We're here to help with your relationship matters

Our family law team has over 50 years of experience and are highly capable at handling all family matters. When you contact Pier Law, our team will ask you some questions in order to place you with the best lawyer for your case. Once the lawyer makes contact with you, they will ask you further questions to get a feel for your circumstances and how best to proceed. However your case goes, your lawyer will be there for you every step of the way. Depending on the case, you may deal with one or two lawyers, rest assured you will always be well looked after.

We can help with:

Our Experts

Bill Herbison

Managing Director

View Profile
Caroline Davey

Director

View Profile
Amanda Varga

Senior Associate

View Profile
Hiromi Jin'o

Associate

View Profile
A family lawyer handles legal matters related to family and domestic relationships. They provide counsel and representation in cases involving divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, property disputes, and other family-related issues. Their role is to advocate for their clients’ best interests within the legal framework.
You should consider consulting a family lawyer when facing legal issues with marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, property division, or any other family-related matters. They can provide expert guidance, represent your interests, and help navigate the legal complexities to achieve a favourable outcome.
A family lawyer can assist you in divorce proceedings by providing legal advice, guiding you through the process, and advocating for your rights and interests. They can help with negotiating settlements, dividing assets, determining child custody arrangements, and resolving any disputes that arise during the divorce process.
Of Course! They can provide guidance, draft the agreements, ensure that it meets the legal requirements and protects your interests. A lawyer can help you understand the implications of the agreement, negotiate its terms, and ensure that it is fair and enforceable. They can also help with reviewing and modifying existing agreements if needed. Consulting a family lawyer is advisable to ensure that your rights and assets are adequately protected in the event of a divorce or separation.
During the initial consultation with a family lawyer, you can expect the following:

1. Discussion of your situation: You will have the opportunity to explain your circumstances, the issues you are facing, and what you hope to achieve. Be prepared to provide relevant details and answer any questions the lawyer may have.

2. Legal advice: The lawyer will provide preliminary legal advice based on the information you provide. They may outline your rights, responsibilities, and potential legal options. They will help you understand the relevant laws and how they apply to your case.

3. Assessment of your case: The lawyer will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They may identify potential challenges or areas where further information is needed. This assessment will help you understand the viability of your case and what to expect moving forward.

4. Discussion of process and strategy: The lawyer will explain the legal process involved in your case, including any potential timelines and steps to be taken. They may discuss different strategies for achieving your goals and provide insights into the likely outcomes.

5. Fee structure and engagement: The lawyer will discuss their fee structure and the terms of engagement. They will explain their billing method, any retainer or upfront costs, and provide an estimate of the costs associated with your case.

The initial consultation is an opportunity for you to assess whether the lawyer is a good fit for your needs and to gather the information necessary to make an informed decision about proceeding with their services. It is also a chance for the lawyer to evaluate your case and determine how they can assist you.
The duration of resolving a family law case with the help of a lawyer can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to reach agreements, the court’s caseload, and the specific legal processes involved. Some cases can be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take months or even years.

It is important to understand that family law cases can involve multiple stages, such as negotiation, mediation, court hearings, and potentially appeals. Your lawyer can provide a better estimate of the timeline based on the specifics of your case.
The cost of hiring a family lawyer can depend on several factors, including:

1. Complexity of the case: The complexity of your legal matter will significantly impact the cost. Complicated cases that require extensive research, analysis, and court proceedings are likely to be more expensive than straightforward cases.

2. Time and effort required: The amount of time and effort the lawyer needs to invest in your case will affect the cost. This includes tasks such as gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, attending meetings, negotiations, court appearances, and research.

3. Experience and expertise: Lawyers with more experience and expertise in family law often charge higher fees.

4. Location: The location of the lawyer’s office can impact the cost. Lawyers practicing in urban areas or major cities may have higher overhead costs, which could be reflected in their fees.

5. Billing structure: The lawyer’s billing structure can vary. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, while others may offer a fixed fee or a combination of both. The billing structure and rates should be discussed and clarified during the initial consultation.

6. Additional expenses: Additional expenses, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or costs for obtaining documents, may also contribute to the overall cost.
We no longer offer legal aid services for family law matters.

Related Articles