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Decide it together,
in advance.

A binding financial agreement lets couples decide how property will be divided if they separate, before they marry or move in, during the relationship, or after it ends.

Client reviews

Family law clients,
in their own words.

Family law clients are identified by initials only.

Is this you?

When people come to us about binding financial agreements.

Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.

  • You are about to marry or move in and want to protect assets you bring.
  • Family wealth or a family business needs protecting.
  • You have separated and want a private settlement without court orders.
  • You signed an agreement years ago and want to know if it holds.

How we help

A financial agreement only protects you if it is made properly.

Binding financial agreements are made under the Family Law Act, for married and de facto couples. Each party must receive independent legal advice before signing, and the lawyer signs a certificate. An agreement can be set aside in some circumstances, such as fraud or unconscionable conduct, so it must be prepared carefully.

We prepare agreements and advise people asked to sign one, including on whether an existing agreement is likely to hold.

What we do

  • Agreements before marriage or moving in
  • Agreements during a relationship
  • Agreements after separation
  • Independent advice and the lawyer’s certificate
  • Superannuation in financial agreements
  • Review of existing agreements

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What happens first

Your first week with us.

A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.

What it costs
  1. The first meeting: where you stand

    A fixed-fee meeting with a family lawyer. What a fair outcome looks like, what the other side is likely to do, and what not to do in the meantime.

  2. In writing: a plan and an estimate for the first stage

    The steps, the order they happen in, and the cost of each, so you decide with the numbers in front of you.

  3. The first steps: your position protected

    Time limits diarised, urgent matters dealt with first, and the first letter sent only once there is a strategy behind it.

  4. From then on: one lawyer, who answers

    The lawyer who meets you runs your matter. Calls and emails are returned within one business day, including when the news is not good.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.

  • Can a binding financial agreement be overturned?

    In limited circumstances, such as fraud, unconscionable conduct or a material change involving children. Proper advice and drafting make that much less likely.

  • Do we each need our own lawyer?

    Yes. Each party must receive independent legal advice before signing for the agreement to be binding.

  • What does it cost?

    The first meeting with a solicitor is a fixed fee, quoted when you book. After that you receive a written plan and estimate for each stage, and you are told before any estimate is exceeded.

Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.

A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.