Divorce
Ending a marriage involves more than simply completing an application. At Dara Family Law, we provide clear advice and assistance throughout the divorce process, helping you understand your obligations, timeframes and the steps required to finalise your divorce.
To apply for a divorce in Australia, you generally need to have been separated for at least 12 months and meet the eligibility requirements set out under Australian family law.
We can assist with:
✓ Preparing and reviewing divorce applications
✓ Sole and joint divorce applications
✓ Understanding your rights and obligations following separation
✓ Ensuring your divorce process is completed correctly and efficiently
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Property & Financial Settlements
For many people, the division of property following separation is one of the most significant financial events of their lives. Whether your assets include the family home, investment properties, businesses, trusts, superannuation or other investments, obtaining experienced legal advice is essential to protecting your financial future.
At Dara Family Law, we provide strategic advice and representation in property and financial settlement matters throughout Sydney and Canberra. Led by Principal Lawyer Salem Kassem, with more than 30 years of Family Law experience, we work to achieve practical, fair and commercially sensible outcomes while protecting our clients' long-term interests.
Property settlements involve far more than simply dividing assets. They require careful consideration of all property, liabilities, superannuation, financial resources and each party's contributions, together with their future needs. Every matter is unique, and obtaining advice tailored to your individual circumstances is critical.
We regularly assist clients with:
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Property settlements following separation or divorce
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Complex financial matters involving businesses, trusts and investments
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Superannuation splitting
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Negotiated settlements
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Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements where appropriate
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Court proceedings where agreement cannot be reached
The Family Law Act requires the Court to consider a range of factors to ensure any property settlement is just and equitable. Strict time limits may also apply, particularly following divorce, making it important to obtain legal advice as early as possible.
Our goal is to help you achieve a fair financial outcome while providing clear advice, transparent costs and practical guidance every step of the way.
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Spousal Maintenance
Following separation, one party may have an obligation to provide financial support to the other where they are unable to adequately meet their reasonable living expenses and the other party has the financial capacity to provide assistance.
Whether you are seeking spousal maintenance or responding to a claim, obtaining experienced legal advice is essential. Every matter is different, and the outcome will depend on your individual financial circumstances and the evidence available.
At Dara Family Law, we provide practical advice on all aspects of spousal maintenance, including:
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Eligibility for spousal maintenance
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Negotiating financial support arrangements
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Urgent and interim maintenance applications
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Spousal maintenance as part of a broader property settlement
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Court proceedings where an agreement cannot be reached
The Court considers a range of factors when determining whether spousal maintenance should be paid, including each party's financial resources, income, earning capacity, health, age, reasonable living expenses and ongoing care of any children.
Where possible, we work to resolve spousal maintenance issues through negotiation, helping clients avoid unnecessary legal costs and lengthy court proceedings. When court action is required, we provide experienced representation focused on achieving a fair and practical outcome.
parenting Matters & Parenting Disputes
When parents separate, making decisions about their children can be one of the most emotional and challenging aspects of family law. At Dara Family Law, we provide clear advice and strong legal representation to help parents reach practical arrangements that are in the best interests of their children.
Where possible, we encourage parents to resolve disputes through negotiation and agreement, avoiding the cost, stress and uncertainty of lengthy court proceedings. When an agreement is reached, we can prepare legally binding Parenting Orders or Consent Orders to provide certainty for the future.
We regularly assist clients with:
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Parenting arrangements and parenting plans
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Parenting Orders and Consent Orders
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Parental responsibility
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Living arrangements and time spent with each parent
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Schooling, medical decisions and extracurricular activities
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Interstate and overseas travel with children
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Grandparents and extended family arrangements
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Court proceedings where an agreement cannot be reached
Every family is different. We take the time to understand your circumstances and provide practical advice focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children.