Respect Legal

At Respect Legal we take a holistic approach to meet your family law needs.

Outside of our actual Services, our goal is to create an ecosystem of support around each client, helping you navigate this time with grace and a level head. This can come in the form of recommendations for different services, or putting you in touch with our network of trusted child specialists, mortgage brokers, child support experts, financial advisers, psychologists, Mediators and divorce coaches to name a few.

We are here to help you with;

Parenting:

- Parenting plans
- Parenting coordination
- Consent orders
- Parental responsibility
- Child support agreements
- Adult child maintenance
- Property and Financial:

Property settlement

- Spousal maintenance
- Consent orders
- Binding financial agreements

Divorce:

- Joint application
- Sole application
- With children and without

Family Violence:

- Parenting coordination
- Child support agreements
- Adult child maintenance
- IVOs

Conveyancing:

- Buy
- Sell
- Transfer
- Contract review

Wills and Estates:

- Preparation of wills
- Enduring power of attorney
- Probate
- Letters of administration
- Disputing a will

Booking in is easy! Head to the website, link in our bio, and hit "Book your free chat"
When you book in with us, you will be met with compassion, warmth and most of all - Respect. We can't wait to support you on your journey.

When it comes to your financial disclosure, we will be by your side and we will guide and support you through the process.

Here are some simple do's and don'ts when it comes to financial disclosure to get you ready.

Do

- Be Transparent: Fully disclose all assets and liabilities.
- Stay Organized: Keep thorough records of financial documents.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with your lawyer for accurate disclosure.

The no no's

- Hide Assets: Concealing information can have serious legal consequences.
- Delay Disclosure: Promptly provide requested documents to avoid delays.
- Overlook Details: Ensure all financial aspects are accurately reflected in your disclosure.

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Everybody meet Knarik!

We pick our staff carefully, and based on our shared values of Respect, compassion and genuine heart in what we do. Knarik is no exception.
Graduating with a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) from Monash University, Knarick pairs her legal expertise with a passion for psychology.

Knarik's journey includes volunteering at Monash Oakleigh Legal Service and working at the Financial Ombudsman Service, honing her skills in dispute resolution. Before joining Respect Family Law, she gained valuable experience in family law and contested estates.

With a track record of successful outcomes, Knarik connects deeply with her clients, guiding them with care and a genuine ambition to keep them out of court.

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If you are considering separation and wondering if you should consult a lawyer -here's why we say YES to speaking to us:

We can demystify many of the concerns you will have running through your head that are keeping you up at night.

IN OUR FIRST CONSULT YOU WILL COME AWAY WITH:

✅ Certainty on your financial position whether you separate or stay together.

✅ Clarity and confidence that you are well informed in the decisions you may want to make next.

✅ An assessment of entitlements, that will help you see the big picture. Plus, we will educate you with valuable information that isn't just for no - it's your roadmap for future decisions.

We see the look of worry and concern on our clients' faces as they walk into our offices. And we are always happy to see the look of relief as they walk out, after their initial consult. Let's have a chat and get you informed so that you can make your next decisions feeling informed, supported and empowered.

We're on a mission to spare you and your children from the emotional and financial toll of litigation in Australia's overcrowded court system. As gatekeepers to the courts, we care about our role in keeping families out of that system.

We've witnessed the profound social impact of opting for low-conflict divorce—fostering healthier relationships and quicker healing for you, your ex-partner and your children.

While the court is sometimes inevitable, we believe that it's also often avoidable. And we are confident that we will give you the best shot at this. By prioritizing collaboration and children's well-being, we aim to pave a smoother path to healing and societal well-being post-separation.

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Co-parenting is a process. Many work hard to pave the way for a solid co-parenting relationship post-separation.

You're likely on the right track if your co-parent is reasonable and child-focused. Here are some tips to help:

- Prioritize self-healing. A single individual can significantly influence any relationship dynamic. By focusing on your healing journey, you approach interactions from a more grounded baseline. This will affect how you communicate and the energy you bring to the table.

- Maintain clear communication. Misunderstandings often fuel conflicts with your co-parent. Always be clear in your communication, particularly regarding schedules, drop-offs, and pick-ups.

Practice the pause. When something comes up that makes you angry, take a moment to pause. Recognize that your next words or actions can escalate tensions. Enforcing boundaries calmly is always possible. Sometimes you just need to wait for the anger to pass or process.

Embrace boundaries. Boundaries are essential for co-parenting success. Respectfully communicate your boundaries, listen to your co-parent's boundaries, and mutually honour them.

Great relationships are achievable, and our children reap the benefits of our efforts.

