Legal

We support separated couples who are going through a divorce and want a smooth and respectful way to resolve financial, property and parenting matters, without the conflict. 

This approach is for couples who:

• Are wanting to separate and are ready to come to an agreement
• Have an asset pool in excess of $500,000 (if you are below this threshold, you may wish to consider Legal Aid)
• Are willing to cooperate with each other in a non-adversarial approach (if you are in extreme conflict this is not the right option for you)      
• Are seeking a win-win outcome for both parties  
• Want a result that prioritises children’s needs (if any children are involved)          
• Want to resolve their matters in a timely manner and without great costs.

Our experienced legal team at I relate. Collaborative Family Law help you through the separation process from start to finish, resolving all parenting, property and financial issues arising from your marriage or de facto relationship. Our non-adversarial approach is achieved outside of the Court and provides legally binding outcomes for both parties.
 
Unlike mediation and family dispute resolution, the collaborative process includes direct input and involvement from experienced family law solicitors along with other appropriate professionals in the same room. Instead of solicitors taking an adversarial stance, they work together respectfully towards a common goal and can help the parties legally document their agreement at the same time.

Where required we engage other experts including child consultants and financial advisors to achieve a holistic outcome for your family, based on your individual needs and interests.  Our aim is to create better social, financial and emotional outcomes for all families.
 
Unlike traditional law firms, our approach provides ongoing wraparound supports such as:

• Counselling services to talk things over with a professional to manage stress and difficulties
• Parenting programs to support post separation and co-parenting
• Case management to consider all aspects of your needs including housing, recreation, social supports, employment, finances, and wellbeing
• An experienced Child Consultant facilitates a child-focused discussion to ensure that the children’s voices are heard
• Input from a financial advisor supports planning for the future 

How we can help you will depend on where you are in your separation.

Option 1

If you and your ex-partner have already drawn up agreements and you want to make them legally binding, you may not need to go through the full collaborative process to do this. You will still need to engage in an initial consultation with us to discuss this option and obtain legal advice about your agreement.
 

Option 2

If you and your ex partner are willing to come to an agreement, but are unsure how to proceed then the Collaborative approach as shown below is likely the best option for you.

 

I relate. Collaborative Family Law prioritises the wellbeing of family relationships, whilst still being settlement focused.

Benefits of this approach include:

• Finalising your matter in a timely and respectful manner
• Low cost options and affordable packaging to save you money
• Legal representation for you and your ex-partner
• Legally binding agreements for both parties
• No threats of going to Court
• Learning to communicate respectfully with your ex-partner
• The opportunity to discuss and agree upon how you will co-parent and continue to support your children’s best interests
• Working together as a team rather than working against each other

While many divorce matters can cost up to $100,000 (or more) in legal fees with traditional law firms, the average cost with us ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.

Your actual fees will be determined by the complexity of your case and number of documents you need (which means your fees could exceed this average). By using the collaborative approach with us, you are able to keep more of your hard-earned financial assets with our range of affordable packages.
 
We encourage you to contact our legal team directly to discuss initial consultation and further fee requirements.