Family Law
We are experienced in Family Law applications from preparation of applications and responses through to hearings and appeals. We are proud of our settlement rate and work hard to achieve settled outcomes. However, when there is no scope to settle we fight hard to achieve excellent outcomes in Family Law Proceedings
Michael Vassili is an
Accredited Specialist
(Dispute Resolution)
Parenting Applications
When parents can not agree as to the living and spend time arrangements for their children of a relationship the Court has the difficult task of determining what is "in the best interests of the children ?"
That question is difficult enough for parents who are living together to answer, so when added to the conflict of separation these proceedings can be lengthy and traumatic (not to mention expensive) if not dealt with competently and effectively.
Michael Vassili, our Principal has underdaken training as an Independent Childrens Lawyer appointed under the Family Law Act 1975 (Family Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia). We take a child focussed approach to all of our parenting matters and understand that our role is not only acting for a parent (or other party) but we also have an overarching duty to the Child and to the Court in articulating child focussed evidence and submissions.
We pride ourselves on being able to guide our clients through formal orders of the Court either as decided at a Hearing or by agreement. Again, we stay "Child focussed" and pride ourselves on the outcomes achieved for clients (and more particularly for children).
Property Applications
As with parenting matters our settlement rate for property matters is high
The starting point in you obtaining your rightful share of matrimonial assets is to have proper advice as to a range of likely outcomes (that is, what you are, at law, entitled to)
If settlement can not be achieved we competently and assertively provide representations to give you the best possible outcome.
The Court considers a number of factors, however simply it identifies the matrimonial assets; values them; assesses the contributions (financial and non-financial for each party); and then considers future needs.
It can be a little complicated to navigate when one party is difficult, for example by not disclosing financial information, and where there are "add backs" and other matters. So, particularly if there is a larger pool of assets and acrimony - you will need a lawyer.
At the end of it all the Court decides what is fair to both parties in the circumstances.
Binding Financial Agreements
The best outcome is an agreed outcome.
This can be achieved in Property matters by Binding Financial Agreements which are an alternative to Court.
We can advise on and draft binding financial agreements as well as consent orders.
This is far less expensive that a Court obtained outcome and you are required by law to seek a settlement outcome before commencing proceedings, in any event.
We work hard to settle matters which is why we settle so many without the cost and trauma of Court proceedings.
An insightful Video on What Family Law
is NOT about......The Family Law Act and the Court is only interested in what is in the best interest of the children. There is no interest in the arguements of parents unless that impacts on what is in the best interest of the children. Accordingly, it is important that only child focussed material is prepared and we are experienced in ensuring your Family Law experience is not like the one depicted in this video - as that is entirely the wrong approach and if adopted will merely impede settlement; protract proceedings; and is doomed to fail.