Family Law Advice in Orange

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Orange on circuit, at the corner of Lords Place and Byng Street. Orange is a circuit location only, so documents are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or with the Dubbo Registry. Court details →

You must have been separated for at least 12 months before applying. You also need to be legally married and meet the citizenship or residency requirements. Applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, either jointly or on your own. Divorce doesn’t deal with children or property, which need to be sorted out separately. Step-by-step divorce guide →

No. There is no automatic 50/50 arrangement. Since May 2024, the law no longer presumes equal shared parental responsibility. Parenting arrangements are based on what is in the child’s best interests, including their safety and their relationship with each parent. Parental rights explained →

Yes. Married couples generally have 12 months from the date their divorce takes effect to start property proceedings. De facto couples generally have two years from separation. Late applications need the court’s permission, so it’s best to get advice early. Property settlement →

There is no automatic rule. The court looks at the pool of assets, each person’s financial and non-financial contributions (including caring for children), and future needs, then decides what is just and equitable. Many couples agree on an outcome and formalise it with consent orders. How property is divided →

Usually not. Most matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation or arbitration, which are generally quicker and cheaper than litigation. Court is typically only needed where those options aren’t suitable or haven’t worked, for example where there are safety concerns or urgent issues. When court may be required →

Generally, no. De facto partners have similar rights to married couples for property, maintenance and parenting. A relationship usually needs to have lasted two years or produced a child, and property claims must be made within two years of separation. De facto vs marriage →

Grandparents don’t have an automatic right to see grandchildren, but the law recognises a child’s right to a relationship with extended family. If contact is being refused, grandparents can apply for parenting orders where it’s in the child’s best interests. Grandparents’ rights →

It depends on how complex your matter is and whether it can be settled without court. We’ll discuss fees openly at the start, give you a clear cost estimate, and look for ways to keep costs down, such as mediation. 5 tips to reduce costs →