Family Law
Practical, Cost-Effective Family Law Advice
Separation and family disputes are difficult enough without a legal process that adds to the strain. Andie Lam provides strategic, cost-effective advice on the full range of family law matters for clients across Bankstown, Marrickville and greater Sydney, and personally guides clients through what is often an emotional and unfamiliar process.
What Family Law Covers
Family law governs what happens when a marriage or de facto relationship ends — how property and superannuation are divided, what arrangements are made for children, and how those outcomes are formalised or, where necessary, decided by a court. Property settlement and parenting matters are legally separate processes, and each carries its own time limits, procedures and considerations.
Andie Lam holds a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) and has practised family law for more than 16 years. He provides the strategic direction on every matter — assessing early what outcome is realistic, what it’s likely to cost to get there, and the most direct route to reach it — so clients aren’t paying for a drawn-out process when a faster, more cost-effective path is available.
Our Family Law Services
We act for married and de facto couples, and for parents, at every stage of a family law matter, including:
- Property settlements — including complex asset pools, business interests, trusts and superannuation
- Parenting arrangements — parenting plans and consent orders covering living arrangements, time with children and decision-making
- Contested and undefended proceedings — property and parenting matters that require court determination
- Consent orders — formalising agreed property and parenting outcomes
- Binding Financial Agreements — before, during or after a relationship (pre-nuptial and separation agreements)
- Divorce applications
- Spousal maintenance
- De facto relationship matters — including determining relationship status and entitlements
- Family dispute resolution and mediation — including preparing Section 60I certificates where required
- Family violence-related matters — advice in connection with apprehended domestic violence orders and their effect on parenting and property proceedings
- Child support agreements
- Negotiation and settlement correspondence — including without-prejudice and Calderbank offers
How Than & Co Can Assist
Andie Lam personally attends court and files applications in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on behalf of clients — he isn’t handing your matter to someone else once it becomes contested. This includes preparing and filing initiating applications, affidavits and consent orders, and representing clients at directions hearings, interim hearings and final trial.
Family law disputes carry an emotional weight that other legal matters usually don’t. Andie takes the time to explain each step clearly, sets realistic expectations about timeframe and cost from the outset, and focuses on resolving matters as efficiently as possible — through negotiation or mediation wherever it’s genuinely the better path, and through court only where it’s actually needed.
Important Legal Considerations
- Time limits apply — married couples generally have 12 months from divorce to finalise a property settlement, and de facto couples generally have two years from separation
- Family dispute resolution — parents are generally required to attempt mediation and obtain a Section 60I certificate before applying to court for parenting orders, except in cases involving urgency or family violence
- Property settlement is separate from parenting — the two are assessed under different legal tests and can proceed on different timeframes
- Informal agreements carry risk — arrangements not formalised through consent orders or a Binding Financial Agreement can be reopened later, sometimes years afterward
What Happens Next
- Get in touch to arrange a confidential consultation
- We listen to your situation and give you a realistic assessment of your options, likely timeframe and cost
- We confirm our fees before any work proceeds
- We pursue negotiation, mediation or consent orders where possible, and prepare court applications where necessary
- Andie represents you directly at every court appearance, from directions hearings through to final trial
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to court to get a property settlement or parenting arrangement?
No. Most matters are resolved by agreement and formalised through consent orders or a Binding Financial Agreement, without a contested court hearing. We’ll always pursue the most cost-effective path first, and advise you clearly if court becomes necessary.
How much does a family law matter cost?
It depends on the complexity of your matter and whether it resolves by agreement or requires court proceedings. We confirm fees in writing before any work begins and keep cost-effectiveness in mind at every stage.
How long does a property settlement or parenting matter take?
Timeframes vary widely. An agreed settlement can be formalised in weeks; a contested matter that proceeds through court can take considerably longer. We’ll give you a realistic estimate once we understand your situation.
What is a Section 60I certificate and do I need one?
It’s a certificate confirming you’ve attempted family dispute resolution, generally required before applying to court for parenting orders, unless your matter involves urgency or family violence. We can advise whether it applies to you.
Can you help if my former partner has already started court proceedings?
Yes. Court documents carry strict deadlines to respond, so it’s important to get advice quickly. Contact us as soon as possible with whatever you’ve been served with.
Related Services
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
Every conversation is confidential. Andie will give you a clear, realistic view of your options.
Than & Co Solicitors 