Matrimonial and Family Law
Family problems and the dissolutions of relationships are seldom easy, and they can be extremely draining, both emotionally and financially. We seek to resolve issues discreetly, with sensitivity and understanding, ensuring that your interests and those of your family come first.
The department's expertise covers a wide range of family law issues including:
- Separation
- Divorce
- Division of property and finances
- Pre-nuptial Agreements
- Cohabitation Agreements and disputes
- Child custody
- Maintenance
- Adoption
- Child abduction
- Domestic violence and emergency orders
We are experienced in utilizing a number of approaches to the difficulties which arise following the breakdown of a marriage or family unit, including:
Conventional Litigation
Historically, this has been the standard approach. Both sides are likely to have their own attorney and every effort will be made to negotiate a fair settlement. Quite often, Court proceedings will be initiated, but usually proceed to a contested hearing only if it is necessary to do so and in the client's best interest.
Mediation
Mediation is conducted by a neutral person whose role is to facilitate the reaching of an agreement which meets the requirements of the couple involved. The mediator does not provide legal advice to either party and each may or may not be respresented by attorneys.
Collaborative Law
The Collaborative approach is a process that has as its sole goal the reaching of an agreement by the parties. The attorneys involeved agree not to take the matter to Court: full disclosure of information is required of all the parties: third party expertise (e.g. valuers, financial experts and childcare specialists) can be consulted as required.
Our clients choose the approach that best suits their needs and we provide the experience and expertise to guide them through the entire process.
Contacts: