Divorce Lawyer & Separation Support
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Divorce & Separation
Ending a marriage or long-term relationship can be overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about the next steps and what the future holds. The legal process can seem complex, but having the right guidance can provide clarity and direction.
Our dedicated divorce lawyers assist individuals and families across Wollongong, Sutherland, Macarthur, the Southern Highlands, and Sydney. We take a practical approach, ensuring you understand your rights, options, and entitlements. Every case is different, which is why we offer tailored advice to suit your situation and budget. Whether you need guidance on property division, financial settlements, or parenting arrangements, we provide clear strategies to help you make informed decisions.
From negotiating agreements to handling the legal formalities, we support you through each stage, ensuring that both the major decisions and the smaller but equally important details are addressed. With in-depth knowledge of family law and the court system across New South Wales, we advocate for your best interests and work towards a resolution that allows you to move forward with confidence.
Filing for divorce is the legal step that formally ends a marriage. In Australia, the process follows a no-fault system, meaning there is no need to prove wrongdoing by either party. The only requirement is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, with no reasonable chance of reconciliation. To apply, the couple must have been separated for at least 12 months.
Divorce itself does not resolve other important matters such as dividing assets, financial support, or parenting arrangements. These issues need to be addressed separately through legal agreements or court orders. Seeking guidance from an experienced divorce lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that all aspects of your separation are handled properly.
Understanding Divorce and the Legal Process
Taking the First Steps Towards Divorce
Deciding to divorce is a significant step, and understanding the process can help you move forward with clarity. The first step is to determine whether you need a divorce order alone or if there are other matters that require resolution, such as property division, financial support, or parenting arrangements. While applying for a divorce order is usually straightforward, it does not automatically finalise these other aspects of separation.
Seeking legal advice early can be invaluable. A family divorce lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations. At Seacliff Family Law, we assist clients in Wollongong and across NSW in managing the legal and practical aspects of separation. Engaging a lawyer early can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a structured approach to resolving financial and parenting matters.
It is also important to be aware of time limits. For example, after a divorce order is granted, there is a 12-month window to apply for property and financial settlements. If you were in a de facto relationship, the time limit is two years from separation. Delays in addressing these matters can complicate the process, so obtaining legal advice as soon as possible can help you develop a clear plan for moving forward.
Why Seacliff Family Law is the Right Choice for Your Divorce
Navigating divorce or separation can be overwhelming, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Seacliff Family Law, we are committed to providing clear, practical advice to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Led by Ashleigh, an Accredited Specialist in Family Law with over a decade of experience, our firm is trusted for its balanced approach—combining professionalism and efficiency with a personal, supportive touch. We know that every family law matter is unique, and we take the time to provide tailored guidance suited to your circumstances.
Our approach is centred on reducing stress and uncertainty by breaking down complex legal processes into clear, manageable steps. Whether you need assistance with the divorce application itself or related matters such as property settlements, financial support, or parenting arrangements, we ensure that you are well-informed and prepared at every stage.
We also recognise the importance of achieving resolutions in a timely and cost-effective manner. By offering strategic legal advice and effective negotiation, we aim to minimise unnecessary disputes and provide a structured path towards a fair outcome. Our goal is to help you close this chapter with clarity and certainty, allowing you to focus on building a secure and stable future.
If you are considering divorce or separation, our experienced family lawyers are here to guide you through the process with care and expertise. Contact us for a confidential discussion on how we can assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long DOES THE DIVORCE PROCESS TAKE?
A divorce is formally bringing an end to a marriage. It is separate from sorting out related issues such as a property settlement. You need to be separated for 12 months before you are eligible to apply for divorce. The application can be prepared relatively quickly for a straight forward matter. Once the application is filed you are allocated a Court date for the divorce to be considered so the timeframe depends on the particular availability of the Court registry in which the application is filed. Generally the process takes around 4 months from start to finish. It is important to note that a divorce does not become final until 1 month and 1 day after the divorce Order is made.
What ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DIVORCE & SEPaRATION?
A separation is when an intimate partner relationship has come to an end. A divorce is only required where you are married to your ex-partner. A divorce is the legal process to formally bring an end to a marriage. To be eligible to apply for a divorce you need to have been separated for at least 12 months. You do not necessarily have to have been living physically apart for it to be classified as a separation. There are many instances where there is a separation but you are living in the same house as your ex-partner.
How ARE OUR ASSETS DIVIDED?
Every matter is different and it depends on the nature of assets and liabilities applicable to your particular situation. Generally speaking, to determine how the assets are divided the contributions at the commencement of the relationship, during the relationship and post separation will be considered. Looking to the future, the needs of each party will also be considered such as if there are children under 18 that are in one parents primary care, the age and health of the parties, earning capacity and income disparity. Overall the proposed split of assets needs to be considered fair in the circumstances. For more detailed information about Property Settlement after Divorce or Separation read our blog post on this topic here.
What HAPPENS TO THE CHILDREN AFTER DIVORCE?
Every family and every matter is different. If you are unable to reach an agreement as to parenting arrangements for the children it is recommended that you get some legal advice tailored to your particular circumstance as soon as possible. Ideally the children will be given the opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, however this will not always be possible particularly where there are serious safety or risk concerns.
Our Family Law Services
We provide clear and strategic legal guidance to help you navigate the challenges of family law. Our team understands that every situation is unique, and we are committed to offering practical solutions tailored to your circumstances. Whether you are dealing with separation, property settlements, or parenting arrangements, we work to simplify the legal process and support you every step of the way.
Seacliff Family Law supports you through:
diVORCE &
SEPARATION
Ending a marriage or de facto relationship is never easy, but having the right legal support can make the transition smoother. We assist with divorce applications, legal separation, and complex matters involving same-sex relationships and international family law. Our team provides guidance on your legal rights and obligations, ensuring you understand the process and what to expect. We also help manage related concerns such as financial support, property division, and arrangements for children, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
PROPERTY &
FINANCIAL SETTLEMENTS
Sorting out financial matters after separation can be one of the most difficult aspects of family law. We assist in negotiating and formalising property settlements, ensuring a fair division of assets, property, and financial resources, including superannuation. Whether through mediation, negotiation, or court proceedings, we work towards a resolution that protects your financial future. Our team also advises on spousal maintenance and child support, ensuring that financial arrangements reflect your needs and those of your family.
CHILDREN &
PARENTING
Making a plan for the children of separated parents. This can include dealing with many different issues such as domestic violence, parental alienation, relocation, recovery matters & grandparents rights
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