One of the questions we hear most from separating parents is: “Are we going to damage the kids?” Usually asked with a healthy side serving of guilt, fear and oh-God-have-we-completely-stuffed-this-up? The reassuring answer is: separation itself isn’t generally what...
So, you’ve separated. Life is moving on. And now you want to move too. Maybe there’s a job opportunity interstate. Maybe your family support is three hours away. Maybe you’ve met someone new. Or maybe you just really, really don’t want to live in the same town as your...
Choosing a mediator in a family law matter is a bit like choosing a pilot. You want someone who has experience, good judgement, the ability to stay calm under pressure and, ideally, a solid understanding of what happens when things go sideways. Why? Because mediation...
This is one of the first things we tell clients. Not surprisingly, the clients who take this on board usually have the best outcomes. Family law is not like a sporting event. Nobody is standing on a podium at the end holding a trophy while confetti falls from the...
Let’s get one thing straight from the outset: family law mediation does not require you to be friends, friendly, or even civil. If it did, we wouldn’t have jobs. The truth is, mediation works even when people can’t stand each other. It works because it’s structured,...
When a relationship ends, a lot of people assume court is inevitable. Cue the dramatic courtroom scenes, the drawn-out arguments, and the bank-draining legal bills. But here’s the truth: most family law matters don’t need to end up in court. In fact, they shouldn’t....
When relationships break down, most people assume they’re headed straight to the courtroom. But here’s the truth: family law mediation is often faster, cheaper, and far less traumatic than litigation - if you’re prepared. Whether you’re dealing with property...
SO, WHAT IS SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE? (AND WHY YOU MIGHT HAVE TO PAY IT… OR BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE IT) When a relationship ends, you don’t just walk away with your peace of mind and half a house plant. Sometimes, you walk away with a financial obligation too. Enter:...
Let’s be honest. Separation sucks. Whether it was your idea, their idea, or a slow, soul-destroying mutual fizzle, breaking up is hard to do. And when you throw in legal jargon, timelines, and paperwork? It’s a minefield. So, let’s make it simple. At Spencer Family...
When navigating the end of a marriage or de facto relationship, it’s crucial to understand the strict timeframes surrounding property settlement and spousal maintenance applications. These time limits are imposed by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA) and can...