One of the most common misconceptions in family law litigation is that a “successful” party will automatically recover their legal costs from the other side. The reality is very different. Costs orders in family law are discretionary, not guaranteed, and parties must approach litigation with a clear understanding that they will usually be required [...]
As the year draws to a close, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has generously sent Christmas hampers to Michael Lynch Family Lawyers and Michael Lynch Mediations in recent weeks. Your thoughtfulness has brought a wonderful sense of warmth to our teams during this festive season. These gestures mean more than simply [...]
When a relationship ends with your ex-partner and you eventually begin to see somebody else, the question of your new partner’s assets can become surprisingly complex. In family law matters, especially involving property settlements, the court does not automatically require full disclosure of a new partner’s financial situation. However, certain details can be relevant [...]
Christmas is here again! For many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: a chance to relax, celebrate, and create joyful memories with loved ones. But if you’re separated or going through a divorce, the festive season can bring unique challenges and mixed emotions... Balancing parenting arrangements, holiday plans, and family expectations isn’t [...]
We’re happy to share some exciting news: Michael Lynch Family Lawyers has once again been named one of Brisbane’s Leading Family & Divorce Law Firms in the 2026 edition of the Doyles Guide! The Doyles Guide is a well-respected, independent publication that highlights top-performing law firms and lawyers across Australia. Their rankings are based on [...]
Separation and divorce can be financially devastating, and if you’re currently trying to work out who gets what, it’s important to know how to protect wealth from divorce. What have each of you done? A common question is whether the contribution of each spouse to the asset pool is the same. Traditionally there have [...]
Parental alienation is a deeply distressing issue that can arise during separation or divorce, where one parent attempts to turn their child against the other parent. While it may begin subtly, unfortunately, the long-term consequences for children and families can be quite sad. What is parental alienation? Parental alienation occurs when a child becomes [...]
The short answer is yes – most of the time. There are certain circumstances where mediation is required and other circumstances where an exemption is possible. One of the circumstances where an exemption is possible, relates to Contravention Applications. If a parenting order made by the Court is not being followed, you can file [...]
