Jonson Leo

Just Family Law are experienced family law solicitors assisting individuals and families in Berwick and surrounding areas with all aspects of family law. Whether you are navigating divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, or a financial settlement, our team brings over 25 years of insight, care, and strategic thinking to every matter.

Divorce
To legally end a marriage, you must apply for a divorce order through the court. While the application process may seem simple, the surrounding issues like property division and arrangements for children, often are not. If you are seeking guidance, speaking with a family court lawyer in Berwick ensures your rights are protected and all important matters are properly addressed.

To apply, you must have been separated for at least 12 months. If you have continued living under the same roof, the Court will ask for extra proof of separation. After the application is submitted, someone other than you must serve the documents to your former spouse at least 28 days before the hearing. Once approved, the order takes effect one month and one day later. If there are children under 18, the Court requires reassurance that proper care arrangements are in place. In most cases, divorce is only the beginning. You may also need to address:

• Property and financial settlements
• Child arrangements
• Updates to your will

Property & Financial Settlement

Separation affects not just your emotional wellbeing but your financial security, too. Property settlement and asset division are essential for legally ending your financial ties with a former partner. Without this, they may still have control over shared assets, making it harder to move forward.

At Just Family Law, our team has extensive experience resolving complex financial disputes. If you are navigating separation or asset division, a trusted family law lawyer in Berwick can help protect your financial future and ensure a fair resolution.

The law considers both parties contributions and needs, regardless of whose name an asset is in. You will usually be expected to attempt negotiation or mediation before the court becomes involved. Engaging a family court lawyer in Berwick early means you are better equipped to reach an outcome the court would consider just and equitable.

Situations where our advice is particularly important include:

• Large inheritances or financial contributions from one side’s family
• Business valuations or disputes over business ownership
• Assets held in trusts or other complex structures
• Financial control or concealment by the other party
• Third-party involvement in financial arrangements

We provide clear advice and represent your best interests, whether in negotiation or in court. In most cases, mediation will be required before a final hearing is set. For example, if there is a family home, one party may need to buy out the other, or the property may need to be sold.

Children’s Arrangements

Making decisions about children after a separation can be incredibly difficult, especially when emotions are high. It is not easy to plan for your children’s future while navigating your own. A family law lawyer in Berwick can help you make sound decisions for your children’s care, even when emotions are running high.

Even well-intentioned parents often disagree on key issues, including:

• Parenting styles
• Number of overnight stays or nights per fortnight
• Practicalities around changeovers
• Private versus public schooling
• Holiday arrangements such as Christmas or birthdays

These matters are usually resolved without going to court. However, we regularly assist clients facing more complex challenges involving:

• Parents with unrealistic or inflexible expectations
• Domestic violence or controlling behaviour
• Relocation proposals
• Mental health concerns
• Drug and alcohol use

Deciding how much time children spend with each parent can be the most sensitive issue of all. A family court lawyer in Berwick from our team can help you manage arrangements around residence, schooling, medical responsibility, and protection from harm.

The Family Law Act stresses the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents. Judges are guided by this principle, even when parents cannot agree.

Resolution is first attempted through mediation. If that fails, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to initiate court proceedings. Once in court, the judge has the final say on parenting orders. All documents must be carefully prepared and filed, something our experienced family lawyers handle with diligence and care.

We assess each party’s risks and priorities from the outset and give honest advice about likely outcomes. Because family court decisions can be difficult to appeal, early expert guidance is essential.

Why choose Just Family Law?

When it comes to sensitive family matters, working with a family court lawyer in Berwick who understands both the legal and personal challenges involved can make all the difference. At Just Family Law, we offer

the experience, care, and clarity you need to move forward.

• Accredited Specialist – Law Institute of Victoria
• More than 25 years of dedicated family law experience
• Our team practices family law exclusively
• Strategic, outcome-focused representation
• Supportive and honest advice from start to finish

Whether you are preparing for court or working toward an out-of-court resolution, a family law lawyer in Berwick will support you at every stage.Contact us on 03 9793 7888 to find out if you are eligible for a free 15-minute consultation