Our Services

Family & Divorce Law

Personal relationships and their breakdown can lead to some of life’s most difficult and distressing changes. We are acutely aware of the pressures and emotional distress which can arise at these difficult times particularly when key decisions affecting your children and property have to be made. We pride ourselves in our ability to assist our clients at the time of their greatest need.

By taking the time to develop a genuine understanding of each client’s individual circumstances, we can tailor solutions and plans that meet your specific needs.

Alternatively, you may be considering entering a new relationship and concerned about preserving your personal and business assets and avoiding the pitfalls should the relationship fail. We offer tips and guidance of what you need to know when entering a relationship and how to protect yourself when relationships come to an end.

At Panetta Family Lawyers we recognise the need for sympathetic, professional advice and acting on behalf of our clients to ensure their best interests, and those of the people that depend on them, are in safe hands.

Wherever possible, we will try to negotiate a favourable settlement without embarking on a Court determined process but if litigation is necessary, then we can advise and represent you in the Family Court or the Federal Circuit Court.

As part of a full service firm we can advise on and finalise all aspects of the process, including, property settlement, property transfers, sale of property, estate planning and any other issues which arise.

After the initial consultation we will present you with initial advice on your individual situation on financial matters or issues involving children, your options available and the necessary steps you should take.

Panetta Family Lawyers can assist you in your family law matters relating to:

Divorce and Separation
Property Settlements and Financial Agreements
Preparing “out of court” private financial agreements or “prenuptial” agreements to preserve assets in the event of a separation
Parenting arrangements for children
Parenting Plans and Consent Orders
De facto and same sex relationships
Binding Child Support Agreements
Wills following divorce and separation
Representation in Court proceedings should a negotiated settlement not be possible

Let us help get your life back on track.

We invite you to contact us to arrange an appointment about Family Law.

Wills, Estate Planning & Estate Administration

As difficult as it can be to consider death, it is important to take the time to plan ahead, ensuring that your estate is in order and that your wishes are clearly documented.

From Wills to Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship, we can provide expert advice on the distribution of your assets, ensuring your family’s needs are accounted for and your financial obligations are taken care of.

Panetta Family Lawyers can assist in how to plan, manage and protect your assets both during your lifetime and on your death. It is important having peace of mind knowing you have a family member or friend to make decisions on your behalf if in the future you are unable to make these decisions for yourself.

Drafting or updating your will.
Preparing powers of attorney which are documents where you can appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable (or unavailable) to do so for yourself.
Preparing enduring guardians which is a document that enables you to appoint a person to make decisions about your medical care and other lifestyle choices if you happen to lose the capacity to make these decisions yourself.

Wills

By having a Will you stipulate exactly how your Estate (all your possessions and assets) is distributed and in what proportions. This will ensure what you have worked hard for goes to those you wish.

A will can also contain details of who will take legal guardianship of dependent children should something happen to both parents. This is usually someone you trust to raise your children in a similar way to how you are raising them, and someone who has the emotional and financial capacity to take on the responsibility.

Every person over the age of 18 should consider preparing a Will.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DIE WITHOUT A WILL
If you die without a will, your assets may be distributed according to a statutory formula. It is then quite possible that your estate may go to people that you did not wish to and the costs to administer the estate, where there is no will, will be more.

Your will is automatically revoked, or made invalid, when you get married and on the day you are formally divorced by a Court. However, wills made in contemplation of marriage or divorce are valid. If you do not wish to make a will in this way, a new will must be made after you marry or divorce, otherwise you will die intestate.

Panetta Family Lawyers can assist in preparing or updating your will.

We will work with you to ensure your will reflects your current circumstances so that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

It is estimated that nearly half of all Australians die without a will, or ‘intestate’. Don’t let this happen to you. Prepare a will today!

Estate Administration

When a family member or a loved one dies we can help you with sorting out their affairs and help you get through what is a very sad time.

We undertake the administration of the deceased’s estate with a view to ensuring that this process is carried out respectfully and quickly. This includes making application to the Supreme Court for the last Will to be approved for administration. Assisting in collecting and managing the estate assets, paying any outstanding debts or moneys from the estate, helping to complete a tax return for the estate, and ultimately assisting with distribution of the estate to the named beneficiaries. We can also assist the personal representatives on any legal issues or matters that may arise during the administration of a deceased’s estate.

Our extensive range of Estate Administartion Services include:

Making an application to the Supreme Court for a formal grant of Probate or Letters of Administration where appropriate
Ensuring that Trustees are fully aware of their legal obligations
Advising executors in relation to potential claims that can be made against estates
Asset distribution to beneficiaries in accordance with the wishes of the deceased as identified in their will, including the disposal of any assets that need to be realised
Paying any outstanding expenses for the estate, such as costs relating to the funeral
Administering any life tenancies or trusts that may have been created by the deceased’s will