Family Lawyers Sydney

Under Australian law, parties to a de facto relationship are afforded the same recognition as married couples when it comes to dealing with the breakdown of the relationship. Once it is established that the requirements of a de facto relationship have been met, the parties are able to rely on provisions in the Family Law Act in the same way that married couples do when a relationship has broken down.The general principles that govern the break down of marriages are extended to de facto couples. Same sex relationships that meet the same criteria as relationships that are considered de facto relationships fall under the same laws that deal with de facto couples.

Marriages are easily recognisable, due to a legal marriage requiring registration. Other couples that wish to be provided for by the family law usually need to establish first that they meet the requisite criteria. 

It is important that parties to a long term or committed relationship give consideration to the laws that govern de facto relationships. Despite the law being there to give proper recognition to the rights and needs of parties to a long term relationship, just as it is for married couples, some people are not aware of this when committing to a long term relationship. Some may form the intention to remain in a de facto relationship as they believe that they are not “bound” by the same laws that govern marriages.

Our Sydney Family Lawyers are experienced in all aspects of family law and possess the necessary expertise in advising and representing parties to any form of domestic relationship, whether it be de facto couples or couples of the same sex.

Divorce Law

Obtaining a divorce or ending a relationship can often be an emotional experience – especially when children are involved. Our divorce lawyers provide not only professional family law advice on your rights and obligations, but also guidance during this difficult period. We can prepare and file a divorce application for you quickly and cost effectively. We can also advise you on your legal rights and responsibilities in relation to child custody and the financial property settlement. We are Sydney’s leading divorce lawyers.

Although divorce and separation are often one and the same, divorce only relates to married couples. The concept of separation applies to all couples and is also a broader concept that covers more than just the act of separating or the breakdown of the relationship.

It must be noted that when applying for a Divorce NSW laws are the same as other states; with the exception of Western Australia, all other Australian States are subjected to the same Family Law Act, which is a Commonwealth law.

There are certain preconditions that must be met before a divorce can be applied for by married couples. Also, a divorce must be obtained to bring an end to a marriage, at law. When de facto or same sex couples separate, there is no legal requirement to obtain a Court Order to officially end the relationship.

Divorce Lawyers Sydney

What is relevant in all matters is whether the parties to the relationship have property that needs to be divided and/or children to the relationship. The obligations and rights of parties to any relationship are essentially the same and in relation to married couples, an official divorce does not have to be applied for or granted prior to parenting and property matters being determined.

Upon separation, it is advisable to obtain legal advice from a divorce lawyer to understand your rights and obligations and, where relevant, important strict time requirements. Our divorce lawyers Sydney and NSW will be able to assist you in preparing the divorce application, filing the application and appearing at the hearing before the family law division of the Federal Circuit Court to ensure that the divorce application is successful.

At Prime Lawyers we believe that all family law clients should have access to the best possible legal representation. That’s why we have developed our Blue Ribbon payment option.