vast experience and expertise in family law, having handled numerous cases involving separation and children’s issues.
We understand the immense distress these situations cause for both parents and children. Our priority is to swiftly resolve your problems, aiming to alleviate the stress you’re facing.
Dandenong Family Law Services
Dandenong Family Lawyers can assist in various Family Law matters, which include but are not limited to:
- De Facto Relationships.
- Divorce and Separation.
- Property and Financial matters.
- Children’s and Parenting matters.
- Consent Orders.
- Binding Financial Agreements.
- Superannuation Splitting.
- Grandparents.
- Same Sex Relationships and Marriage.
- Spousal Maintenance.
We have an expert team of experienced and knowledgeable family lawyers in Dandenong with proficiency in all spheres of family law. We invite you to contact our office.
We can relieve some of your stress through our empathetic approach.
We understand that being in a legal situation is never easy for anybody. More so, when there is family involved, that can make many clients very vulnerable. Our team of family lawyers are known for their empathetic and sensitive approach, while they listen to and understand your concerns.
Our family lawyers in Dandenong devote personal attention to every case and look at every detail. Every client who approaches us for legal assistance gets exclusive attention and services to suit his/her needs. So, whether you have a legal issue regarding separation, parenting or property, you will get peace of mind knowing that your case is in safe hands.
We can help you with a deep knowledge of family law
Our lawyers in Dandenong are up-to-date about all the nuances of family law. With the help of our knowledge, we can help you handle factors such as residence and time with the child/ren.
Our experienced team of lawyers assist parents in making arrangements about where children live and what time they spend with each parent. Our lawyers also offer extensive advice on a broad range of financial family matters. We can assist with the division of your property, whether your assets are modest or substantial. Whatever the sum involved, we provide the same dedicated and thorough service, focused on ensuring a just and equitable outcome.
Family Law: Beyond the Basics
Family law encompasses a wide range of legal matters that affect families and individuals. While divorce, child custody, and property settlements are commonly discussed, there are other significant aspects worth exploring that may impact your life more than you expect.
De Facto Relationships and Legal Recognition
In Australia, de facto relationships are recognised under family law. This means that if you’ve lived with your partner on a genuine domestic basis, without being legally married, you could still have rights and responsibilities similar to those of a married couple. This includes issues related to property division, spousal maintenance, and parenting arrangements.
Understanding how the law views your relationship is important if it breaks down. You may be eligible to apply for property orders or financial support, just as if you had been married.
Key takeaway: If you’re in a de facto relationship, it’s worth knowing your legal standing early on, especially if you share property or have children together.
Spousal Maintenance: Financial Support After Separation
Spousal maintenance is the financial support one partner may be legally required to provide to the other after separation. This is different from child support and is only payable when one partner cannot meet their reasonable expenses and the other has the financial capacity to assist.
Whether temporary or ongoing, the court considers various factors including your income, health, age, and ability to work. If you’re unsure whether you’re entitled to support or might be expected to pay it, a family law expert can help clarify your obligations.
Key takeaway: Spousal maintenance is not automatic—it depends on your personal and financial situation.
Child Support Agreements and Financial Planning
Child support goes beyond who the children live with. It also involves how you and your ex-partner will contribute to their day-to-day costs—clothing, education, healthcare, and other essentials.
Under family law, parents can enter into formal or informal child support agreements. Formal agreements can be registered with the relevant government body, while informal ones rely on mutual cooperation. Either way, a well-thought-out agreement can reduce conflict and provide your children with stability.
Key takeaway: A written child support plan can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure both parents support their children’s wellbeing.
Adoption and Surrogacy: Legal Pathways to Parenthood
Family law also provides guidance for those looking to expand their families through adoption or surrogacy.
Adoption involves becoming the legal parent of a child who is not biologically yours. It can apply in situations such as step-parent adoption or adopting through the state system. Surrogacy, on the other hand, involves an arrangement where another person carries a child on behalf of the intended parents.
Both options are legally complex and involve formal applications, assessments, and consent processes. It’s especially important to work with a family law specialist when navigating these areas, to make sure everything is done in accordance with the law in your state or territory.
Key takeaway: Whether through adoption or surrogacy, having the right legal support helps you protect everyone involved in the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A de facto relationship exists when two people live together on a genuine domestic basis, even if they’re not married. The law considers the length of the relationship, shared finances, property ownership, and whether you have children together.
There is no set formula. Instead, the court looks at each person’s financial position, including their income, expenses, health, and age. Maintenance is only ordered if one party cannot meet their needs and the other party can afford to provide assistance.
Yes. If circumstances change—such as income adjustments or changes in care arrangements—either parent can request a review. You may also consider updating a private agreement to reflect the new situation.
No. Each state and territory has its own rules for adoption. You’ll typically need to go through an application process that includes interviews, training, and approval by the relevant authority.
Surrogacy is legal in most states but only on an altruistic basis—meaning the surrogate cannot be paid. Commercial surrogacy is illegal throughout Australia. Legal advice is recommended before entering into any arrangement.
Whether you’re starting a new chapter in your life, working through a relationship breakdown, or building a family, understanding how family law applies to your situation can make all the difference. The law is there to protect you, your children, and your rights—but it can be complex. Reaching out to professionals who work specifically in family law ensures that you get advice tailored to your needs and handled with care.