Family Law

Family Law is a key area of our practice where we strive for negotiated settlements that minimise the legal and emotional cost where agreements can be formalised and implemented without Court intervention.

Generally, negotiated outcomes are more cost effective, more personalised for you and your family and less stressful than having it determined by the Court.

Despite separation, parents have an ongoing parental relationship for many years to come and it is in the best interests of your children that you not be brought into a lengthy, expensive, and acrimonious dispute. While the costs usually escalate in proportion to the level of hostility and that is not in the interests of the parties or their children.

We assure, however, that we will not compromise your position in the pursuit of a negotiated settlement, whether it be in a children or financial context. If the other party delays or frustrates the process or is not prepared to deal with it on a conciliatory basis then there are legal remedies open to you.

The family law systems is there to meet your needs and as a service provider, we hope that our engagement will allow you to avoid the pitfalls, make the best choices, and get to the end of the process at the earliest possible time so that you and your children can move on with your lives.

Marg Kummerfeld is a partner of the firm and is experienced in general litigation, succession and family law. She has qualified as a mediator with the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia. She is an Accredited Family Law Specialist.

Claire Riddell practices exclusively in the area of family law, domestic protection, and child support.

We embrace the best practices prescribed by the Family Court of Australia and are happy to advise on many of the following issues

We pride ourselves on maintaining best practice standards. As a law firm we provide advice and experience on all issues related to separation including:

Advice on separating
Parenting issues – where your children live, with whom and visiting rights
Child Support
Relocation of Children
Property Settlement for married couples
Divorce
Property and separation issues for defacto and same sex couples
Spousal Maintenance
Grandparents Rights
Third Party Claims
Resolution by mediation or conferencing
Appeals
Financial and Pre-nuptial Agreements
Domestic Violence
Enforcement and Intervention Orders
Succession and planning issues

DO I NEED A LAWYER?

We know that many people are unsure if a problem has a legal solution – particularly in relation to the complex issues raised by separation. This can create enormous stress and often a short consultation with a lawyer will provide you with a real direction. To encourage people to go the next step and visit a lawyer we have developed an Initial Consultation Initiative where you can visit a lawyer or even talk over the telephone for up to 30 minutes for a fixed fee of $110.00. If you ultimately proceed with an issue this consultation can be incorporated into your file.

As a regional law firm we understand our clients may have particular issues arising either by reason of distance or accessibility. We have telelink and videoconferencing facilities to overcome these issues and close the tyranny of distance between you and your lawyer.
Remember, even in matters where proceedings may be necessary, 95% settle in the early stages and 1 in 100 might proceed to trial. At Bell Dixon Butler we have an experienced team of lawyers that can assist you in the resolution of these issues so as to secure a just and equitable outcome that meets your individual needs.

If you need further information please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Margarett Kummerfeld

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Claire Riddell

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“My Dealings with your company and person of dealings have been the best possible outcome for my situation. One Very Happy Client!"

“I cannot thank Margarett and David enough. I felt I could trust them to give me correct information as well as to help me totally.”

“My grateful thanks for Margarett and her assistant, for the manner in which she handled my affairs."