BSS Personal Legal Services: Family Law











LEVEL 7, NO.1 CHANDOS ST ST LEONARDS NSW 2065 TELEPHONE: (02) 9439 5299 FAX: (02) 9439 6756

BSS Personal Legal Services:

FAMILY LAW (marriage and de facto)

This section sets out an overview of family law, what information is required, and how we can help you achieve an acceptable result.

What is "Family Law?"

Family law is a general description of an area of legal practice which includes

• Divorce

• Custody & Access

• Parenting issues

• Domestic violence

• Child support

• De facto claims

• Property settlements

What do you need to know?

Perhaps more than in any other area of law, every one knows an expert- who actually isn't! It is reassuring to know that the person giving you the advice is a specialist, who actually does know what they are talking about.

It's important to know how family law works, what your options are and what pitfalls or advantages are associated with each of those options. Without this information, you might later find you've done something which changes your entitlements or which makes resolving your matter more difficult or more expensive. It is a lot easier to avoid problems rather than try to solve them- rather like the idea of vaccination!

How to find out.

Family law is relatively complex. To advise you about your options and how the law affects you, we need some information about your circumstances. This may include:

• the length of your marriage or relationship;

• the number of children (if any);

• what assets and liabilities each party had when the relationship commenced (and approximate values where possible);

• whether there have been any relevant gifts, inheritances or windfalls during the relationship;

• what assets and liabilities there are now.

• whether there are any superannuation benefits

• what are the current arrangements for children and what changes are proposed

How can I achieve an acceptable result?

The courts resolve only a tiny percentage of Family law disputes. The majority are solved by negotiation, through counselling, by mediation or with the assistance of the family lawyers. At Bull Son & Schmidt we pride ourselves on our history in achieving a fair result for you without court hearings and the costs involved, but if you are unlucky enough to find yourself in a courtroom, we will commit our experience and our skills to your cause.

Why should I see you instead of some other firm?

Obviously we believe that we are excellent family lawyers, but more importantly so do a lot of other lawyers. A substantial part of our family law practice is referred to us by other lawyers, and often our past clients recommend us to their friends, workmates or relatives.

Remember - the right advice from an accredited family law specialist at the right time can actually save you money, rather than cost you money.

Any questions? Contact us by email (lawyer@bullson.com.au), fax (9439 6756) or phone (9439 5299).