Family law services
Family law matters often arise during periods of uncertainty and emotional strain. At Awkar & Co, we provide clear, practical family law services designed to help you understand your position and move forward with confidence. As a dedicated family law practice based in Norwood, we assist clients across South Australia with both in-person and remote appointments.
Importantly, family law is our sole focus. This allows us to provide tailored advice across a wide range of matters, including divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, property settlement, child support, spousal maintenance, and Independent Children’s Lawyer matters. Rather than applying generic solutions, we take the time to understand your circumstances and deliver guidance that reflects your priorities.
Comprehensive family law support
Because family law is our sole area of practice, we understand how closely connected each issue can be. Decisions made early often affect later outcomes, particularly where children, property, and financial support are involved. Our services are structured to ensure advice remains consistent across all stages of a family law matter, reducing uncertainty and helping clients make informed decisions.
Our family law services
Below is an overview of the family law services we provide. Each area is supported by experience, careful preparation, and a personalised approach.
Divorce formally ends a marriage; however, it is often only one step in a broader family law process. We assist clients with divorce applications, eligibility requirements, and associated documentation, including matters involving separation under one roof.
Importantly, we also explain how divorce interacts with other family law issues such as property settlement and parenting arrangements. As a result, clients gain a clearer understanding of timing, obligations, and next steps, allowing them to plan effectively rather than reacting under pressure.
Separation is a significant turning point and often raises immediate legal and practical concerns. These may include living arrangements, parenting schedules, financial responsibilities, and communication between parties. We provide advice that helps you understand what separation means legally and what steps should be considered early.
Furthermore, early guidance can prevent common mistakes that later complicate family law proceedings. By addressing priorities promptly, we help reduce uncertainty and establish a clearer path forward from the outset.
Property settlement involves identifying, valuing, and dividing assets and liabilities following separation. This can include real estate, superannuation, savings, investments, businesses, and debts. We assist clients in understanding what forms part of the property pool and how settlements are assessed under family law principles.
In addition, we focus on practical resolution. Through negotiation or formal processes, we work to achieve outcomes that provide certainty and allow clients to move forward financially, while ensuring agreements are properly documented and legally enforceable.
When children are involved, family law decisions require careful consideration and a child-focused approach. We assist with parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, and practical considerations that affect children’s day-to-day lives.
Importantly, we help clients understand their obligations and responsibilities under family law, while also guiding them through communication and dispute resolution processes where appropriate. Our approach prioritises clarity, consistency, and the long-term wellbeing of children.
In some parenting proceedings, the court may appoint an Independent Children’s Lawyer. When this occurs, the process often becomes more structured and evidence-focused. We assist clients in understanding the role of the ICL and how the appointment may affect the progression of their matter.
Additionally, we help clients prepare documentation, manage communication appropriately, and present their position clearly within the framework of ICL-involved proceedings. This guidance is critical to ensuring the process remains focused and manageable.
Child support issues commonly arise following separation or changes in care arrangements. We provide advice on child support obligations, assessments, and options for private arrangements where appropriate.
Moreover, when disputes occur, we help clients understand available options and the steps required to address issues constructively. Clear advice at this stage can reduce conflict and improve long-term arrangements.
Spousal maintenance may apply where one party is unable to meet reasonable living expenses and the other has capacity to contribute. We provide advice on when spousal maintenance may be relevant and how it can be addressed through negotiation or formal processes.
Importantly, spousal maintenance considerations are often linked to broader financial arrangements. Therefore, we take a holistic view to ensure advice remains consistent with overall settlement objectives.
Family law also applies to many de facto relationships. Separation can raise similar issues to marriage, including property settlement, parenting arrangements, and financial support. We assist clients in understanding how family law applies to de facto relationships and what options may be available.
By addressing these matters early, we help clients avoid unnecessary uncertainty and take informed steps toward resolution.
Family law mediation and dispute resolution can be effective tools for resolving family law matters without unnecessary escalation. Where appropriate, we assist clients with preparation, strategy, and support throughout the mediation process.
However, we remain realistic. If mediation does not lead to resolution, we provide clear advice on alternative pathways. This balanced approach allows clients to pursue resolution while remaining prepared for all outcomes.
Parentage issues can affect parenting arrangements, child support, and legal responsibilities. We provide guidance on the options available when parentage is in question and explain how these matters may interact with broader family law issues.
Clear advice at this stage is essential to ensuring decisions are informed and aligned with legal requirements.
Why choose Awkar & Co for family law advice?
Choosing the right family lawyer can significantly affect both the process and the outcome of a matter. At Awkar & Co, family law is our sole area of practice, allowing us to provide focused advice grounded in experience rather than generalisation.
As a boutique firm, we intentionally limit our size to ensure personalised service. Clients work directly with the people responsible for their matter, benefiting from continuity, accessibility, and advice that reflects their specific circumstances.
Based in Norwood, we assist clients across South Australia, including through remote appointments. Whether a matter is resolved through negotiation, mediation, or formal proceedings, our approach remains consistent: clear advice, careful preparation, and practical outcomes.
A personalised approach to family law
At Awkar & Co, our family law services are delivered by a small, dedicated team. This ensures continuity, clear communication, and advice that reflects a genuine understanding of your situation. Rather than being passed between departments, you work with people who know your matter and your priorities.
As a Norwood-based family law firm assisting clients across South Australia, we remain accessible and responsive throughout the process. Whether your matter is straightforward or complex, our focus remains the same: clear advice, practical strategy, and support at every stage.