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Sharing financial information when there is family violence often adds another layer of anxiety to an already volatile situation. We want you to know, that we are here to support you in this process and make it as safe and manageable for you as possible.

For clients with safety concerns, we can offer practical tips like redacting shopping locations from financial documents. Small steps like this can help protect privacy and offer clients some peace of mind.

We know when there’s family violence there is often a degree of financial abuse and lack of transparency regarding finances so this is an important step to take in the process. Support for our clients and their safety remains front and centre throughout the process.

Bella brings her enthusiasm and diligent work ethic to our Front Of House daily. She is an amazing support to our team and the warm, friendly face that greets our clients when they enter the Respect workplace.

Bella is studying a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies at Deakin University. She discovered her passion for law during high school legal studies and intends to pursue a career in family law after she graduates from university. She loves being a part of the Respect Family Law team and witnessing the amazing care they put into their work.

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We live these statistics in our work. We work closely to support these women who have had to make the very brave decision to leave their marriage. The women we work with, are always women who have reached their limit.

So what does this statistic tell us?

Changes in relationship dynamics often reflect evolving roles and expectations, influenced by factors like shifting societal norms, economic changes, and advancements in individual autonomy and empowerment.

If 70% of divorces in Australia are initiated by women, does this data underscore the evolving landscape of familial dynamics and women's empowerment in making pivotal life decisions?

We would love to hear your thoughts. Are you surprised by this statistic?



https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/30/divorce-women-marriage

No, property settlements are not tax deductible in Australia. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), payments made under a court order following the breakdown of a relationship are not considered income and are therefore not taxable. This includes payments made for property settlements and spousal maintenance.

However, it's important to note that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may apply to the transfer of property or assets as part of a divorce settlement. The ATO provides a specific exemption for transfers of property under a court order following the breakdown of a relationship, but certain conditions must be met.

If you have any questions about your property settlement we ask us.

You can reach us via our website. Link in our bio.

A single mother of 3, and a London native, Yara joined Respect Legal in August 2021, bringing a unique journey and life experience to our law firm. Prior to having her children, she spent nine years in marketing, in Melbourne’s music and arts industry and 3 years running a London-based DJ agency.

During a critical period in her life, Yara crossed paths with our founder, Dani, just four months after the birth of her twins. Dani represented Yara during her separation where a deep bond evolved into a lasting friendship.

Upon the finalisation of her separation, Dani appointed her as our creative director. Yara’s ability to infuse empathy into our messaging is a testament to her personal experience, underscoring how family law when practised with respect, care and dedication, can create a profound and positive impact on the lives and children of our clients. Her dedication to social justice and offering a different unique perspective have played a key role in differentiating our firm

We had a lot of positive feedback from our last post on this subject, so here are 2 more golden hacks you can use so you can dive into your divorce with these truths in your back pocket.

- Haggle Those Legal Fees - Believe it or not, legal fees aren't set in stone. There's wiggle room, whether it's the billing method (hourly vs. flat rate) or what's included. Talk money upfront and don't be shy about negotiating to make sure you can afford the help you need. Lawyers are not allowed to charge you for these questions!

- Pick your battles- In the heat of divorce, it's easy to get caught up in the nitty-gritty of the now and forget about the future. Lawyers might not remind you to think ahead and pick your battles, especially with money. Future you will thank yourself for considering the long game and having allowed yourself to move on.

Remember, lawyers are key in navigating these waters, but being informed and understanding the process yourself is priceless.

In family law matters, confidentiality is paramount. Both the Application for Consent Orders and the sealed Consent Orders are strictly confidential documents, accessible only to the involved parties, their legal representatives, and the court.

This privacy protocol aligns with Section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Upholding the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information is a priority for the court, ensuring that personal details remain protected from public access.

We often remind clients to be mindful of their social media activity during separation. Especially when their matter is in progress.

Posting about your ex-partner can be risky for several reasons.

1 / Evidence in Court Proceedings: Anything you post on social media can potentially be used as evidence in court proceedings. This includes posts that may seem harmless but could be interpreted negatively.

2/ Impact on Parenting Orders: Negative or harmful posts about your ex-partner could potentially impact any parenting orders. The court considers the best interests of the child, and this includes the ability of parents to communicate effectively and respectfully.

3/ Defamation: If the posts contain false information or accusations, you could potentially be sued for defamation.

4/ Breach of Privacy: Depending on the content of the posts, there could be potential breaches of privacy. This could lead to legal consequences, particularly if the posts contain sensitive or confidential information.

Be mindful when you are using social media, particularly if you are in a high conflict separation.

