SYDNEY FAMILY & DIVORCE LAWYERS
FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION
At Ramsden Lawyers, we are proud to be recognised as one of Sydney’s leading family law firms, with extensive experience across all areas of family law and divorce.
Your initial 30 minute consultation is free and confidential, and can take place over the phone or in person at our Sydney CBD office.
Our team includes highly experienced Sydney family lawyers and family law accredited specialists dedicated to providing clear, practical advice and trusted support when you need it most.
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Sydney family lawyers focused exclusively on family law and divorce matters.
- 7 Law Society Accredited Specialists in family law
- Trusted advice across all areas of family law, including divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and complex disputes.
- Recognised in Doyle’s Guide Best Family Lawyers every year from 2016 to 2026.
- Transparent pricing options, with fixed fees available for selected family law services.
DIVORCE APPLICATIONS
Our Sydney family lawyers provide practical advice to help make the divorce process clearer and less stressful.
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation where the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Separation can occur under one roof, but the Court will usually need evidence that the separation is genuine. If there are children, the Court must be satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place for their care and support.
After a divorce is granted, you generally have 12 months to finalise property settlement and deal with assets and liabilities.
PARENTING MATTERS
If you and the other parent agree on arrangements for your children, you can record that agreement in two ways: a Parenting Plan or Consent Orders.
A Parenting Plan is a written and signed agreement that sets out where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and other important parenting arrangements. It is not legally binding, but it can be updated as circumstances change.
Consent Orders are a formal agreement approved by the Court. Once made, they are legally binding and enforceable, giving both parents greater certainty.
PROPERTY MATTERS
A property settlement is the formal division of the asset pool between a married or de facto couple, so the outcome is final, legally binding, and enforceable. Any agreement reached must be just and equitable.
The asset pool is identified by considering the parties’ assets, liabilities, superannuation, and other financial resources. It is then assessed by looking at whether the division is just and equitable, the contributions made by each party, and the future needs of both parties. The asset pool is then divided accordingly.
To make the agreement legally binding and enforceable, it should be formalised by way of Consent Orders or a Financial Agreement.
DE FACTO AND SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS
Same sex couples have the same legal rights and entitlements as heterosexual couples under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Since the law changed in 2017, same sex couples can marry in Australia and are treated equally in family law matters. Same sex couples with children, including children born through surrogacy, IVF, or adopted children, are also recognised as the child’s legal parents in many circumstances.
A de facto relationship refers to two people, whether same sex or opposite sex, who live together as a couple without being married. In many cases, de facto couples have the same rights as married couples, particularly if the relationship is registered or has continued for at least two years. Where a relationship is harder to prove, the Court may look at other factors to decide whether a de facto relationship exists and what legal entitlements may apply.
MEDIATION/ COURT REPRESENTATION
Mediation is often a preferred way to resolve family law disputes without going to Court. It is guided by a qualified and impartial mediator who helps both parties work toward an agreement in a structured and practical way.
If an agreement cannot be reached at mediation, you may continue negotiations or apply to the Court for a decision. If the matter proceeds to Court, a Judge will determine the outcome. It is often beneficial to have legal representation, as Court proceedings usually require documents to be filed and hearings to be attended. Parties may still reach a settlement after Court proceedings have started, but the Court must be notified of the agreement.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
As experienced Sydney family lawyers, we can advise you on the legal options available to help protect you and your children. The Court may make an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) to stop a partner from engaging in certain behaviour, such as stalking, intimidation, or harassment. A breach of an ADVO is a serious matter and may result in criminal penalties.
Domestic and family violence can also have a significant impact on parenting arrangements. If you have children and separate or divorce, the Court may take allegations of family violence into account when deciding parental responsibility and care arrangements, with the child’s safety and wellbeing being the priority.
Family violence may also be relevant when property settlement issues are being determined after separation. If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of your child or children, call 000 immediately.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION
Your initial consultation with our Sydney family lawyers is free, confidential, and available by phone, video call, or in person at our Sydney CBD office. In around 30 minutes, we will discuss your situation, explain your options, outline the family law process, and provide a clear indication of likely costs.
Our experienced family lawyers in Sydney will help you understand the key issues, the next steps, and the best path forward. Contact us today to book your free consultation.
Pay At The End with JustFund
Separation can be financially stressful, and that pressure can delay getting the legal help you need.
That is why we offer a Pay at the End option in partnership with JustFund. JustFund provides flexible funding for eligible family law clients, with no upfront costs.
If approved, you can access a flexible line of credit to cover things such as your legal fees (including your barrister), mediator fees, expert fees (such as valuers), and related expenses to the separation. Repayments are not required until you reach a settlement.
Contact us today to find out more regarding payment options with JustFund.
SPEAK TO US TODAY
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of the best Sydney Family Lawyers, please call our office on 1300 188 237, fill out our online enquiry form or book below using our online calendar system which will allow you to select the exact time and date you would like to have your consultation.
FAQs
WHAT ARE CONSENT ORDERS?
When separating, you can formalise your property settlement and future arrangements for your children in one document called ‘Consent Orders’. To enter into this document, you and your former spouse need to agree, our experienced family lawyers can assist you to reach an agreement. Once that agreement has been reached, you both will sign the child support documents and we will send them to the Family Court of Australia for review. The Family Court of Australia reviews and seals the document, this helps protect you in the future as it is a binding document. By having consent orders in place, you and your former spouse will not need to attend court and as a result, it will save you time, stress, and money.
WHAT IS A DIVORCE APPLICATION?
A Divorce Application is simply applying to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia for a Divorce Order declaring you and your former spouse are officially divorced and can remarry. It does not have anything to do with property settlements or parenting arrangements that require a different process (i.e. Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement). Hint – if you and your former spouse can agree to sign the Divorce Application together, you will not need to go the extra step of complying with the Family Court Rules of serving the Application on the other party or attending court.
WHAT IS A BINDING FINANCIAL AGREEMENT/PRE-NUP?
Often known as a ‘BFA’, ‘Separation Agreement’ and/or ‘Prenup’, this is the second and only other way (by agreement) you can formalise your property settlement matters under the Family Law Act 1975. Most of our clients enter into these documents wanting some clarity as to what happens with the assets accumulated during the relationship in the unfortunate event they separate or are separating and want to formalise how the assets are divided. This document is designed for parties who are:
- About to enter into a de facto relationships;
- During a de facto relationship;
- After a de facto relationship ends;
- Before a marriage;
- During a marriage; or
- Following the breakdown of a marriage
Why do we recommend BFA’s – because unlike Consent Orders the agreement reached by the parties does not have the scrutiny of the Family Court and therefore can be much more custom and unique with just as much protection.
