Reaching out for family law advice is often prompted by uncertainty. Whether contact is made directly or through a referrer, it is natural to want to understand what happens next and how to prepare.

The early stages of a family law matter are designed to provide clarity, structure and reassurance, while ensuring the information needed is gathered efficiently and thoughtfully.

Step One: Completing the Questionnaire

After making contact, the first step is to complete the questionnaire available on the website.

This questionnaire is designed to give us a snapshot of your relationship and family and to gather key background information before the first meeting. It ensures that when we meet, we are able to answer your questions and not waste time gathering basic information.

The questionnaire covers:

• key steps in a family law matter and likely timelines
• your role and obligations
• how support will be provided
  
• any immediate concerns relating to children, safety or finances

Providing this information early helps save time and legal costs by allowing the first meeting to focus on advice and strategy rather than basic information gathering. Give as much information as possible.  Again, this will help speed up the process and save you money and time.

Step Two: The way forward – next steps

Once the questionnaire is completed, you will meet with one of our team members who will provide guidance and options and help you to map a pathway forward.

The pathway forward is tailored to the information you have provided. It brings together what is known so far and outlines how the matter is likely to progress.

Resolve Conflict  will guide you in:

• understanding what information and documents may be required
• preparing for the next steps, be that a letter to the other party or their lawyers, mediation or possibly Court proceedings
• identifying early priorities and decisions, and where appropriate, discussing and developing a settlement strategy
• understanding likely next steps, as well as timing and estimated costs.

This approach is designed to help us understand your goals and interests, support you as you make these decisions, and to ensure that matters get off to a good start while ensuring expectations are clear from the outset.

Preparing Before Your First Meeting

There are several practical steps that can assist before the first meeting.

Documents to Have Ready

Not all documents will be required immediately, and this will depend on your circumstances. It  can be helpful, however, to begin gathering:

• identification documents
  
• marriage or relationship documents
  
• details of children, including schooling and care arrangements
  
• financial documents such as tax returns, a summary of  bank account balances , property and vehicle ownership, superannuation details, details of home or other loans  and credit card debts. If you own a business, tax returns and financial statements for the business, plus details of the company or trust involved.
• any existing court orders or agreements, 
  
• correspondence relating to family violence or Intervention Orders, if applicable
• any correspondence between you and your partner relating to the separation or from your partner’s legal representative.
  

Our team will then advise you on what other documents may be required that are relevant to your personal circumstances.

Conversations to Consider Carefully

It is also helpful to think about conversations that may arise during this early stage.

This may include:

• discussions with trusted family members or friends for emotional support
• conversations with accountants, financial advisers or counsellors if already involved
  
• limiting discussions with the other party about legal strategy until advice is received
  
• being mindful of written communications, including text messages, emails and social media posts
  

These considerations can help protect your position while reducing unnecessary stres

s or escalation.

How Early Decisions Are Made

Early decisions in a family law matter often relate to process rather than outcome.

These decisions may include:

• whether there are urgent issues involving children, safety or finances
  
• the most appropriate pathway to help you reach an agreement quickly and cost-effectively
• whether negotiation, mediation or court involvement is required at an early stage
  
• what information needs to be prioritised
  

These decisions are informed by your discussions with our team during which your issues and goals are identified.. The focus is on making proportionate, well-considered choices that support long-term outcomes.

What to Expect in the First 7 to 14 Days

Clients often want to know what will happen in the first one to two weeks after making contact.

Initially, one of our team will speak with you on the phone to get some preliminary details. There is no charge for this call, which usually takes 15 to 2o minutes. Once this conversation has occurred, the next step is to make a time to meet with our team. This conference is charged at a flat fee of $450 plus GST and usually lasts 1-1 ½ hours.

During this meeting, our team will focus on;

• your goals and what is important to you
• steps you can take and options available to help you achieve those goals
  
• identification of any urgent actions
  
•  
• guidance on information or documents to provide
  
• an outline of how the matter is likely to progress initially
• a clear estimate of the costs involved, depending on which course of action you wish to pursue.
  

The exact timing and steps will depend on the information provided and the nature of the matter.

A Clear and Supported Starting Point

Our Team aims to give you a clear understanding of the process ahead, your role within it, the various options available to you to achieve your goals, and how we can best support you. This process allows the legal team to understand your circumstances early, helping to tailor advice and strategy appropriately.

Starting with structure and clarity helps set the foundation for a more confident and informed path forward.