Family Lawyer Gold Coast
Separation and divorce can be the most challenging time in your life. The Legal House will help you resolve conflicts in the most timely, cost-effective, and constructive manner. Our family lawyers are here to listen to all your concerns and search for solutions with high-quality and personalised legal services. Our trusted family lawyers on the Gold Coast will provide you with advice about your rights, entitlements, and responsibilities.
The Legal House team concentrates on family law matters, allowing us to have a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of family-based disputes. It gives us a greater understanding of possible outcomes and an appreciation of your individual circumstances.
Family and Divorce Law Services
From the early stages of separation to the finalisation of your divorce, our experienced family lawyers provide you guidance, and ensure that you receive your just entitlement. We understand that every family’s needs are different—whether it’s negotiating time with children, or dividing matrimonial assets. Our team stays updated with the latest legal developments, so you get the best representation.
The Legal House can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of family law issues in QLD, including:
Property Disputes
Consent Orders
Binding Financial Agreements
Parenting Agreements & Child Custody
Parenting Plans
Family Dispute & Divorce Mediation
Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)
Divorce & Separation
Property Disputes
The Legal House team provides recommendations and advice about how property should be divided after separation, and whether it is possible to do so without any Court intervention. We analyse your situation and customise lasting solutions. We walk you through the most efficient process and advise how to best divide your marital assets, whilst complying with the law and ensuring you receive your just entitlement.
The most common outcomes that produce legally binding results are achieved through “Consent Orders” or “Binding Financial Agreements”.
Children Disputes
We understand that your children are important and so is the time they spend with each parent when relationships break down. Ideally, children will continue to enjoy a meaningful relationship with both parents, but that is not always in their best interests. Unfortunately, it can be necessary to protect children from physical or psychological harm and if that is the case, we will help you navigate that process.
The Gold Coast Legal House team can help guide you through children’s disputes and work with you to produce the best possible outcome. We offer legal advice and services across parenting agreements, consent orders and children’s disputes.
Binding Financial Agreements
Binding Financial Agreements can be brokered at the start or end of a relationship. At the start of the relationship, the Agreements describe separate and joint assets, including what should happen to assets in the event of separation. At the end of a relationship, they describe the division of assets (including superannuation) between the separated parties.
This may be the best path to take, depending on your circumstance. It is important to understand that both parties must receive independent legal advice before the Agreement becomes legally binding.
Mediation
Mediation is a good option to avoid a long, emotional and expensive process. An exchange of full and frank disclosure is the key to a successful mediation. Before attending a mediation, both parties should identify the disputed issues and we will help you develop solutions or alternatives. A mediator is a neutral third party and a good mediator will challenge both parties, helping them explore all avenues to reach an agreement. A successful mediation generally results in both parties giving ground and in doing so, it encourages you to honour the negotiated outcome.
Although the mediator does not have the authority to enforce any agreement reached, it is best practice to draft a legally binding document (Consent Orders, or a Binding Financial Agreement) that describes the agreement reached and binds the parties. A legally binding agreement discourages “buyer’s remorse”. Our team can help you decide if mediation is an option for your circumstance.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can be abuse that is physical, sexual, emotional or economic. It also includes coercive, threatening, or controlling behaviour or any other type of behaviour that causes a person to fear for their safety or well-being. When a relationship breakdown is affected by domestic violence, we understand there can be an urgency to commence Court action and are ready to help. If you need representation in relation to Domestic Violence Orders (DVO), our team of family lawyers can assist you.
If you are unsure whether you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact our team immediately or if your situation is life-threatening, please call 000.
Divorce & Separation
Relationship breakdowns and separations can be difficult. Dividing assets that may have taken a lifetime to accumulate and deciding how best to share care of children in a post-separation environment can be extremely stressful. We are here to support you during this process and help you achieve the best outcomes for you and your family by providing you with guidance and walking you through each step.
You can only file for a divorce once you have been separated from your spouse for more than a year. You do not need your former spouse’s consent to commence divorce proceedings.
If you require a QLD divorce lawyer or legal advice around child and property disputes, contact us obligation-free to discuss how we can help.
Book A Free Consultation With The Legal House
Scheduling your first consultation might feel overwhelming, but the team at The Legal House is here to support you. We recognise the emotional strain tied to a relationship breakdown and make sure you are comfortable.
Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Start by sending us a description of your legal concerns and your contact information via our “Contact Us” page. Alternatively, opt for our “Book a Free Consultation” option, a no-obligation way to gain insight into your legal situation. You’ll leave the consultation with a clearer understanding of your legal alternatives than when you started.
Step 2: A member of our team will reach out to you to find out how we can help.
Step 3: If you like what you see, please engage us to represent you – we’ll make sure you understand the process minus the legal jargon and complicated paperwork.
Furthermore, here’s our commitment to you:
- Your discussions with us remain entirely private and confidential.
- Our aim is to create a positive environment for you. Feel free to ask questions and jot down notes as you see fit.
- If there’s anything you should bring along for our meeting, we’ll inform you beforehand to help us give you quality advice.
- The advice we offer is based on the information you share, emphasising the importance of transparency and honesty during our consultation.
- We will help formulate your legal strategy, clarifying each stage.
- We will provide a breakdown of the anticipated costs involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Consent Order and a Binding Financial Agreement?
Both Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements are instruments that formalise agreements related to property, children, and financial settlements. A Consent Order is legally binding agreement that’s been approved by a Court, while a Binding Financial Agreement is a legally binding agreement between parties without Court involvement. For Consent Orders, you might only need one party to be represented, whereas for a Binding Financial Agreement both parties must be legally represented.
How long does the divorce process typically take in Australia?
You must be separated for at least one year prior to filing. The process from start to finish takes between 2-3 months. After submitting the application, the divorce order is typically finalised one month and one day after the divorce hearing.
What is mediation, and how can it help in family disputes?
Mediation is a collaborative process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps conflicting parties discuss and resolve their disputes. In family law matters, mediation can be particularly beneficial as it fosters open communication, reduces the emotional and financial strain of court proceedings, and often leads to faster resolutions. It allows the parties involved to maintain more control over the outcomes, rather than leaving decisions solely in the hands of the Court.
Get To Know Our Practicing Lawyers
At the heart of our legal practice, you’ll find a team of exceptional family lawyers. Our commitment is unwavering: to stand by our clients through every step. Whether it’s through advising with insight, negotiating with finesse, mediating with sensitivity, or litigating with determination, we’re here to safeguard your interests. We blend expertise with empathy, ensuring that your journey through legal challenges is as smooth as possible.
Nick Harrison
Founder & Solicitor