Divorce Lawyers

Separation and divorce are usually very difficult and stressful times. For most people, it has a life changing effect, and can be overwhelming. Our divorce lawyers are here to assist you with your matter.

In Australia the Family Court does not consider who may be ‘at fault’, or why the marriage broke down. Rather, when granting a divorce, the Court considers whether there is any reasonable likelihood that the parties will reunite. In other words, the Court would ask, “has the marriage broken down irretrievably?”

It is important to note that a divorce is a separate process from the distribution / division of property, or financial support, or arrangements for children. A divorce is just formalising the fact that the marriage has ended.

A divorce application can only be submitted when the parties have been separated for 12 months. However, it is possible to be separated, and still living under the same roof.

One party to a marriage may make an application for divorce, or both parties can make a joint application.

If the parties to a marriage have children aged under 18 years, the Court will need to be satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for the children before granting a divorce.

For people that have been married less than two years, they will need to attend counselling, and obtain a counselling certificate, prior to applying for a divorce.

It is possible to oppose a divorce application; although there are only a few reasons why that may occur.

It doesn’t necessarily matter whether or not you were married in Australia, you can still apply for a divorce if you:

  • regard Australia as your home and intend to live indefinitely in Australia;
  • are an Australian citizen by birth or descent;
  • are an Australian citizen by grant of an Australian citizenship; or
  • ordinarily live in Australia and have done so for 12 months immediately before filing for divorce.

When making an application for divorce, you will need to provide the Court with a copy of your marriage certificate; if you were married overseas and it is not in English, you will need to file an English translation of it, and an affidavit from the translator.

The timing of your divorce application may be relevant, and could affect other aspects of your marital affairs. For example, after a divorce, there is a limited time in which you can make an application to the Family Court for property orders, after which period you would need to seek the Court’s permission to file such an application. If you are considering a divorce, you should seek legal advice as early as possible.

Of course, the above is merely an overview and not intended to be advice.

Divorce Lawyer FAQ’s

Yes, you can but under those circumstances, there are particular requirements to meet before a divorce can be granted.

Parties can be separated under one roof.  It can make it more complicated to meet government requirements for financial assistance as well as the requirements to obtain a divorce if the parties were married.

No, you don’t need your spouse to agree to a divorce, nor do you need them to sign the application. An application for a divorce can be made jointly, or by one party.

No, you do not need to be divorced before a property settlement can occur.

You need to be separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce.

It can take between 2 to 6 months from the date of lodgement of the application to the date the divorce is made final.

It depends. Sometimes it is a quick process, sometimes it can take years of negotiations and litigation. Ideally, a family law matter is resolved amicably, quickly and inexpensively. However, some disputes are harder to sort out and can take longer. Sometimes the Family Court is required to resolve matters that the parties cannot themselves.

Where matters are urgent, West Family Lawyers are able to accommodate a prompt appointment with one of the senior lawyers.

At West Family Lawyers we can offer you assistance with this process, and we are only a phone call away. Call +61 8 9380 9111 if you would like our help.

For more information on divorce, contact West Family Lawyers today.