Family law is rarely one-dimensional.

It can be helpful to seek family law advice as soon as separation becomes a possibility, particularly where there are questions about children, finances, property or safety. Getting advice early can help you understand the legal issues involved and make informed decisions before taking significant steps.

Patterson & Co offers initial consultations to discuss your circumstances, identify the issues that may need to be addressed and advise you on the options available.

Family law covers the legal issues that can arise when a relationship ends or family circumstances change. This may include separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements and financial agreements, relocation and recovery matters, and domestic violence.

These issues are often interconnected. Decisions about children, property and finances can arise at the same time, making it important to consider how one aspect of a family law matter may affect another.

Separation, divorce and property settlement are different legal concepts. Separation occurs when a relationship ends. Divorce is the formal legal end of a marriage and, in Australia, you must generally have been separated for at least 12 months before applying for a divorce.

A property settlement deals with how property, assets, liabilities and other financial interests are divided following separation. It is separate from divorce, and you do not need to wait until you are divorced to resolve property matters.

Different time limits can apply to property proceedings, so it is important to obtain advice about the timeframes relevant to your circumstances.

Not always. Many family law matters can be resolved without contested court proceedings through negotiation, family dispute resolution, mediation or agreement between the parties. Where an agreement is reached, it may be formalised through consent orders or other appropriate arrangements.

In some circumstances, court proceedings may be necessary, particularly where agreement cannot be reached or urgent or protective orders are required. Patterson & Co can advise you on the options available and whether court proceedings are appropriate in your circumstances.

When separating, there may be a number of legal and practical issues to consider, including arrangements for children, property and finances, living arrangements and, where relevant, personal safety.

The steps you take early in a separation can affect how these issues are resolved later. Seeking legal advice can help you understand your position, identify any immediate priorities and make informed decisions about what needs to be addressed.

Yes. Parenting and property matters can often be addressed at the same time following separation, although they involve different legal considerations and are resolved separately.

Dealing with both issues together can help ensure the broader circumstances of your separation are considered when determining the appropriate way forward. Depending on your situation, matters may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, agreement or court proceedings.

Costs will depend on the nature and complexity of your matter, the work required and how it progresses. Matters that can be resolved by agreement will generally involve different costs to those requiring ongoing negotiation or court proceedings.

Patterson & Co is transparent about fees from the outset and will discuss the likely costs with you, including how those costs may change as your matter progresses.

Yes. Information you share with your family lawyer is generally confidential, including information discussed during an initial consultation before you formally engage the firm. There are limited circumstances in which disclosure may be authorised or required by law.

Legal professional privilege may also protect confidential communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or in connection with actual or anticipated legal proceedings.

Yes. While Patterson & Co is based in Toowoomba, we assist clients throughout the Darling Downs, across Queensland and throughout Australia.

Many family law matters can be managed through phone and video consultations, email and other remote communication, allowing us to advise and represent clients regardless of where they are based.