FAMILY LAW


At Catton Roderick Lawyers we do everything we can to resolve your family law disputes without going to court whether it is a financial matter or child related.

We are flexible with payment arrangements.  It is often the case that you do not have the funds to pay for a lawyer because your funds are tied up in assets which are frozen because of the Family Law Dispute. 

Depending on your circumstances, we can arrange finance for you or arrange a Delayed Payment Plan such that our fees are paid at the end of the matter or conclusion of any trial.  

Not all Family Law matters wind up in the Family Court.

Before starting a court action regarding children there must be compulsory mediation.

Before starting a property case in the Family Court a party must comply with  a set of procedures known as  "Pre-Action Procedures" which sets out steps that must be taken before court proceedings are commenced including things such as attending mediation, making of settlement offers and the provision of information and documents.

It is not necessary to comply with the Pre-Action Procedures in certain circumstances such as where there is domestic violence. 

If a party fails, without good reason, to comply with the Pre-Action Procedure and court proceedings are commenced then that parties conduct in refusing to comply may be relevant to the judge in determining whether costs should be paid.

If the other party does respond to the initial letter then, although that response may not resolve the matter, negotiations can continue without the need to file a Court Application.  If negotiations bog down and mediation is unsuccessful then Court Proceedings can be commenced.

Court proceedings should be seen as a last resort.  You need to consider whether the costs of going to court will exceed the amount that you are fighting over.


Contact us today to discuss your family law matter.