Family Law Service

The role of the family law service is to provide free legal information, legal advice and referrals for family law matters including divorce, parenting matters, property settlement, and child protection procedures for residents in Northern Tasmania.

One of the main aims of the service is to support families in resolving their own disputes with the primary focus on what is in the best interests of the child. Our assistance can include representation in a Family Dispute Resolution Conference where, for example, separated parents can work towards agreement on arrangements for their children, and make arrangements that will best meet each individual child’s needs, without the necessity of going to court.

Our service can support clients to develop workable parenting plans which can cover a range of issues such as the time a child is to spend with each person, how parents will communicate with each other about co-parenting issues, and who is responsible for making decisions about major long-term issues. We can also draft consent orders as a result of successful parenting plans. However, we do not represent clients in court should they not resolve their matters successfully.

As part of our outreach service the family law solicitor also visits communities across the North of Tasmania, from time to time, to provide free legal advice on family law matters. Through our valued partners in the community, we also provide community legal education where we aim to demystify family law so that people can understand their rights, how to exercise those rights and how to navigate the legal system. Our educational programs include presentations on family law generally, aspects of child safety, family violence and family violence orders.

In May 2024 the Family Law Amendment Act (2023) set out new laws about what a court must consider when determining what is in a child’s best interests, and how separating parents are to make decisions about long-term issues for their children. If you know anyone or see a client who would potentially benefit from assistance with a family law matter, then an appointment can be made through our reception desk on 03 6334 1577 in the first instance.

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