Your Family Law Matter, Handled Locally
Going through a separation or a family dispute is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. You need a solicitor who listens, explains things clearly, and focuses on getting you the best practical outcome, not one who rushes you through or sends your file to someone in another town.
At Beneke Legal, your family law matter is handled right here in the Clarence Valley by a solicitor with a Masters in Applied Law majoring in Family Law. We work with clients across Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Maclean, Yamba, and the broader Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast. We also act for clients anywhere in Australia through the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
How We Can Help
Parenting arrangements
Working out where children will live, how time is shared, and how decisions are made. We negotiate directly with the other side to reach an agreement where possible, and represent you in court when it is not.
Property settlements
Dividing assets, liabilities, and superannuation fairly after the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship. We guide you through the process step by step, whether the matter resolves by agreement or requires court involvement.
Consent orders
Formalising parenting or property agreements into legally binding court orders, without the need for a contested hearing.
Divorce applications
Guiding you through the process of formally ending a marriage under the Family Law Act.
Intervention orders
Applying for or responding to apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) and apprehended personal violence orders (APVOs). Whether you need protection or are responding to an application, we provide clear advice on your rights and options.
Child support
Advising on child support assessments, agreements, and disputes with Services Australia.
Our Approach
We encourage resolution through negotiation wherever possible. It is usually faster, less expensive, and far less stressful than going to court. We negotiate directly with the other party's solicitor to try to reach an outcome that works for you.
When court proceedings are necessary to protect your interests or your children, we are fully prepared. We appear regularly in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at the Coffs Harbour and Lismore registries, and we brief experienced barristers for complex hearings and trials.
Costs and Billing
We understand that separation often brings financial pressure. We offer fixed fees for straightforward matters like consent orders and divorce applications, payment plans to spread the cost over time, and we accept Legal Aid grants for eligible family law matters.
A Flexible Way to Fund Your Family Law Matter
We understand that when you are navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need. That is why we have partnered with JustFund, Australia's dedicated provider of flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees.
Through this partnership, eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees and expenses related to separation or relationship property proceedings. You do not have to repay the funding until you reach a settlement, which can significantly reduce the stress associated with paying costs upfront.
Contact us for more information, or visit JustFund.com.au
We will always give you a clear sense of costs in your first conversation, and formalise everything in a costs agreement before any work begins. No surprises.
Common Questions
Not every family law matter requires a lawyer, but getting advice early can save you time, money, and stress. Even if your matter seems straightforward, a solicitor can help you understand your rights, avoid common mistakes, and make sure any agreement is properly documented. We offer a free initial phone consultation so you can talk through your situation before making any decisions.
Your first call is simply a conversation. You do not need to have documents ready or know the legal terms for your situation. We will listen, ask a few questions, explain your options in plain language, and give you a sense of what it might cost. There is no obligation to proceed.
It depends on the complexity of your matter. Simple matters like consent orders or divorce applications can be done on a fixed fee. More complex parenting or property disputes are billed on an hourly basis with regular updates so there are no surprises. Payment plans are available, and we accept Legal Aid for eligible matters. We always discuss costs upfront and put them in writing before work begins.
Yes. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is a national court, so we can act for you regardless of where the other party lives. We regularly appear in the Coffs Harbour and Lismore registries and can manage matters in other registries across Australia.
Not necessarily. Many family law matters are resolved through negotiation without ever stepping into a courtroom. We negotiate directly with the other party's solicitor to try to reach an agreement. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
Timeframes vary significantly depending on the complexity of the matter and whether the other party is willing to negotiate. A straightforward consent order can take a few weeks. A contested parenting or property matter that goes to a hearing can take 12 months or longer. We will give you a realistic timeframe for your specific situation.