Frequently Asked Questions: Our Practice Areas
FAQs with Senior Lawyer
Nearly four decades of experience, since 1986, in literally hundreds of cases, many of which have facts similar to yours.
Divorce property settlements, applications for parenting orders, and domestic violence applications and prosecutions.
Nearly four decades of experience, since 1986, in literally hundreds of cases, many of which have facts similar to yours
Firstly I assess if there is any prospect of resolution through alternative dispute resolution processes. If not I, will recommend and actively pursue the appropriate court remedies
Fees are charged primarily on a time basis, i.e., an hourly rate, for the actual time spent working on your file, and payment plans and fixed fees can be applied where appropriate. Fees and court scales are explained in our client agreement and explanatory memorandum.
I will call you with a follow up email immediately there is s anything important that we need to do or discuss with you. Otherwise I will keep in touch every 20 business days by way of phone call and /or email, with progress updates.
This depends upon the nature of your case, and the attitude of the other party to the proceedings (if your our case is defended or consented to). It also depends on whether or not your matter can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution, or needs to be determined by a court.
I will personally handle all substantive aspects of your case, and I will remain your primary point of contact. From time to time you may be contacted by personal assistants, paralegals or other staff members, generally only in relation to administrative or practical Incidental aspects of the running of your case.
Through ongoing legal practice and experience, and attending seminars. I am automatically alerted to any changes in the law, from the Queensland Law Society, by subscription services, and through the Family law Practitioners Association, of which I am a member.
I can and will provide you with an estimate, often a range, of the total cost of your case from the facts that are known at that particular time. You will be immediately notified if this estimate changes, due, say, to a change in the direction that your case, or the establishment of new facts.
My success rate in achieving realistic desired outcomes, is very high, nearly 100%.
There are a number of dispute resolution methods available in most cases, and these methods will be explained to you. Unless you instruct otherwise, I will guide your case towards attempted resolution by alternative dispute resolution practices, prior to the issuing of any court proceedings.
Generally if your spouse is uncooperative or contentious, this unfortunately may add additional costs and delay to your case. I will endeavour to recover, at least a portion of these additional costs, from your spouse through court orders where possible. However the general rule in family law matters is that each party pays their own costs.
You can expect to receive a just and equitable result by way of a property division, framed towards your desired outcomes where possible. For child custody, or parenting orders as we now call them, you can expect to achieve court orders that are in the best interests of the child, considering the particular facts of your case. I can also assist you with negotiating and enforcing orders for child support, in conjunction with the Child Support Agency where necessary, as I am aware that obtaining and enforcing fair child support orders is often like “walking in a minefield”.
Secure all bank accounts including credit cards, and close all joint bank accounts distributing funds fairly. Undertakings will be sought from your spouse to not dispose of or deal with assets and property interests until further joint agreement or court order, and an injunction obtained if necessary. We can also place a caveat over any joint property, or property in your spouse’s name only, to protect your interests, until further agreement or order.
Always keep in the very front of your mind, the fact that if the matter where determined by a court, the court will make parenting orders that are In your child’s best interests. You should not denigrate or put down the other parent to, or in the presence of, a child, and you should seek to be cooperative with the other parent if possible, and seek to foster and facilitate a meaningful relationship, and substantial time, for as child with the other parent unless it is unsafe to do so, or is otherwise not in the child’s best interests. Keep a diary of your daily thoughts and interactions with the other parent.
We can give you general legal advice in relation to whether or not a tax liability may apply to your property division, however we cannot give financial advice. You will need to obtain this advice from an accountant or financial consultant, before you agree on any property division.
If you, and/or a child, has been or are still being, subjected to domestic violence or abuse, I will do all I can to ensure that you are and the child are properly emotionally, financially and psychologically supported, and protected from that abuse. I will immediately make an application to the court and have an temporary protection order made, if so instructed by you, in appropriate circumstances. Often this order can be made on the same day the application is filed.
We will supply you with a checklist of documents required prior to our initial consultation. In a nutshell, you should be in a position to provide to us with a basic outline of your relationship details, the children’s particulars, incidents of any domestic violence, and the current value of all assets and liabilities, including superannuation. Please bring your diary with you to assist.
A few Reasons Why We are one of
Townsville's Most Effective Law Firms
We believe you are here for a reason. And that reason is to ensure you get the best legal help possible, at the best possible price.
Here at Strategic Lawyers Townsville we’re experts in striking good bargains, but the most important bargain for us, is the one we strike with our clients.
Our offer is simple. We’ll ensure you know what’s going on. We’ll advise you on your best interests and we’ll never give up on your cause.
This means together we’ll reach the best outcome possible. Our people live in this community and we’ve been here a good while.
As such we know how important it is not only that you leave here satisfied but that you’ll recommend us. Call us now on 13 14 LAW and speak to a lawyer about your case.
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