Cairns Family Lawyers for Divorce, Divorce Lawyer Cairns, Divorce in Cairns, and Divorce Solicitors for Edmonton, Redlynch, Smithfield, Gordonvale, and Palm Cove.
Cairns Family Lawyers support you through separation, divorce applications, parenting orders, and property settlement. Cairns Family Lawyers explain eligibility after 12 months of separation, filing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, service requirements, and timelines. Cairns Family Lawyers help you make informed choices about child custody, consent orders, spousal maintenance, and child support, with clear steps that reduce stress and protect your future.
Separation is personal, and the legal process can feel complex. Our divorce lawyer Cairns team provides straightforward guidance in plain English — from your first consultation to final orders. We map your goals, identify risks, gather the right documents, and create a practical pathway for a dignified outcome that safeguards your children, assets, and peace of mind.
At Cairns Family Lawyers, we believe every client deserves clarity, respect, and genuine support from start to finish. Our team is committed to making the legal process straightforward and stress-free — giving you the confidence to move forward with informed decisions and peace of mind.
Most divorces do not need a contested hearing. We coordinate service, prepare affidavits when needed and ensure the requirements for marriage certificate, separation dates and living arrangements are properly addressed. Where parenting and financial matters run in parallel, we use family dispute resolution and mediation to settle terms and formalise outcomes through consent orders or a binding financial agreement.
Parenting during divorce
If children are involved, we prioritise stability, routine and safety. We help design parenting plans that consider schooling, extracurricular activities, health needs and holiday time. Where agreement is reached, we convert to consent orders so the arrangements are enforceable. Where risk is present, we develop evidence led strategies that protect children while advancing your case.
Timeframes and next steps
From filing to final order, timeframes depend on registry scheduling and service. We set realistic expectations from day one and keep you updated at each milestone.
Book a confidential consult with a divorce lawyer Sunshine Coast to understand your options and start a calm, structured process toward resolution.
We know family law can feel overwhelming — that’s why we’ve answered a few of the most common questions to help make things clearer and simpler for you.
You must be separated for at least 12 months and one day before filing for divorce in Australia. This period can include living separately under the same roof, as long as you can show the marriage has truly ended.
In most cases, you don’t need to attend court if your application is joint and there are no children under 18. If it’s a sole application or there are children involved, the court may require a short hearing to confirm arrangements and finalise the divorce.
A divorce legally ends your marriage, while a property settlement divides assets, liabilities, and financial resources. These are separate processes. You can finalise property and parenting matters before or after your divorce, but property claims must usually be filed within 12 months of the divorce becoming final.
Yes. You can file a sole application for divorce even if your spouse doesn’t consent. The court only needs to be satisfied that the marriage has irretrievably broken down after 12 months of separation. Proper service of documents is required if your spouse doesn’t participate.
The cost depends on the type of application and any legal support required. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia charges a filing fee (with reductions for eligible applicants), and Cairns Family Lawyers offers clear, fixed-fee options to keep your costs predictable and manageable.