Divorce, Judicial Separation and Family Matters

• Joint divorce petitions where terms can be discussed, and contested unilateral petitions where agreement has not been reached.
• Child custody, care and control, access arrangements and applications for interim arrangements while a divorce is pending.
• Matrimonial assets and maintenance issues, including discussion of existing orders and changed circumstances.
• Matters involving a spouse who has left the matrimonial home or has been missing for an extended period.

The conversation can address your immediate concerns, the difference between pursuing agreed terms and a contested matter, and what supporting information is still needed. The suitable approach depends on your circumstances and the applicable civil process. No particular division of assets, custody arrangement, maintenance award or completion date can be assumed.

For an initial appointment, bring available marriage and children’s birth certificates, existing court orders, and documents concerning income, regular family expenses, property and loans. A short account of the marriage, current living arrangements and the children’s needs helps keep the discussion focused. Identify any arrangements already agreed and the issues still disputed; you do not need to resolve every disagreement before seeking advice.

• ✓Family RecordsMarriage and children’s birth certificates, existing court orders and relevant correspondence.
• ✓Financial InformationIncome, family expenses, property ownership and loan documents.
• ✓Current ArrangementsA chronology of the marriage, children’s needs and the matters agreed or disputed.