A fair solution for all the family

Just as no two people are the same, no two families are alike. We understand your situation is unique, and we’ll respond appropriately, listening to you and working with you to achieve the best possible outcome. We know family law matters can be complicated, not to mention fraught with emotion, so we try to minimise and explain confusing legal jargon and make the way forward as simple as possible.

Turner Freeman’s highly experienced family lawyers will tell you everything you need to know about divorce, parenting orders and care arrangements, family financial support, adoption, property settlements, financial agreements and domestic violence and abuse.

You’ll get a straightforward assessment of your case, and honest advice about its likely outcome. We’ll clearly explain how the law applies to your specific situation, and recommend a sound course of action. And then we’ll follow it through with you—every step of the way.

Our comprehensive service includes:

Personal consultations
Handling all forms and applications
Making legal submissions and drafting agreements
Liaising with all parties and their representatives (including former partners)
Meeting procedural requirements and deadlines
Preparing and lodging appeals
Making court appearances

The many areas of family law services we offer are covered by this website. If you’d like more information, or have any questions, please feel free to call us.

Jump to Family Law:
Frequently Asked Questions »
Client Testimonials »
Case Studies »

Divorce: as painless as possible
Formally ending your marriage is hard enough without complex paperwork and intimidating legal speak, so we’ve made it as simple as we can. Remember you must be separated from your partner for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce.

Of course for many people the actual divorce is just one of many issues to sort out. It can be hard to know where to start. Our experienced family law experts provide cost-effective advice on many divorce-related issues, including:

Spouse maintenance
Child support
Parenting
Division of property and assets

De facto Relationships: know your rights
When it comes to de facto relationships, the law can seem unclear to say the least. And de facto breakdowns aren’t currently dealt with in the Family Court of Australia, so different laws may apply to you. Where does that leave you?

Our family law team is completely up-to-date with the latest legal developments regarding de facto relationships. If you’ve separated from a de facto partner, we can guide you through the legal minefield, informing you of your rights and obligations regarding:

Spouse maintenance
Child support
Parenting
Division of property and assets

Litigation and Dispute Resolution: seeking settlement

Family disputes can be painful and chaotic. That’s why Turner Freeman’s family lawyers work to settle your conflict without delay—in an attempt to avoid any unnecessary hostility or financial burden. Our experienced negotiators will liaise with ex-partners and other parties on your behalf, leaving you to get on with rebuilding your life.

Wherever possible, we’ll help you settle your case out of court. And if you do go to court, we’ll give you an honest appraisal of how we believe the court will consider your case. What’s more, while we always pursue a favourable outcome, we’ll tell you up front if we don’t think your goal is achievable.

If legal action is required, you’ll be glad to know Turner Freeman has a proven 50-year record of successful litigation and dispute resolution—especially for “tough” cases. We pride ourselves on our straight-talking approach, and we’ll keep you informed of the likely costs of legal action from the outset.

Child Support and Parenting Issues: kids come first
You want what’s best for your children—so do we. That’s why our compassionate legal specialists will take time to fully understand your personal circumstances, and seek a fair solution for you.

Unlike some law firms, Turner Freeman provide the same dedicated service to all clients—both men and women, mums and dads. Our accredited family specialists will strive to achieve the most favourable resolution possible for your individual circumstances.

As leading advisors on divorce and separation, our family law team will guide you through issues including:

Where your children will live
Who will stay in your house
Who will care for your children

We’ll explain any relevant legal orders in plain English, ensuring you know exactly what’s expected of you—including contact arrangements for both parents, and how they work.

Financial Support & Superannuation: facing the future
Sorting through post-separation finances can be confusing, stressful and worrisome. You need professional advice to help you achieve the best conclusion, whether you’re responsible for financially supporting children or a former partner, or entitled to payments yourself.

Our knowledgeable team will not only advise what you can expect to pay or receive, but also how best to structure your financial affairs to make the most of the money you have. You’ll benefit from our wealth of experience resolving issues including:

Who will pay outstanding bills or debts (mortgage, rent, credit cards, etc)

What will happen to joint property (house, car, bank accounts, furniture, etc)

Resolving complicated financial matters, such as superannuation entitlements, often requires expert legal advice. Our trusted advisors have an impressive track-record in helping clients handle the financial impact of separation, leaving you free to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Property Matters: protecting your investment
With our help you may be able to agree on the division of your assets without going to court—saving you time, money and sleepless nights. That way you’ll know exactly what you‘ll get, avoiding the uncertainty of letting a court decide.

