Divorce & Separation

Ensure you have the support and guidance you need through an often-difficult period. Harbourside Legal Services’ experienced divorce and separation lawyers provide the advice and representation individuals need to move through the divorce process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We understand that the process of applying for and obtaining a divorce can be difficult and stressful, and our team are here to help. We can assist you with the filing of the divorce application, as well as any supplementary documents required by the court in the case of more complicated divorces. The help you need is always available when you choose Harbourside Legal Services.

Australian law stipulates that no reason is required to get a divorce other than that the relationship between the two parties has irretrievably broken down for 12 months or more. Couples are able to obtain a divorce where they have been separated for more than 12 months, the court takes this as evidence of the fact, but as long as they show the separation in the application, a couple living under the same roof can divorce.

Both parties will require identification and proof of citizenship (if one or both were not born in Australia), as well as the marriage certificate.

You and your ex-partner will not be required to have a formal agreement regarding child custody in place prior to granting divorce, but you will need to satisfy the court that any children will be adequately taken care of.

Couples are encouraged to attempt to reach an agreement about division of property without having to go to court. In the event you cannot reach an agreement, a formal application for property orders is required to be lodged within 12 months of the divorce becoming final.

Upon lodging your application for divorce, the court will advise you and your ex-partner of the date of the hearing, usually to be held within two to three months. Please note that the hearing is not a long process and you may not even be required to attend. Providing the court grants the divorce, it becomes final one month and one day after the date of the hearing.

The Harbourside Legal Services team of separation and divorce lawyers has solid experience in a range of matters relating to the dissolution of marriages and de facto relationships, including:

To learn how we can support you, contact Harbourside Legal today. Send us your enquiry through our contact form or via email at [email protected]. You can also call our Sydney CBD office on 02 9955 6692.