Services | Family Law

Family Law

We assist clients with all major areas of family law, including divorce, parenting matters, property settlement, financial agreements, de facto disputes, spousal maintenance, urgent applications, and family violence-related issues. 

We understand that family law matters are often emotional, personal, and time-sensitive. Our role is to guide you with clarity, protect your interests, and help you move forward with confidence.

Clear

Strategic

Practical

Our Services

Get the legal guidance you need delivered with understanding and respect.

Divorce

We act in sole and joint divorce applications, including matters involving children under 18, service requirements, overseas service, and supporting documents. In Australia, you can apply for divorce as a sole applicant or jointly, and a sole applicant must arrange service on the other party

Pre-Nup & Financial Agreements

We prepare and advise on financial agreements made before, during, or after a relationship. To be binding, they must meet strict legal requirements, and each party must receive independent legal advice.

Property Settlement

We advise on the division of assets, liabilities, superannuation, and financial resources after separation, whether through negotiation, consent orders, or court proceedings. Property settlement can be dealt with before or after divorce, but once a divorce is final there is generally a 12-month time limit to apply for financial or property orders.

Parenting Matters

We assist with parenting arrangements, parental responsibility, time with children, schooling, travel, relocation, recovery matters, urgent parenting issues, and parenting orders. Parenting arrangements can be informal, recorded in a parenting plan, or formalised by court order.

Spousal Maintenance

We advise on claims for spousal maintenance and de facto partner maintenance, including interim and final arrangements. Financial or property orders can include maintenance orders.

De Facto Relationship Matters

We assist with de facto separation issues, including property settlement, maintenance, and financial agreements for eligible de facto couples. The Court has jurisdiction in de facto financial matters under the Family Law Act.

Consent Orders

Where parties have reached agreement, we assist with formalising property or parenting arrangements through consent orders. If parties agree about property and finances, they do not necessarily need a contested court hearing.

Family Dispute Resolution and Negotiated Settlements

We help clients resolve parenting and financial disputes through negotiation and mediation where appropriate. Separated families are encouraged to use mediation to resolve disputes about children instead of going straight to court.

Family Violence Matters

We assist where family violence, coercive control, abuse, or risk to children affects parenting or other family law issues. The Australian Government states that family violence is unacceptable and has committed to improving protections in the family law system.

Child Support Guidance

We provide strategic advice around child support issues and help clients understand assessment and payment pathways. Child support assessments are administered through Services Australia.

Enforcement & Contravention

We assist with enforcement of family law orders and issues of non-compliance. The Court’s family law forms include contravention, contempt, and enforcement applications.

Nullity and Validity of Marriage Issues

In appropriate cases, we can advise on applications concerning the validity of a marriage or a decree of nullity. The Court publishes dedicated filing fees for applications as to validity of marriage and for nullity.

Court Representation

We assist clients through all stages of a family law matter, including court representation. Where court is necessary, we provide clear advice and strong representation throughout the process.

Interested? Let's Talk

Hundreds of Stories Changed for the Better

Over 50 clients have trusted us to handle their family & divorce matters with care and integrity.

parent child law

Avery Hollow

“They turned an overwhelming situation into a process we could actually handle, with clarity.”

testimonials bg

Justin Bravo

“Efficient, professional, and genuinely easy to work with throughout.”

parent child law

Candice Brie

“A supportive team that delivered excellent results for our family.”

parent child law

Avery Hollow

“They turned an overwhelming situation into a process we could actually handle, with clarity.”

testimonials bg

Justin Bravo

“Efficient, professional, and genuinely easy to work with throughout.”

parent child law

Candice Brie

“A supportive team that delivered excellent results for our family.”

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered answers to the questions clients ask most, so you can feel informed, prepared, and confident as you take the next step.

No. In many cases, property settlement can be negotiated and finalised before divorce. Divorce and property settlement are separate legal issues.

Yes, provided the marriage is legally recognised and you meet the Australian jurisdiction requirements for divorce.

No. Australia has a no-fault divorce system. If the legal requirements are met, one party may apply even if the other does not agree.

Generally, you must be separated for at least 12 months before filing for divorce.

Generally, you must be separated for at least 12 months before filing for divorce.

Yes. Separation under one roof is possible, but additional evidence is usually required to show that the relationship ended despite continuing to live in the same home.

Property, liabilities, superannuation, and financial resources may need to be identified and considered as part of a property settlement. Outcomes depend on the particular circumstances of the parties.

No. There is no automatic 50/50 rule. The outcome depends on various factors, including contributions and future needs.

Strict time limits may apply. For married couples, this is generally within 12 months of divorce. For de facto couples, it is generally within 2 years of separation.

Yes. Parenting arrangements can be recorded by agreement and, where appropriate, formalised through Consent Orders.

The Court focuses on the best interests of the child.

Not always. Many matters can be resolved by negotiation, mediation, or agreement. Court may be necessary in some cases.

Possibly. Whether it is suitable depends on your circumstances, timing, and legal requirements.

Send us a message

Have a question or need assistance? Send us a message and we’ll respond promptly.

Cajes Law acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.