I'm a family lawyer who's seen it all when it comes to separation and divorce. I've noticed there are a few things about divorce that don't always get talked about. Knowing these insider tips can save you a lot of hassle (and money) down the road.

- DIY Divorce? Is totally doable. - Lawyers love to talk about the dangers of going it alone, but if your breakup is pretty straightforward (think: not a lot of assets, you both agree on the basics), you might not need us. There are a ton of resources out there to help you handle things on your own. Just know it's not for everyone, especially if things are messy, complicated or there is a power imbalance.

- Family Law Isn't Rocket Science - Coming from a lawyer, this might sound weird, but the basics of family law are pretty simple. It's all about splitting things up fairly, figuring out what's best for the kids, and helping everyone move on. The hard part is usually the emotions and unique situations, not the law itself.

- Mediation: The Chill Divorce Path - Traditional divorce can be a long, expensive headache. Mediation is like the cool, laid-back cousin that can save you time and money. You work with a neutral person to sort things out without going to war in court. Lawyers might not push this since it means fewer billable hours, but it's a great option for a lot of people. We often refer our clients to excellent mediators in our ecosystem, because we know that they can help our clients achieve a resolution outside of the court. And this is in their best interest.

We prioritise the welfare of your family and children over billable hours. If we can help you get through this with the grace, respect and support that you deserve at this difficult time, then we can sleep at night.

Dani

Our Jules...what a character. Jules is a woman who says it how she sees it. And we love her for that.
She keeps our office in running order and adds sunshine to the day-to-day with her dry humour and quick wit.
Jules has been working in the legal field since 2006, across all areas of the law.
Her previous roles included PA to the director, paralegal, and trust account administrator in various Melbourne-based law firms.
Her real passion is in family law, with an interest in deceased estates, probate, wills and conveyancing.
Julia is a mother to her 10-year-old daughter and has an ongoing love affair with travel, health, wellness, fitness nutrition and food.

Relocation of one parent with the children involves several steps and considerations and the usual pre-action procedures should be followed before a parent relocates with children.

There are also important consequences that can follow if a parent relocates with the children without the consent of the other, including a Recovery Order which may be issued from the Court upon application by the other parent. Before applying to the Court, the parent who proposes to relocate should:

1/ Identify the issues and proposed change in the existing arrangements:
2/ Discuss relocation with the other parent: ( provided it is safe to do so)
3/ Attend family dispute resolution if you can't reach an agreement.

If there are existing court orders in place, the parent wishing to relocate must show that there has been a significant change of circumstances since the orders were made.

If you are considering relocation or your co-parent has relocated with your children without your consent, then talk with us, so that we can guide and support you on the next steps.

After International Women’s Day, I began to reflect upon those in our lives and in particular the women who build us up, support and encourage our growth. Respect Legal’s ethos of empowerment, education and empathy are embedded within all of our interactions with our clients, colleagues and each other as staff members. ⁠
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On a more personal note, not only am I the firm's junior lawyer, but I’m also a woman battling endometriosis and adenomyosis and, to be honest, some days it’s tough. I am lucky enough that our firm's values aren’t just a notional idea written on a website- we live and practice them in all our interactions.⁠
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Other women in different workplaces aren’t so lucky- Statistically, we know 1 in 6 women with endometriosis report being fired due to their condition. ⁠
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If you are looking for a lawyer who truly cares, then talk to us. Whether it's your first chat with a lawyer, or you are in court proceedings and want a fresh perspective, we are here for you. Come with the confidence that our workplace will treat you with the empathy, respect and view to empowering you that you deserve. No matter the personal battles you face or will face- we will get you through this by your side.⁠
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Issy x⁠
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In Australia, a "prenup" is formally recognized as a Binding Financial Agreement, established under Section 90B of the Family Law Act post-marriage.

It's crucial to note that a Section 90B Binding Financial Agreement, colloquially termed a "prenup," is exclusively accessible before marriage. However, alternative Binding Financial Agreements are available during marriage, post-separation, and following divorce proceedings.

Binding Financial Agreements empower married couples to bypass the provisions of the Family Law Act, facilitating the formulation of legally binding agreements concerning property division in the event of separation.

If you want peace of mind and clarity and want to explore your options, let's have a chat. Send us a DM or reach out via the website. Link in our bio.

When working with our male clients, we frequently observe the isolating nature of divorce for them. While women often rely on a village or supportive network, men typically experience a different dynamic.

Anyone navigating separation should have the necessary support and assurance that they're not alone. When you are supported properly, you are much more likely to be able to cope with what's happening and in turn, make level-headed decisions that serve your family and children.
Our goal is to bring this level of support to every client we serve.