When family relationships break down and a legal avenue becomes the only option open to resolve issues that arise, you need the services of a law firm that not only understands Family Law but also has the experience and empathy to set your mind at ease and guide you safely and securely through the processes involved.
At Paynes Lawyers we have been specialising in family law for more than three decades and in that time we have come to understand how a family law matter can often be your first experience of dealing with lawyers and therefore it can be quite a daunting and challenging experience.
We appreciate that the outcome of this experience may be one of the most important matters you will ever have been involved with as it can affect your future with your children, your financial security and lifestyle.
That is why we aim to ensure that the process is as painless as possible by ‘walking’ you through what is involved, advising you concerning what to expect as well as giving you the reassurance that the lawyer with whom you are dealing will be there beside you until the matter is resolved.
We seek to provide you with a professional but personal and cost-effective legal service to the highest standards. We will work towards a positive resolution by agreement based on a full investigation of your matter, before commencing court proceedings. Our aim always is to try, wherever possible, to avoid lengthy and protracted contested court proceedings.
We have been representing Western Australian clients since 1982 when, along with her daughter, Anne, Vivien Payne established Paynes Solicitors. Vivien was admitted to practice law in England before moving to Australia where she was first admitted to the Bar in 1964 as one of a handful of women then practicing law in Western Australia.
Anne joined the practice in 1982 and their partnership continued until 1989 when Vivien retired. Anne has continued in the practice since that time and, in 2014, repositioned the practice as Paynes Lawyers.
Founded in 1982
3 people in their team
As part of our role handling divorce proceedings on behalf of clients, there are some basic facts about the process that you should be aware of. You can apply for a divorce if you have been separated for at least one year and there is no possibility of a reconciliation.
When a relationship comes to an end, you should reach an agreement about the division of your assets and liabilities, which, if you are married and live in Western Australia, includes your superannuation.
If you and your partner are experiencing difficulty in reaching an agreement about financial issues and/or arrangements for your children, we will encourage you to participate in mediation to see if, with the assistance of an independent mediator, an agreement can be reached.
Whether married or not, you have the opportunity to enter into an agreement with your partner, either before you start living with each other or while you are living together, which covers the ownership of property and payment of maintenance while still together or when the relationship comes to an end.
Western Australia has its own set of laws, pertaining to both financial matters and child issues, which provide people who live in a de facto relationship, including same sex couples, with similar rights and responsibilities to people who are married, other than in relation to superannuation.
If your relationship has come to an end, you may be entitled to claim financial support from your former partner, whether you are married or not.
Once a child reaches the age of 18 years, normally parents no longer have a legal obligation to provide financial support.
Both the Commonwealth and State Parliaments have passed laws governing the support parents must pay towards children until they turn 18.
One of the most difficult decisions parents must make when separating, concerns how they will continue to care for their children and make decisions regarding their future.
If you reach an agreement with your former partner in relation to financial issues and/or arrangements for the care of the children, it is important to seek advice concerning whether it is necessary or prudent to formalise that agreement.
You should have a Will dealing with what is to happen on your death in relation to your property and appointing guardians for your children. Usually spouses leave property to each other in their Wills.
