FAQ

FAMILY LAW

How long will my family law matter take?

Every matter is different. If you and your former partner agree, sometimes it can take as little as a couple of months (including court processing time for Consent Orders). When couples find it difficult to agree, the matter can take much longer, and this can be difficult to predict. The best predictors of how long a matter will take are how realistic the expectations of the parties are, and how high the level of conflict is. Halcyon Legal approaches family law in a collaborative manner to attempt to avoid court proceedings for you, saving you time and money.

Do I need to see a lawyer for a property settlement if my former partner and I agree?

It's important to formalise the agreement in a way that makes it legally binding. Often, couples agree initially after separation, however this may change with time and new circumstances. Prior agreements may later be taken off the table, and lawyers then need to become involved. We can help you to formalise your agreement from the beginning, avoiding later issues and uncertainty. 

When can I apply for divorce?

You need to be separated for 12 months prior to obtaining a divorce. Property settlements and parenting arrangements can be dealt with immediately upon separation, however.

GENERAL

Do you offer payment plans?

We do. We know that legal fees are expensive, so we will try to work with you to come up with a payment plan you can manage. Of course this depends on the likely length of your matter, so some plans can be stretched longer than others.

Do you take Legal Aid matters?

No, we don't unfortunately. However, we appreciate that legal representation can be a significant expense for clients, and we will work with you to establish a payment plan that is manageable.