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Family Law
Family law matters require both legal skill and genuine compassion. M & B Legal provides sensitive, practical advice to help Canberra families navigate separation, parenting arrangements, and financial settlements with clarity and dignity.
What We Do
We understand that family law matters require both legal skill and genuine compassion. Our team provides sensitive, practical advice for families facing change in Canberra, the ACT, and NSW.
We guide you through separation, divorce applications, and the decisions that follow — clearly explaining your rights, obligations, and options at every step.
We help parents reach parenting plans and consent orders focused on children's best interests — covering living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and decision-making responsibility.
Property settlement after separation involves contributions, future needs, and practical realities. We negotiate and document settlements that are fair, enforceable, and tailored to your circumstances.
Known as 'pre-nups' or 'post-nups', binding financial agreements let couples agree in advance on how property would be divided. We draft, review, and negotiate agreements that meet strict legal requirements.
Wherever possible, we resolve family disputes through negotiation and mediation — keeping costs, delay, and conflict to a minimum while still protecting your interests.
We advise on spousal maintenance entitlements and obligations, and how child support arrangements interact with your broader family law settlement.
Why M & B Legal
We know these matters are personal. You'll be treated with dignity and discretion.
We favour negotiation and mediation over court wherever it genuinely serves you.
When agreement isn't possible, we advocate firmly for you and your children.
You'll know how your matter will be costed before we begin, with regular updates.
Our Process
Your first consultation is a safe, confidential conversation about your situation and priorities.
We explain your rights and set out a clear strategy for parenting, property, or divorce — with cost estimates.
Most matters settle through negotiation or mediation. We document agreements so they are binding and enforceable.
If court is unavoidable, we prepare thoroughly and represent you firmly at every hearing.
Where We Act
From our Hughes office in Canberra's south, we assist families across the ACT and surrounding NSW region — in person, by phone, or by video conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying for a divorce in Australia. The application is filed with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Being separated does not always mean living separately under the one roof, but those situations need careful evidence and we can guide you through them.
No. Most family law matters in Australia are resolved without a contested trial. Negotiation, mediation (family dispute resolution), and consent orders allow couples to reach enforceable agreements about children and property while keeping costs and conflict to a minimum. Court is a last resort.
Australian family law takes a broad approach. The court considers what property you both have, the financial and non-financial contributions each person made during the relationship, and each person's future needs. There is no automatic formula, which is why strategic advice early in the process matters.
Yes. We help parents negotiate parenting plans and convert agreements into consent orders that are enforceable and focused on the best interests of the children. Where agreement isn't possible, we provide strong representation in court proceedings.
Family matters are personal. Speak with a lawyer who will listen first, advise clearly, and stand beside you throughout.
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