At Rodriguez Family Lawyers we believe that every person deserves a high standard of legal representation, whether it involves reaching a settlement by agreement between the parties or obtaining final orders from a Judge through court litigation in family law.
Our service is based on compassion and understanding of our client’s needs, while ensuring that every one of our client’s obtains a just and fair equitable property outcome and ensures the child’s best interest is at hand.
We acknowledge our predecessor firm Leticia Rodriguez and Associates won the APAC Legal Awards 2016, hosted by APAC Insider, as follows:
Best Family Law and Civil Litigation Firm 2016 – Victoria and Woman-Led Family Law Firm of the Year – Australia
Rodriguez Family Lawyers has been awarded:
Most Trusted Boutique Family Law Firm – VIC
Within the APAC Legal Awards 2022, hosted by APAC Insider.
We can provide assistance for all areas of family law before, during and after the relationship including:
Property Issues
- Defacto / Married Property Disputes
- Spousal Maintenance
- Divorce
- Binding Financial Agreements
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Consent Orders
- Child Support Agreements
- Superannuation Split Orders
Children’s issues
- Children Residence/Contact Disputes
- Paternity Disputes
- Children Relocation/Recovery Orders
- Guardianship of Children
- Adoption
- Magellan Cases
- Child Protection Matters
- Parenting Plans/Consent Orders
- International Family Law Disputes
Example of Initial Consultation with client regarding Family Law Property Issues: “assets / debts recognition, use and distribution” discussion may cover the following:
Ascertain Assets: Home / Real Estate, Vehicles, Money in Bank Accounts, Shares, Contents, Personal Property of Value
Ascertain Liabilities: Mortgage over home / other mortgages, Personal / other loans, Credit Cards
Assets less liabilities = Net Equity
Superannuation: At commencement of relationship and at separation
Financial Resources: Inheritance; property overseas; property or money held on behalf of another person; personal injury claim yet to be awarded; long service leave or any lump sum to be received in next 2 years
Initial Contributions: Assets and debts brought into the relationship
Contributions throughout relationship: Care giver to children, Home maker, Employment, Improvement of assets by way of labour, Lump sums received – gifts, inheritance, damages
Post separation contributions to joint debt or improvements: Mortgage repayments, outgoings and rates. any other joint expense.
Future needs (Section 75(2) factors): Age, Health Occupation, Care of children or other dependants, Disabilities, Other needs, Current income
Spousal maintenance: ability to pay and need for it
Child Support: As assessed by Child Support Agency or Private Agreement
Proposal of settlement and Just /Equitable Entitlement or financial agreement or court order
For the legal costs in a family law matter, please ring to book an consultation with a solicitor to discuss your matter and obtain an estimate of legal costs.
Please note that the first consultation in a family law matter is NOT free of charge, but charged pursuant to the solicitor’s hourly fee per 6 minute intervals, as you may receive legal advice that will facilitate the resolution of matter as self-represented person, depending on the circumstances of the matter.
If you qualify for Victoria Legal Aid (“VLA”) funding for family law children matter, your initial consultation will be paid by VLA at the end of the stage in your matter. Our solicitor will advise you at the start of your consultation whether you qualify financials and merits pursuant to VLA policy and procedures.
Private Client – difficulties paying lawyers fees – we are accredited lawyer with legal financier.