Can one family lawyer handle both my property settlement and parenting arrangements?

Yes, many Perth family lawyers handle both, but for complex property matters or high-conflict parenting disputes it can help to confirm the lawyer has specific recent experience in that stream.

Which matter usually gets resolved first, property or parenting?

There is no fixed order. Parenting arrangements are often addressed first for the children's stability, but property settlement has its own time limits after divorce or separation that need separate attention.

Do I need a family report for a parenting dispute?

Not always. Family reports are usually ordered by the court in contested matters where an independent assessment of the children's circumstances would help resolve disagreement.

Property settlement vs parenting matters: which family lawyer to call

Family law covers two quite different types of disputes after a separation: dividing property and finances, and arranging parenting or custody arrangements for children. Some Perth family lawyers handle both, but many build particular strength in one area, and the process, evidence and negotiation style differ between the two.

Property settlement work involves valuing assets, superannuation splitting, and often financial disclosure disputes. Parenting matters involve care arrangements, relocation disputes, and sometimes involvement from the Independent Children's Lawyer or family report writers. Knowing which type of matter you have helps you brief the right lawyer and avoid paying for expertise you do not need.

Property settlement: asset division, super splitting, spousal maintenance
Parenting matters: care schedules, relocation, family violence considerations
Some firms specialise heavily in one stream rather than both

What it costs

Property settlement matters are often billed with reference to the complexity of the asset pool and whether disclosure is disputed, while parenting matters are more affected by whether the case is agreed or contested in court. Ask for an estimate based on which stream your matter falls into, since the work involved differs substantially.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for family law.

1. Hickman Family Lawyers Perth
4.9★ · 189 reviews

90
2. Tang Law
4.8★ · 593 reviews

91
3. Vertannes Georgiou
5.0★ · 68 reviews

89

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FAQ

Can one family lawyer handle both my property settlement and parenting arrangements?: Yes, many Perth family lawyers handle both, but for complex property matters or high-conflict parenting disputes it can help to confirm the lawyer has specific recent experience in that stream.
Which matter usually gets resolved first, property or parenting?: There is no fixed order. Parenting arrangements are often addressed first for the children's stability, but property settlement has its own time limits after divorce or separation that need separate attention.
Do I need a family report for a parenting dispute?: Not always. Family reports are usually ordered by the court in contested matters where an independent assessment of the children's circumstances would help resolve disagreement.

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