Family Law

We understand that the breakdown of a relationship or marriage can be a challenging time for everyone involved. Rely on
Shine Lawyers to provide you with sensible, practical advice
and support during this difficult period.
How can we help?
Our expert Family Law Team can give you
comprehensive advice about your rights,
entitlements and obligations in relation to
property matters. We believe in encouraging and facilitating an agreeable resolution
whenever possible to achieve the best
results for our clients and their families.

Property Setlement and Financial Matters

Our family lawyers can help you negotiate
an agreement that sets out how assets and
liabilities will be divided between parties. If
an agreement cannot be reached, we can
assist with Court proceedings.
Were committed to achieving a property
settlement for you in a variety of ways,
including:
Negotiating directly with your former
partner and/or their legal representation.
Attending and organising alternative
dispute resolution such as mediation or
collaborative practice.
Preparing and filing appropriate documents if the matter proceeds to Court
and appearing in Court on your behalf.

Collaborative Practice
Collaborative practice is an alternative
method of dispute resolution. It differs
significantly from conventional property
settlements in that an outcome is achieved

through interest-based negotiation.

The main focus of collaborative practice is to reduce conflict and encourage resolution. Using this method, all
parties agree to make a good faith attempt to reach a mutually acceptable
settlement without going to Court.
This is generally achieved through a series
of four-way meetings that may include
your financial advisors. In these meetings,
parties can place all their cards on the
table and all issues can be discussed in a
non-confrontational manner. This atmosphere promotes openness and honesty,
allowing you to communicate your respective needs and secure your future.
There are many key advantages to collaborative practice:
You can keep control of the separation process
You avoid going to court
Your needs are given priority
The solution fits your particular circumstances as opposed to having a decision imposed upon you by the Court
The process helps to preserve a respectful, ongoing relationship between
you and your former partner
You can work towards settlement at
your own pace, with plenty of time
to consult professionals for advice
about your particular needs, interests
and objectives

We believe collaborative practice enables

parties to achieve an outcome that benefits
all involved. If you wish to participate in this
process, we will provide you with all the
support and information you need.

Financial Agrements
The Family Law Act allows couples to enter
into financial agreements to finalise their
property settlement. This allows couples
to opt out of the Courts jurisdiction to deal
with property and spousal maintenance
and often allows more flexibility in the terms
of the agreement.

Who should I speak to?

Youll be guided through the legal process
by some of our most experienced people. Our Family Law Team is dedicated to
assisting you through this difficult time and
providing expert advice. Your wishes will
always be our priority.

CONTACT:
Rebecca OToole
Associate
Family Law Team
rotoole@shine.com.u

All parties must get independent legal advice before entering into these agreements.

Consent Orders
Parties who have separated can formalise an agreement by filing it with the
Court. The agreement will then be made
as a consent order. This is usually a
cost-effective way of resolving a matter.
It also means that parties do not need
to retain a solicitor if they dont wish to.
However, we would encourage all parties to obtain independent legal advice
before entering into an agreement.

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Divorce

Family Law

A divorce is the legal end to a marriage.

An application for a divorce can be made
solely or jointly following a 12 month
period of separation. You may need to
appear in Court for the hearing, but this
will depend on factors including:

Commercial Law

The type of application you make

Whether or not there are children
under the age of 18 involved
Shine Lawyers Family Law Team can
help you prepare an application for
divorce and appear in Court on your
behalf if required.

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