Family lawyer for the Sunshine Coast

Plenty of Sunshine Coast couples made a sea change together — sold up in a capital city, bought here, and perhaps started a small business or went self-employed. When the relationship ends, untangling those decisions takes care: who contributed what from the earlier sale, how the business is valued, and what each of you will realistically need going forward.

Families here often have grandparents nearby who are closely involved with the children, or have moved to the Coast to be near them. Children's relationships with grandparents and extended family are something the court can consider, and good parenting arrangements usually make room for them.

If you've agreed how to divide property or care for the children, consent orders make it final and enforceable. I draft the application and orders, check the financial disclosure, and go through every clause with you before you sign. They're filed online with a $205 court fee and decided on the papers, so there's no trip to court. Property orders must be just and equitable, and parenting orders must be in the children's best interests.

If you'd prefer a private arrangement, a Binding Financial Agreement under the Family Law Act can do a similar job without court approval — and couples sometimes make one before moving in together or marrying. Each of you needs independent legal advice, so I act for one of you only.

Once you've been separated for 12 months you can apply for divorce, on your own or jointly, through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. The filing fee is $1,125, or $375 with a concession. Property is separate, and there are time limits: generally 12 months from the divorce taking effect, or two years from separation for de facto couples.

Applications are filed online, so agreed matters don't need anyone to attend. If a hearing is ever needed, the court allocates the registry, and I appear by video link where the court permits, or in person where required.

I keep my Queensland fees lower than my Victorian fees, because I don't want cost to be a barrier when you're already under strain. A joint divorce application is $750 and a sole application $990. Consent orders are $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both. A straightforward BFA starts from $1,490, with complex agreements ranging from $2,990 to $4,950. Court fees are extra. Your fee is confirmed in writing after the free 30-minute consultation, before any work starts.

Queensland generally exempts transfers of property between former partners made under family law orders or a BFA from transfer duty, subject to conditions — we check that for your property before anything is finalised.

If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Domestic violence protection orders are made under Queensland law by the Magistrates Court. Please tell me about any concerns at the start, because your safety and your children's safety come first.