You can expect insightful, pragmatic advice to determine:

What you have and what it’s worth
What contributions you and your former partner made during the relationship
Your future requirements (taking into account age, health, work capacity, financial resources, childcare responsibilities etc)

Of course if you can’t agree with your ex-partner, you’ll be in good hands. Our highly-regarded litigation team has a long history of successful dispute resolution. Remember you should apply for a property settlement within 12 months of your divorce becoming final.

Domestic Violence: options, advice and support
If you’re the victim (male or female) of a physically or emotionally violent relationship, our sensitive, trained professionals offer practical advice on the choices available to you. Your options could include choosing to:

Leave home temporarily or permanently
Stay in your home and ask the perpetrator to leave (even if temporarily)
Try to stop the violence and stay with your partner
Seek legal action

Although it can be difficult to ask for help when a relationship turns sour, the key is to get legal advice quickly. If you need to talk to someone, our service is entirely obligation-free, and completely confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions:

While every family law matter is unique, some questions are still common:

Q. How long after separation can I apply for a divorce?

A. Generally 12 months. The court will declare a decree nisi once it is satisfied your marriage has broken down irretrievably, and proper arrangements are in place for any children. One month and one day from the date of the decree nisi, your divorce will become absolute and final. You can then remarry if you wish.

Q. Can I have a property settlement before my divorce is finalised?

A. Yes. You can begin proceedings after separation and if both parties agree, the court can make consent orders to formalise your agreement.

Q. Can I apply for parenting orders before my divorce is finalised?

A. Yes, you can ask the court for both interim (immediate) and final (long-term) parenting orders following separation, and, if you both agree, the court can make orders to formalise the situation.

Q. What are my rights in relation to my children?

A. Both parents have a right to maintain their relationship with their children. You can agree on your own arrangements after separation, or ask the court to set down a parenting scheme.

Q. What range of property settlement am I entitled to?

A. Each case is unique and is decided on its own circumstances. The court will determine each of your matrimonial assets based on financial and non-financial contributions during the marriage. The Family Law Act specifically takes into account the contributions of the homemaker parent/partner in the same way as those of the breadwinner parent/partner.

Q. Is an agreement we reach ourselves enforceable?

A. The terms of the agreement can be made into court orders by consent, and will then be enforceable.

Q. Are there alternatives to going to court?

A. Yes. We’ll advise you of various primary dispute resolution processes available, including

mediation, conferences and community-based counselling.

Family law client testimonials

“During my dealings with my family lawyer and his staff I was always made to feel welcome. Each step of the process was explained to me clearly which eliminated any anxiety I felt. I found his knowledge of family law to be impeccable and the process was managed with a minimum amount of fuss... and with a favourable outcome!”

Turner Freeman worked with this client on her divorce proceedings and property settlement.

“I have already recommend my Turner Freeman family lawyer to a number of associates and friends – I have received positive feedback from them also. I would have no hesitation in recommending him again.”

Turner Freeman represented this client on divorce proceedings and will amendments.

Click here for Family law case studies

Personal service you deserve: a refreshing change

Recognising that your family situation is unique, we make sure we have all the facts from you before we even consider a solution.

Whether you’re a parent, divorcee, de facto partner, caregiver, guardian, grandparent or prospective partner—our friendly family lawyers can help.

Approachable and honest, we’re proud of our reputation for offering balanced advice and achieving practical, realistic solutions.

You will also have direct access to our partners, who will treat you as if you were their only client.

Unlike other law firms, our half-century of business experience will help us understand your needs, and give you proactive advice that works. And with a comprehensive range of legal practice areas, we can take care of all of your legal needs under one roof.

Further information

If you’d like more information on your family law matter, apart from contacting us the following organisations may be able to help you:

For generation information about family law matters:

Australian Law Online website:
www.law.gov.au
The Family Court of Australia: Tel. (02) 9217 7111 or
www.familycourt.gov.au
97-99 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

For information about children’s issues:

Child Support Agency: Tel. 131 272 or
www.csa.gov.au
Level 4, 100 Market Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

For information about divorce:

Federal Magistrates Court of Australia: Tel. (02) 9217 7111 or
www.fmc.gov.au
97-99 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000