DIVORCE
EFL Specialises in Family Law, including divorce and separation.
When Can I Get Divorced?
A party to a marriage can file an application for divorce after they have been separated from their spouse for a period of 12 months. The application can be made either solely by one spouse, or jointly by both spouses.
In some circumstances, parties can be living under one roof and still be deemed to be separated. In these circumstances the court will require some additional evidence from the parties about their separation and if this applies to you please contact us to discuss this in more detail.
If you have been married for less than 2 years from when you file an Application for Divorce you will need to attend counselling with a family counsellor or nominated counsellor and produce a certificate to the Court confirming you have done so, or if you do not attend the counselling you will need to seek permission from the Court to apply for the Divorce.
The Australian Government provides a free service for families going through separation to attend mediation, dispute resolution or counselling. Please visit the Relationship Australia website for more information.
If you, or someone you know would like to seek a Divorce please contact Edwards Family Lawyers to book an initial consultation.
Accredited Family Law Specialist
Members of our senior legal team are accredited Family Law Specialists. In the legal profession an Accredited Specialist is a practising solicitor who has demonstrated specialised competence in a particular area of law and has been conferred Specialist Accreditation by the Law Society under its Specialist Accreditation Scheme. Edwards Family Lawyers is a highly experienced specialist family law firm that has 3 accredited specialists working out of our offices in Sydney CBD and North Sydney.
Our Services
Divorce & Separation
Expert divorce lawyers
When married couples separate, there is only one ground for the grant of a Divorce Order, and that is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This is established by the parties being separated for a minimum of 12 months. In some circumstances, parties can be living under the same roof and still be able to establish this ground.
Property Settlement
Expert property settlement lawyers
Edwards Family Lawyers can assist you and your spouse/partner to come to an agreement in relation to all financial matters and issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship, including the division of all assets and liabilities, spouse maintenance payments, superannuation splitting orders and child support departure Orders.
Negotiation & Resolution
Expert negotiation and resolution lawyers
Opportunities for negotiation and settlement exist not only before proceedings are commenced, but also after proceedings have been commenced and right up until the time that the Court finally hears and determines the matter. Parties can settle a matter at any time.
Parenting & Children
Parenting and Children Family Lawyers
The best interests of the children is the paramount consideration when determining the most appropriate and suitable arrangements for the children after a separation. At Edwards Family Lawyers, we encourage our clients to participate in the counselling or mediation services available to assist them to reach an agreement with their spouse/former partner
Mediation Services
Mediation Lawyers
Edwards Family Lawyers offer Mediation Services to assist parties to engage in effective dispute resolution. Our Principal, Frances Edwards, has extensive experience in negotiating settlements in both parenting and property matters, and is a National Accredited Mediator and member of LEADR and IAMA.
De Facto
De Facto Lawyers
De Facto couples (including same sex couples) who separate after 1 March 2009 have the same rights as married couples. The rights and obligations of couples upon the breakdown of a Marriage or De Facto relationship are now all governed by the Family Law Act 1975. De Facto couples who separated prior to 1 March 2009 are still covered by the old State legislation
Our Family Lawyers are here to help
We navigate legal issues for our clients with empathy and a deep understanding of the associated stresses and implications. We can help you, like we have helped many clients in Sydney.
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Edwards Family Lawyers is committed to providing expert advice on all areas of Family Law following the breakdown of your marriage or de facto relationship, including same-sex relationships.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
We acknowledge the Cammeraygal and Gadigal people being the traditional owners of the land on which we work and their elders past and present.
