What We Can Help You With

At Stone Group Lawyers, our family lawyers can assist you in all areas of family law and domestic violence in Hervey Bay, including:

• Divorce Proceedings: We can assist with your Divorce Application in both simple or complex divorce proceedings, including where you are separated under one roof, one party might be living overseas, or you are uncertain of your ability to apply for a divorce.

• Parenting Arrangements: We work with you to identify parenting arrangements that are in the best interests of your children and to ensure the parenting arrangements will continue to work for you and your family into the future. Find out more: Parenting Orders | Stone Group Lawyers

• Property Settlements and Spousal Maintenance: We can assist you to negotiate the division of your assets, superannuation, businesses and investments. If you have already reached an agreement on how to divide your assets, then we can help you formalise the agreement through consent orders or a financial agreement. Find out more: Property Settlement | Stone Group Lawyers

• Financial Agreements: These are also known as ‘pre-nups’ and can be entered into before, during or after your relationship to set out how your assets will be divided upon your separation, whether that has already occurred or is planning for potential separation in the future.

• De facto and same-sex relationships: In addition to married couples, our family lawyers can assist with separation of de facto couples, including same sex relationships. Our family lawyers are also able to assist with surrogacy agreements.

• Domestic and Family Violence: Our family law team understand that domestic and family violence in some form is common in many relationships, as such we act with compassion and care to navigate your matter with respect.

• Mediation and Dispute Resolution: We want to assist you in reaching the most cost-effective resolution to your family law matter. That’s why we focus on negotiation and dispute resolution, rather than litigation through court. Find out more: Mediation Gold Coast – Family Mediation Services | Stone Group

How Family Law Works in Hervey Bay

Every family law matter is different, as the circumstances of each family differs, however we adopt the same supportive and solution focused approach for every matter to assist you in achieving the best possible outcome.

Think of the below 5-step process as a roadmap to resolution. We will stand by your side as you navigate this pathway.

• Step 1: Seek legal advice as early as practicable. Obtaining legal advice early can be vital to preserving assets following separation, or assist in navigating the period following your separation. We offer a free 30-minute consult either in-person, video conference or telephone call, so that we can start by understanding your situation, answer your questions, provide initial advice and outline your options to move forward.

• Step 2: Following your initial consultation, we will provide you with detailed strategy and advice tailored to your circumstances, goals and relevant law. We will continue to provide you with updated advice as your matter and circumstances evolve.

• Step 3: Exchange disclosure and explore negotiation/mediation options. Disclosure is the process of exchanging relevant documentation and information to assist in the resolution of your matter.

• Step 4: Formalise agreement through parenting plans, consent orders or financial agreements, depending on your matter. We will provide you advice on the most appropriate option to finalise your agreement, and the associated costs, throughout your matter.

• Step 5: Court proceedings only if required. Court proceedings should be used as a last resort after negotiation and/or dispute resolution has been explored.