SYDNEY FAMILY & DIVORCE LAWYERS

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

BOOK YOUR FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULT WITH A FAMILY LAW EXPERT

Our dedicated and award winning family law team in Sydney has experience in all aspects of family law. We are able to assist you with everything from amicable fixed fee divorce applications and consent orders to complex, litigated property settlement matters. We can discuss your situation in a free 30-minute consultation with no obligations. Our consultations can be done over the phone, video, or in person in our Sydney CBD office. No matter how tough the circumstances, Ramsden Family Law has the expertise to get the job done.


HOW WE CAN HELP

AWARD WINNING FAMILY LAW REPRESENTATION FOR EVERY SITUATION

As leading Sydney family lawyers, our team includes accredited family law specialists committed to delivering expert legal advice and compassionate support. We protect your rights and prioritise your best interests at every stage.

DIVORCE

We aim to make the divorce process as simple as possible by offering fixed fee applications from $800 plus GST, to reduce stress, expense and time.

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CHILDREN & PARENTING

If you and your ex-partner cannot agree on the care arrangements for children, it is crucial that a decision is a decision must be made quickly.

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PROPERTY DIVISION

If you are separating or thinking about it, it is important to get legal advice on dividing assets, debts, and superannuation.

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SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS

Under the Family Law Act same-sex and heterosexual couples have the same entitlements under the law, including the right to marry.

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MEDIATION

In family law, mediation and dispute resolution are often the first step. Helping both parties talk through their separation with professional guidance.

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FAMILY COURT REPRESENTATION

Going to court is a last resort. However, if you need assistance with court representation, our lawyers are dedicated to getting you results.

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If you suspect that you and/or your children may be victims of violence, we are here to offer immediate advice to help reduce risk and protect your family.

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Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION

Your initial consultation with our family lawyers is confidential and can be done by phone, videochat or in person, whatever is easiest for you. This initial conference will usually take around 30 minutes. During that time, we will be able to identify what outcomes you are hoping to achieve, give you advice about how the process generally works, what you can expect and give you an outline of your likely costs.

Our family lawyers are highly experienced at getting to the heart of your matter and laying out your options in simple-to-understand terms. You will finish your meeting with an understanding of the next steps in your case, what issues need to be addressed and how best to go about addressing them.

Contact us now to arrange for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

DIVORCE APPLICATIONS

We try and lessen the pressures of divorce as much as possible by providing comprehensive advice relevant to your unique matter.

You cannot seek a divorce until you have been separated for at least 12 months and the marriage is irretrievably broken down. Separation can occur with both parties living under the same roof, however the Court will need evidence (usually in the form of Affidavits) that the separation is genuine.

If there are children, the Court must be satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place in terms of their care and support. These arrangements do not have to be permanent. You have 12 months after a divorce is granted to settle the division of property
and assets/liabilities.

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

PARENTING MATTERS

You can record your parenting agreement in one of two ways:

  • Parenting Plan
  • Consent Orders

Parenting plans are written and signed agreements between the parties that detail who the children will live with, the time children will spend with each parent and various other aspects that deal with the care, welfare and development of the child/ren. They are not binding or enforceable but can be regularly updated, reviewed or amended.

Consent orders are essentially a formalised version of a parenting plan. You must make an application to the Court, lodge the documents signed by the parties and await the Courts approval. Consent orders provide certainty and are both binding and enforceable.

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

PROPERTY MATTERS

A property settlement is the formal division of the asset pool of a married or de facto couple so that it is final, binding and enforceable. Any settlement reached must be “just and equitable”.

The asset pool is determined by looking at the assets, liabilities, superannuation and other financial resources of the parties. It is then adjusted following an assessment on whether legal ownership of the pool is just and equitable, the contributions of the parties and future factors affecting the parties. Then the asset pool is divided.

You will need to formalise the agreement so that it is binding and enforceable by:

  • Consent Orders
  • Financial Agreement
Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

DE FACTO AND SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS

Since the definition of “marriage” under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) was changed in 2017, same sex couples can marry and have the same entitlements under the law as heterosexual couples. Same sex couples who have children, including those adopted, born from surrogacy
or artificial reproductive technology like IVF, are recognised as the legal parents of that child.

De facto relationships describe a couple, whether of the same sex or different, who are not married but live together. You will have the same rights as a married couple if you register your de facto relationship or meet the time requirement of 2 years. Some de facto relationships can be difficult to show in which case a Court may consider further factors to determine de facto status and subsequent entitlements.

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

MEDIATION / COURT REPRESENTATION

Generally a preferred method of dispute resolution, mediation is guided by a qualified and impartial mediator who is able to help resolve your dispute outside of Court.

If you cannot reach an agreement during mediation, then you have the option to continue negotiation or go to Court. If you decide to take the matter to Court, the Judge will decide for the parties. It is a good idea to have legal representation if possible as a number of documents need to be filed with the Court and subsequent hearings attended. You and the other party can decide to settle outside of Court but you must notify the Court of this agreement.

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

As experienced family lawyers, we can provide you with advice about mechanisms that can help protect you and your children. Courts can grant an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) which prohibits your partner from certain kinds of behaviour (i.e. stalking, intimidation, harassing). If an ADVO is breached it can attract criminal sanctions.

Domestic violence can also have a direct impact on custody and parenting arrangements. If you have children with your partner and decide to separate or divorce, the Courts may be more inclined to award you sole responsibility of your child so that their welfare is ensured.

It is also relevant in determining the division of assets and property settlement after separation. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of yourself or your child/ren, please contact 000.

OUR LEGAL PROCESS

1. INITIAL CONSULTATION

Your journey begins with a free 30-minute consult where we listen to your story, understand your situation, and outline possible legal paths.

2. STRATEGIC PLANNING

We tailor a legal strategy that aligns with your goals, considering all available avenues, from mediation to court representation.

3. REPRESENTATION & SUPPORT

Our dedicated team will represent and support you throughout your legal proceedings, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

4. RESOLUTION & CLOSURE

We strive for a resolution that serves your best interests, aiming for outcomes that provide closure and a foundation for your future.

Sydney Family & Divorce Lawyers

RAMSDEN FAMILY LAW SYDNEY

Level 3, 1 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: 02 8123 1222

Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Monday through Friday)

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