What we offer
Legal Planning & Agreements
Legal planning and agreements serve as the backbone for a smooth transition during life’s most significant changes.
Our services in this area focus on setting up durable frameworks through consent orders, estate planning during separation, and surrogacy agreements. Guided by the clarity of direct communication and confident assurance, we offer you a roadmap that safeguards your interests.
Who it's for
This service is aimed at:
- Individuals and couples looking for legally sound consent orders
- Those navigating the complexities of estate planning amidst separation
- Couples considering surrogacy as an option for expanding their family
How we can assist you
Consent Orders
We assist in drafting and lodging consent orders that serve as a legally enforceable agreement between parties, ensuring that the terms are fair and sustainable.
Estate Planning and Separation
Separation often necessitates revisiting your estate plans. We guide you through the nuances, ensuring that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.
Surrogacy
Entering a surrogacy arrangement is a significant decision. We offer comprehensive legal advice to protect your rights and outline the responsibilities of all parties involved.
What you will gain
Engaging in our Legal Planning and Agreements service provides practical, tailored solutions that prepare you for the future.
You’ll achieve a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks that govern these sensitive issues, enabling you to make informed decisions and secure peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
We address the common concerns you might have as you navigate the realms of family law. Our aim is to provide clear, straightforward answers to help demystify the legal processes involved. Here are some of the most asked questions in family law in QLD, Australia.
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Why is estate planning important in the context of separation?
Estate planning post-separation allows you to safeguard your assets and future, ensuring they align with your new life circumstances. We guide you through tailoring a plan that provides peace of mind.
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What does a consent order typically include?
Consent orders outline agreed-upon financial and parenting arrangements, providing a legally binding framework that minimises future disputes. Our role is to help you craft an order that stands up to legal scrutiny while addressing your needs.
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Can a surrogacy agreement be legally enforced?
In Queensland, surrogacy agreements are not strictly enforceable but serve as a guiding document. We help you outline clear terms that protect everyone involved, focusing on the child’s best interests.
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How often should I review my financial agreements?
Regular reviews of financial agreements are advisable, especially during significant life changes. Our expertise ensures that your agreements stay updated and relevant, providing you with ongoing confidence.
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Is a prenuptial agreement the same as a financial agreement?
While both deal with asset protection, a financial agreement can be made before, during, or after a relationship, whereas a prenuptial agreement is specifically pre-marriage. We help you determine which agreement best suits your situation.
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What are the key elements to include in a comprehensive estate plan?
A robust estate plan includes wills, power of attorney documents, and possibly trusts, tailored to meet your unique needs. We work alongside you to develop a plan that ensures your wishes are honoured and your family is protected.
Getting started
A step-by-step guide to resolving your family law problem
Getting started on resolving your family law problem can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can ease the way. Here’s a straightforward guide to what you can expect from your first appointment with us, designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps.
1. Making first contact
Reaching out is the first step towards resolving your family law matter.
You can book an initial appointment with us on our online booking calendar on our website or over the phone. We offer two initial options to get the conversation started: a complimentary 15-minute chat or a comprehensive one-hour consultation for $450, including GST.
Both provide a safe space for us to understand your unique situation.
2. Preparing for your consultation
While it’s natural to feel anxious about your first meeting with a family lawyer, we aim to make the process as smooth as possible. We offer appointments in person either at our Cairns or Innisfail office, or by Telephone or Microsoft Teams appointments.
If your matter is about a property settlement, be prepared to answer questions about what property you currently own and its estimated value and the property that you and your former partner owned at the start of the relationship.
Please ensure you have childcare in place for your children, as we do not allow children to attend appointments.
3. During the initial consultation
The initial consultation is a one-hour session with a family lawyer on our team. We will listen to your story, ask you relevant questions, provide you with preliminary advice about your separation, divorce, parenting and/or property matter and make a plan forward to assist you to resolve your matter.
4. The next step
Following your first consultation, should you choose to engage our services, we’ll provide you with a cost agreement and disclosure notice detailing our legal fees and terms of engagement.
With our expertise by your side, you’ll have the resources and strategies to make confident decisions and progress towards a resolution.
Want to meet the team? Book a consult and let's chat
Our team
Meet the dedicated professionals who make Cairns Family Law Group your trusted ally in navigating family law. Each member of our team not only brings legal expertise but also a genuine commitment to understanding your unique situation.
Together, we focus on equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that positively shape your future.
For a deeper dive into the expertise and ethos that each team member brings to your case, click below.
