Family Law
Clear advice and practical care in legally important and personally difficult matters.
Family Law
Family law matters are often legally important and personally difficult. They may affect children, finances, property, maintenance obligations, living arrangements and future stability. Even where a matter appears straightforward, the legal and practical consequences can be significant.
At Spence Attorneys, we assist with a range of family law matters, including divorce-related issues, parenting issues, maintenance, antenuptial contracts and related disputes. We approach these matters with seriousness and practical care. Clear advice matters, particularly where emotions are high or there is conflict between the parties.
A family law matter should not be dealt with casually simply because it involves people who know each other well. Informal arrangements often break down later, especially where responsibilities were not clearly recorded or where one party acts unreasonably. Sound legal advice can help clients protect their position and make better decisions at an early stage.
Our services include
- Divorce-related legal assistance
- Parenting arrangements and related disputes
- Maintenance issues
- Antenuptial contracts
- Post-divorce and post-separation disputes
- Advice involving children's interests
- Domestic relationship agreements in appropriate cases
- Related litigation and settlement support
When to get advice
Advice should be obtained early where there is likely to be disagreement about children, maintenance, property, living arrangements, patrimonial consequences or formal documentation.
Why clients instruct Spence Attorneys
Clients instruct us because family law matters require both legal clarity and practical judgment. We aim to help clients deal with these matters carefully and with proper regard to long-term consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Do both parties have to agree before a divorce can proceed?
No. Agreement can simplify matters, but lack of agreement does not always prevent the process moving forward.
Can an antenuptial contract be signed after marriage?
Not in the ordinary course. Marriage regime issues should be addressed before the marriage.
What if parents disagree about children's arrangements?
The facts, the child's best interests and the applicable legal framework all matter. Early advice is important.
Can maintenance be changed later?
That depends on the circumstances and the legal basis for the variation sought.
Is mediation always required?
Not always, but in some matters it is useful and sensible.