If you are contemplating separation or have separated, COVID-19 has not put a stop to your right to pursue a family law property settlement or implement parenting arrangements. Isolation in a place of hostility can be more than uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. If you or someone you know is at risk from family violence there are free resources immediately available to you for urgent assistance including emergency accommodation. You can call one of a number of hotlines https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/find-help/domestic-violence-hotlines/ or if there is imminent danger then the police.
If you need assistance working through any divorce, parenting, property or child support matters we have a team of experienced Family Lawyers that are available to speak to you. In this current environment we can conduct initial conferences over the phone, via zoom or email, to answer any queries you have and provide you with the expert advice you need to understand your rights and entitlements whether you have separated or are contemplating it.
We have expert male and female lawyers qualified as:
- Accredited Specialists in Family Law;
- Collaborative lawyers;
- a Mediator; and
- an Independent Children’s lawyer
who are able to assist you.
If it is necessary to litigate, particularly if there is urgency, high conflict or your partner refuses to engage in negotiations, the Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court are still operating. All documents are filed electronically and wherever possible the Court appearances are conducted by phone or video link. In exceptional circumstances parties and their lawyers are able to appear in person at the Court.
Our collaboratively trained lawyers Amanda Doring and Lisa O’Leary (both Accredited Specialists) can guide you through the collaborative law process if you are looking to avoid litigation. The collaborative practice is a voluntary dispute resolution process, in which you and your partner work with collaborative lawyers, collaborative coaches and other experts to creatively problem-solve issues. It allows you and your partner to negotiate a resolution that targets priorities (whether they are financial or child-related) and that works for your family. It focuses on an end result, which satisfies both you and your partner, with little conflict.
If you would prefer to mediate, Amanda Doring is a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and is capable of issuing you with the section 60I certificate required to commence proceedings in relation to parenting matters should the need arise.
With everything going on in the world at the moment sometimes it’s the not knowing that can be most stressful. Often in family law matters delays can have a negative impact on the outcome of your matter. Obtain legal advice now to get an understanding of your best way forward. Please contact us anytime on 9525 8688 or email amanda@wmdlaw.com.au. You can see more about who we are at www.wmdlaw.com.au or download our free family law guide to divorce and separation at https://wmdlaw.com.au/download-the-guide-to-divorce-and-separation/.
