Family Law

We offer practical solution based advice to guide you through your Family Law matter.

Family Law

We will map out a plan and give you direction. That direction can simply be through a one hour consultation with our senior solicitor Elena Leonardos at a current rate of $330 inclusive of GST.

The breakdown of a relationship is often an emotional and highly challenging time. We understand this and ensure that you are informed about your rights, entitlements and obligations. We will guide you through the Family Law process from beginning to end. We will offer alternatives to litigation.

We understand that this area of law can be stressful and financially difficult. We offer payment plans for those who are experiencing financial difficulties. Our senior lawyer’s hourly rate is $450.00 exclusive of GST making access to a Family Lawyer and access to justice more affordable.

Our Senior Solicitor Elena Leonardos takes a no-nosense but sympathetic approach. We also have have competent, diligent and passionate barristers or counsel available to advocate for you.

Our Family Law Services

Overview

At Adelaide Legal Solutions, we understand that the breakdown of a relationship is often an emotional and challenging time. Our family law team is dedicated to guiding you through the process with empathy and care, while protecting your rights and interests.

Our Approach

Our senior solicitor, Elena Leonardos, brings a compassionate yet pragmatic approach, providing straightforward guidance while understanding this deeply personal process. We also work with experienced barristers to strongly advocate for you if needed. You will know where you stand with us as we will reality check your expectations and provide tangible options for resolution.

Services Offered

Separation and Divorce

  • Guidance Through Separation: We recognise that separation can be overwhelming. Our team offers clear and concise guidance to help you navigate through this period.
  • Divorce Application Package: We offer a comprehensive service that includes consulting with you to determine eligibility, drafting your divorce application, and preparing all necessary affidavits and statements, thereby removing the hassle and simplifying the process for you.

Child Custody and Parenting Orders

  • Parenting Arrangements: We focus on promoting the best interests of children, ensuring arrangements are made for their welfare and happiness. This includes orders about day-to-day care arrangements and special days such as Christmas and school holidays.
  • Consent Orders: We draft consent orders that cover both property and superannuation division, as well as simple parenting orders.

Property and Financial Settlement

  • Property Settlement Services:
    • Litigation Starter Service: This service includes meetings with solution-based solicitors to discuss separation, outcomes, and legal options. It includes drafting an initiating application along with interim and final orders, affidavits, financial statements, and necessary certificates.
    • Responding to Litigation Service: Similar to the Litigation Start Service, this service assists with responding to an initiating application, drafting necessary responses, and understanding financial implications.
  • Superannuation Splitting: We assist in the division of superannuation assets to ensure a fair and equitable settlement as per the Family Law Act.

Legal Representation and Advocacy

  • Court Representation: If court proceedings become necessary, we provide strong advocacy through experienced barristers who specialise in family law disputes.
  • Negotiation and Mediation: Our team employs skilled negotiation and mediation techniques to facilitate amicable resolutions without the need for prolonged litigation.

Additional Services

Financial Agreements

  • Binding Financial Agreements: We draft binding financial agreements to provide certainty regarding financial arrangements and asset protection in both de facto and marital relationships.
  • Prenuptial Agreements: Our experts prepare prenuptial agreements, safeguarding your assets before entering marriage.

Spousal Maintenance

  • Spousal Maintenance Advice: We offer detailed advice on your eligibility for spousal maintenance payments and represent you in claims to ensure fair treatment.
  • Drafting Maintenance Agreements: Our team drafts clear and enforceable maintenance agreements, facilitating smooth and transparent arrangements for ongoing support.

Domestic and Family Violence Orders

  • Protection Orders: If you need protection from domestic or family violence, we can assist in applying for intervention orders to ensure your safety and security.
  • Legal Representation: We provide representation in court to obtain or contest protection orders, ensuring your rights are advocated for effectively.

Cohabitation Agreements

  • Living Together Agreements: For couples cohabiting without entering a formal marriage, we draft agreements that clearly outline financial arrangements and responsibilities, offering peace of mind.

 

Child Support

  • Child Support Agreements: We assist in drafting and negotiating child support agreements to ensure fair contribution towards the upbringing of your children.
  • Child Support Disputes: Our team provides advice and representation in child support disputes, advocating for the best interests of your children.

Legislative Updates

We stay up-to-date with the latest legislative changes affecting family law, including proposed amendments and reforms to the Family Law Act. For instance, the draft Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 aims to simplify legislative frameworks concerning parenting arrangements and better protect children and parties from exposure to family violence.

Client-Centric Service

Our priority is to reduce your stress and ensure you are well-informed throughout the legal process. We take pride in our transparent communication, thorough preparation, and personalised attention to each case.

For further information on how we can assist you with your family law matter, please contact our team at Adelaide Legal Solutions.

As soon as you have separated you can make arrangements to split your property and debts between you and your ex partner, you do not have to wait until you are divorced.
No, not at all. If you have already agreed on how things should be divided between you, your lawyer can draw up the document which will finalise the arrangements, and then get underway the legal processes which will split the assets.
There is an established process in cases where there is disagreement over how property should be split. Firstly the court needs to be satisfied that you have attempted to reach agreement, and to this end you will be ordered to participate in dispute resolution.If this doesn’t resolve the matter then an application for property orders must be filed with the Family Court or Federal Magistrates Court. This application must be made within 12 months of your divorce becoming final.The matter will be set down for hearing and a legally binding decision will be made by the court.
Firstly the court will calculate the total assets owned by both parties, including property, shares, cars, jewelry, savings, furniture etc. This includes things you brought into the relationship, those acquired during the relationship and also those purchased after separation.Next the court will weigh up the contributions from both parties, including financial, non-financial, inheritances and assets brought into the relationship.Then the court will look at the future needs of both parties, including factors such as your capacity to earn money and your parental responsibilities.Lastly the court will make a decision based on what is just and equitable to both parties.
We can help

Dealing with the complexities of property settlement is stressful but the consequences of not doing it properly can impact on the rest of your life. We are experienced negotiators, and will make sure that you get the best possible outcome.

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Case Study

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29 Jul 2024
by Elena Leonardos

New measures to stamp out forced marriage

29 July 2024 Media Release Everyone in Australia should be free to choose if, who and when they marry. In 2013 the former Labor government inserted…
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