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18 July 2025
By Joel Niles
Do I need a family lawyer?
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If you have separated from your ex, you may be asking the question “do I need a family lawyer?”.
You may be concerned about the costs of engaging a family lawyer while also managing a difficult financial situation.
Associate in Family Law Joel Niles shares 3 reasons why you need a family lawyer.
3 reasons why I need a family lawyer
1. A family lawyer can tell me what I am entitled to.
You might presume that a 50/50 division of your assets is fair. However, a 50/50 division may actually be less than your entitlement. A family lawyer will be able to tell you what your legal entitlement is so that you can approach a property settlement with confidence. It is even more important that you see a family lawyer if your ex is trying to force you into an agreement.
2. A family lawyer can save me time and money.
You may be asking “how can a family lawyer save me time and money?”. This can be done by reaching a negotiated agreement without the need for costly and time-consuming Court proceedings. Further, if a family lawyer helps you formalise your agreement by way of a Consent Order, you can have confidence that the agreement you have formalised is binding and enforceable. By engaging a family lawyer early on, you can also avoid the risks and future costs associated with not formalising a property settlement or parenting arrangement properly.
3. If I have experienced or am experiencing family violence.
We know that family violence appears in a variety of forms including coercive control. If you have experienced family violence, whether in the past or ongoing, a family lawyer can give you advice to help you protect yourself and your family, and advocate for you if you feel unable to do so. They can also refer you to resources and services that can assist you further if that is required. It is crucial that you see a family lawyer as your experience of family violence may also have an effect on your entitlements to a property settlement as well as care arrangements for your children.
How can Andersons Solicitors help?
At Andersons, we have a highly experienced family law team who can help you through your separation or divorce including to help you understand your entitlement and how best to formalise your agreement.
At Andersons we work a little differently than many law firms in that we offer a 90-minute Family Road Map meeting tailored to your personal situation.
All your concerns and questions will be addressed in this appointment and your lawyer will explain the process and outline a plan for next steps. All for a set fee.
There is no obligation to engage our team after this meeting but at the very least you will have a solid plan to progress through your separation.
For more information or to book your 90-minute Family Road Map appointment, please call 8238 6666 or email enquiry@andersons.com.au
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