Property settlements · 6 min read
How to apply for a property settlement in Ballarat?
A practical guide to applying for a property settlement in Ballarat: consent orders, court applications, documents, time limits and where to file.
The Magpie Journal
Clear answers.
Practical next steps.
Family law guides from Magpie Family Law in Ballarat. A place to understand the financial side of separation, prepare for advice and consider what comes next.
Family law guides
Property settlements · Divorce · Financial agreements
Our current work focuses on property settlements, financial agreements, divorce and financial negotiations. Earlier parenting articles are retained here as educational resources.
Property settlements · 5 min read
Property settlement after divorce: is property division 50/50?
How property settlement and property division work after separation or divorce: the home, debts, superannuation and practical next steps for people in Ballarat.
Legal fees · 5 min read
Family law fees: why we prefer a fixed price to an hourly rate
How fixed fees for stages of family law work offer cost certainty, align incentives and help you make informed settlement decisions. Our approach in Ballarat.
Property settlements · 4 min read
What to bring to your first property settlement consultation
A property settlement consultation checklist, plus how Magpie Family Law’s client portal helps. You do not need to prepare anything before calling us.
Divorce & finances · 2 min read
Do I need to divorce before a property settlement?
Divorce and property settlement are separate processes. Understand the distinction, why timing matters and what to raise with your family lawyer.
Financial agreements · 3 min read
Asked to sign a prenup? Preparing for independent legal advice
Received a prenup or binding financial agreement? Prepare for independent legal advice with the draft, financial information and questions about its effect.
Property settlements · 5 min read
Defending Family Law Property Claims
A retained case commentary on protecting property claims, section 106B and the risks of assets being dissipated during family law proceedings.
Parenting resources · 4 min read
Relocating or moving with children
Educational information about relocating with children, existing parenting arrangements, recovery orders and international travel after separation.
Parenting resources · 1 min read
Who gets to decide?
A historical look at research on how separated parents make decisions for their children, with a link to the current parental-responsibility framework.
Parenting resources · 2 min read
Smoke weed?
An educational article about cannabis use and parenting disputes, focusing on children’s safety, parenting capacity and the need for individual advice.
Parenting resources · 4 min read
Family reports and family report writers
What is a family report, who writes it and what does it cover? A plain-language guide to court and private reports, costs and the next steps.
Parenting resources · 2 min read
Changes to Parents’ Responsibilities
A historical article explaining the removal of the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility, with links to the current parenting-law framework.