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Family law parenting matters cover issues regarding the arrangements for children after a marriage or de facto partnership breaks down. Major considerations will include where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, who will make decisions for them, and specific issues relating to education or healthcare. This can be a confronting time, as what used to be the daily ‘norm’ for your children can turn into an emotional challenge. However, while you and your partner may not see eye to eye anymore, you are both still parents to your children and you’ll need to be able to co-parent from different households. This is why it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced child custody lawyer in Canberra for your specific situation.
Australian family law requires that all decisions concerning children must be made in their best interests and, in most cases will require consideration of the benefit of children having a meaningful relationship with both parents. Having discussions with your former partner about how you are going to co-parent effectively is a great start to moving forward in these difficult circumstances. Mediators, family dispute resolution practitioners and family lawyers can all play a part in helping to achieve workable arrangements that are in your children’s best interests.
If you and your former partner can reach an agreement in relation to your parenting arrangements, you can formalise this through a parenting plan or consent orders.
We’re not just legal professionals – we’re your partners through one of life’s most challenging moments. With years of experience in family law, our team offers a compassionate, client-focused approach that delivers the best possible outcomes. Whether you are navigating separation, divorce, or any family law issue, our goal is to guide you with clarity, minimise conflict, and achieve lasting results.
We believe the legal process should feel supportive, not overwhelming. Our approach is transparent, personalised, and focused on helping you feel informed and empowered from day one.
Our team isn’t just made up of experienced family lawyers — we’re real people who care deeply about helping others through life’s most challenging moments. With a calm, compassionate approach and a strong focus on outcomes, we’re here to guide you with clarity and confidence.
No matter what you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Special Counsel
Principal
Got questions? You’re not alone. We’ve answered some of the most common queries clients ask when navigating family law. If you’re still unsure, we’re just a call away.
Costs can vary depending on the complexity of your matter, but we believe in transparency from the start. We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your situation and provide a clear outline of potential fees. Wherever possible, we offer fixed-fee options so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises, no hidden costs.
All new clients are entitled to a free 30-minute consultation.
In your initial appointment, we want to understand your circumstances and what is important for you to achieve both in the short term and the long term. Our solicitors will provide you with guidance and an overview of the relevant laws and how they might apply to your matter.
During the first appointment, our solicitors will provide you with options that can be taken to resolve your matter. Such options may include lawyer based negotiation, mediation, collaborative practice or litigation.
In our first client appointments, we strive to give you direction and options to you so that you leave your first appointment with a sense of clarity and the next step forward and estimated costs.
Time frames can vary greatly depending on the complexity and nature of your matter, and also the process through which you choose to resolve it.
Most dispute resolution processes assist in the resolution of a matter faster than those in the litigation process. Each matter is different and depends on a number of variables that are outside of your control and the control of your solicitor.
Going to court is generally a very lengthy process and can take years for a matter to be resolved. After filing an initiating application, it can take 3-4 months to get a first return date. You may appear before the Court on a number of occasions before getting a Final Hearing which, based on the Canberra Registry, can be up to a 2 year wait. There may be a further delay in receiving a decision from the Judge after a Final Hearing.
During your first appointment, we will provide you with an estimate of our fees for our different services. We endeavour to keep you up to date with our estimate of costs during the course of your matter. We will always be upfront and open about our fees and ensure that you understand the costs involved. Please feel free to contact us to discuss our costs further.
You must be separated from your partner for a period of 12 months before you can apply for a divorce. You can be classified as separated even if you live under the same roof. Usually a verbal acknowledgement of separation between you and your partner is sufficient.
Upon receiving your enquiry, our team will schedule an initial consultation to thoroughly understand your needs, preferences, and the specifics of your situation.
