Family Law Services
Choosing the Right Family Lawyer
Selecting the right family lawyer is essential when facing difficult family matters. At Bleier Family Law, we know that this is a time of high stress and uncertainty, and we’re here to provide the support you need. Our lawyers are committed to guiding you confidently through each step, offering practical advice and effective representation.
A great family lawyer doesn’t just understand the law but also listens attentively and provides clear, realistic guidance. At Bleier Family Law, we follow the Family Law Best Practice Guidelines and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients, whether your case is contested or amicable.
Our Family Law Services
- Divorce and Separation: Guidance through the entire separation process, including divorce applications, separation agreements, and spousal maintenance.
- Parenting Orders: Assistance with creating legally binding arrangements for child custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities.
- Property Settlements: Support with dividing assets and financial resources, ensuring fair and balanced outcomes post-separation.
- Spousal Maintenance: Legal support for individuals seeking financial assistance from a former partner.
- Child Support: Ensuring child support arrangements that suit the needs of your child and comply with Australian law.
- Child Abduction (Hague Convention): Urgent legal support for cases involving international child abduction and recovery.
- Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation: Facilitating alternative dispute resolution to help you reach amicable agreements without court intervention.
- Adoption & Financial Agreements: Legal advice for adoption cases and assistance with drafting enforceable financial agreements, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Parenting Orders
What is a Parenting Order?
A Parenting Order is a court-issued document under the Family Law Act 1975 that outlines where your children will live and who they’ll spend time with. It also designates decision-making authority over key areas like schooling and medical care.
Parenting Orders can be established by mutual consent or issued by the court when there’s no agreement. These orders remain effective until the child reaches 18 and can extend rights to other guardians as appropriate.
Applying for a Parenting Order
Before seeking a Parenting Order, you must attempt mediation or family dispute resolution, except in cases involving domestic violence or child abuse. If mediation is unsuccessful, you’ll need a certificate from a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner to proceed with a court application.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in both the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court, providing knowledgeable guidance and representation through each stage of this process.
Divorce and Separation
Understanding Separation
Separation occurs when one or both partners decide to end the relationship. For married couples, separation must last 12 months before applying for a divorce. It’s critical to communicate your separation intentions clearly to avoid potential legal complications later.
Couples can live together post-separation, but clear boundaries (such as separate finances and living arrangements) are necessary to establish a formal separation. Our team can help you navigate this process and prepare for the next steps.
Applying for Divorce
Australia’s no-fault divorce system means that reasons for the separation are not required. Once separated for 12 months, you can apply for divorce, either jointly or individually. For marriages shorter than two years, counseling may be necessary before applying.
If one party is reluctant, we can assist with filing and serving the application, ensuring you have the support needed for a straightforward process.
Property Settlements & Financial Arrangements
Property Settlements
You don’t have to wait for a divorce to begin dividing assets. In fact, it’s often best to start property settlements soon after separation. You have 12 months after divorce (or 2 years after a de facto separation) to seek court orders for property division.
We work with you to ensure fair settlements, considering all financial contributions and future needs.
Spousal Maintenance
If one partner requires financial support, they may be entitled to spousal maintenance. We assess your situation to help establish or contest claims, aiming to secure financial arrangements that align with your needs.
Child Support & Child Abduction
Our team assists in creating child support arrangements that align with your child’s needs and comply with legal guidelines. In cases of international child abduction, we act quickly to take appropriate legal measures under the Hague Convention to secure your child’s return.
Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation
Resolving disputes through mediation can help minimize stress and reduce the cost and time associated with court battles. Our family lawyers facilitate dispute resolution and prepare you thoroughly for each session, striving for solutions that work for all parties involved.
Adoption & Financial Agreements
Whether you’re exploring adoption or need legal guidance on financial agreements, Bleier Family Law provides thorough support. We help draft legally binding agreements that protect your interests, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, ensuring compliance with Australian law.
At Bleier Family Law, we’re here to help you and your family through life’s transitions with confidence and care. Our experienced team provides compassionate, dedicated support and clear guidance every step of the way. To discuss your family law needs, please contact us today.