Family Law
Parenting Orders, Property Settlement & Divorce Under the Family Law Act
Whether you are separating, disputing parenting arrangements, negotiating a property settlement, or facing a family violence order — the Family Law Act 1975 and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia govern these matters. Submit your request and get connected with a family lawyer who can advise on your rights and the fastest path to resolution.
⚠ If you have received court documents, have an upcoming hearing, or face a child safety concern — mention it clearly in the form so your request can be prioritised.
What You Can Submit
Family law matters handled across all stages.
From first conversations to consent orders, court preparation, and urgent safety matters — you can submit any of these issues using the form.
Separation & Divorce
Separation advice, divorce applications, and de facto relationship matters.
Parenting & Custody
Parenting arrangements, child custody disputes, relocation, and time-with-child orders.
Consent Orders & FDR
Consent orders, parenting plans, family dispute resolution, and court preparation.
Child Support
Child support, spousal maintenance, and unpaid support concerns.
Property Settlement
Homes, businesses, debts, trusts, inheritances, superannuation, and other assets after separation.
Family Violence & Safety
Intervention orders, safety concerns, urgent parenting issues, and protective options.
Financial Agreements
Prenuptial, postnuptial, and separation agreements.
Extended Family Matters
Grandparent contact, blended-family issues, and disputes involving extended family members.
Why It Matters
Family law situations that require early legal advice.
Delay in family law often means lost rights — particularly around property settlements, parenting orders, and intervention orders. Early advice protects your position before agreements are reached informally or deadlines pass.
You need to formalise parenting arrangements before a dispute escalates
Informal parenting arrangements cannot be enforced. Consent orders made by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia — or a registered parenting plan — give both parents clear, enforceable obligations. Without formalisation, either parent can unilaterally change arrangements, and courts apply the Section 60CC best interests test to resolve disputes.
The 12-month property settlement deadline after divorce is approaching
After a divorce order takes effect, you have 12 months to apply for a property settlement under the Family Law Act 1975. After a de facto relationship ends, the limit is 2 years. Missing these deadlines requires leave of court — which is not always granted. Early legal advice ensures the 4-step property settlement process (asset identification, contributions, future needs, just and equitable) is applied correctly to your situation.
You must attend Family Dispute Resolution before any parenting court application
Under Section 60I of the Family Law Act, you are generally required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and obtain a Section 60I certificate before filing a parenting order application in the FCFCOA. Exceptions apply for family violence, urgency, and child safety — but understanding which pathway applies to your situation requires early legal advice.
You have received court documents and have a strict response deadline
An Initiating Application in family law proceedings requires a Response — typically within 28 days of service. Failing to respond means the court may make orders in your absence. If an Interim Orders hearing has been listed, legal representation at that hearing can prevent orders being made that are difficult to vary later.
There is a family violence safety concern requiring an urgent intervention order
Urgent applications for Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs), Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), or Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) can be made without notice to the other party in appropriate cases. These orders can immediately prohibit contact, require the person to leave the family home, and protect children. Acting quickly preserves safety and evidence.
You want to protect assets before a property settlement is finalised
Once separated, either party can deal with assets — selling, transferring, or encumbering property — before a settlement is reached. Injunctive relief under the Family Law Act can freeze assets, prevent disposal of the family home, and protect superannuation interests. Acting before assets are dissipated is far more effective than trying to recover them after the fact.
How It Works
One clear request. No jargon required.
You do not need to know exact legal wording. Plain language is enough — describe what is happening and include the urgency, and your request will be reviewed from there.
Submit Your RequestDescribe the issue
Complete the form with your contact details, location, matter type, urgency, and a brief summary. Include any deadlines or court dates.
Request is reviewed
Your request is reviewed with the relevant issue, urgency, and location in mind so the right type of follow-up can be identified.
Follow-up is arranged
An appropriate follow-up is arranged based on your matter. Urgent requests including court dates and child safety concerns are prioritised.
Information That Helps
What to include in your request.
The more clearly you describe the situation, the easier it is to identify the next step. If you have them, it may help to mention or prepare the following.
Dates of marriage, separation, divorce application, or important relationship events.
Children's ages, current care arrangements, school details, and any immediate parenting concerns.
Existing parenting plans, consent orders, court orders, intervention orders, or pending applications.
Major assets and debts — family home, mortgage, business interests, bank accounts, loans, and superannuation.
Any deadlines, dispute-resolution appointments, court dates, legal letters, or documents you need to respond to.
Safety concerns, family violence history, police involvement, or urgent issues involving children.
Urgent family law issues
If any of the following apply, include it clearly in the message field so your request can be flagged as urgent.
Submitting the form does not create a lawyer-client relationship and does not replace legal advice.
Coverage
Family law requests accepted from all Australian states and territories.
Request Family Law Help Today
Confidential, practical, and focused on the next step.
Describe what is happening once and the request can be reviewed with urgency and location in mind. Submitting does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
- Complete the form with your contact details, location, and a short summary of the issue.
- Include anything time-sensitive — court dates, child relocation concerns, or safety issues.
- A clear request helps your situation be reviewed sooner and follow-up arranged promptly.