Family Law for Fathers

03/09/2026

A domestic violence allegation during separation can change contact with your children immediately, even before anything is proven. In our guide, we explain why these allegations can arise, what an AVO in NSW or an ADVO in the ACT actually means, and why even an interim order can have serious practical consequences.

We also walk through what not to do, what to do straight away, how courts assess allegations, and the kind of evidence that can help protect your position. An AVO is not a criminal conviction, but breaching one, even accidentally, can become a criminal offence.

If you are dealing with false or exaggerated allegations, we want you to respond calmly and strategically. Start with our guide, then speak with us if the matter is urgent.

Read our guide here: https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/resources/false-allegations-fathers or call us on (02) 4704 9977 if your matter is urgent.

01/09/2026

Property is not automatically split 50/50 after separation in Australia. We help fathers understand what actually matters: contributions, future needs, and whether the final outcome is just and equitable.

We guide property settlement through the four-step process: identify the pool, assess contributions, weigh future needs, and check the result is fair. That pool can include the family home, savings, superannuation, businesses, vehicles and debts, no matter whose name they're in. We also help document financial and non-financial contributions properly, including parenting, homemaking and renovations.

Strict time limits apply, and informal arrangements can leave you exposed for years. If you want to protect what you've built and make any agreement enforceable through consent orders or a binding financial agreement, speak with us.

Read more at https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/property-settlement or call us on (02) 4704 9977.

30/08/2026

Just separated and unsure what to say, what to agree to, or what to sign? The first few decisions can affect parenting, property, and child support far more than most fathers realise.

We help fathers get clear advice early, before informal arrangements turn into expensive problems. That includes understanding your rights and obligations, avoiding admissions you cannot walk back, and making sure short-term compromises do not become the default position later.

If you are at the start of separation or divorce, getting advice now can save a lot of stress later. Start with a confidential conversation so we can map out your options and give you a fixed-fee plan.

Learn more about our services at https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/services or call us on (02) 4704 9977

27/08/2026

Living together for two years or having a child together can completely change your legal standing if the relationship ends.

In New South Wales, de facto relationships are treated similarly to marriages when it comes to property settlements and parenting arrangements.

Many fathers are unaware that they may be eligible to make a claim or, conversely, may be required to divide assets they thought were solely theirs.

Our guide on de facto separation explains the specific criteria used by the court to determine if your relationship qualifies under the Family Law Act.

We break down the time limits and how to protect your financial interests while ensuring your children's needs remain the priority.

Read the guide: https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/resources/defacto-separation or call (02) 4704 9977

25/08/2026

Can she move interstate with your kids?

Not automatically. Not without dealing with you first.

If a move would meaningfully change your relationship with your children, it usually needs your written agreement or a court order. And the courts don't just measure kilometres, they look at what the move actually does to the time you spend with your kids. A two-hour drive can matter more than a flight, depending on your work, your roster, and their school week.

Under the Family Law Act 1975, the children's best interests come first. That includes their relationship with both parents, their safety, their own views, and what changes if they go. The court will also ask a practical question: can it still work? School holidays, video calls, who pays for flights, who does the airport run.

If she's already gone, don't wait. The longer children are settled somewhere new, the harder it gets to unwind. That's not a scare tactic — it's forty years of watching how these matters run.

We only work with Dads. Four offices across NSW and the ACT, fixed fees, and phone or video appointments anywhere in Australia.

If you've been told about a move — or you've come home to an empty house — call us today on (02) 4704 9977.

www.mannionlawyers.com.au

20/08/2026

An informal agreement with your ex has no legal force. It can be walked back at exactly the wrong moment. We help turn workable agreements into enforceable documents through consent orders or binding financial agreements.

Consent orders are approved by the court on the papers, with no hearing or court appearance, and can cover parenting arrangements, property division and superannuation splits. BFAs are private contracts that can be made before, during or after a relationship, but they only work if strict legal requirements are met, including truly independent legal advice for both parties.

For most post-separation settlements, consent orders are the right fit. Where privacy or timing matters, a BFA may be better. We'll tell you straight which option suits your facts.

Read more at https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/consent-orders-agreements or call us on (02) 4704 9977 to discuss formalising your agreement.

18/08/2026

Separated after a de facto relationship and worried you have fewer rights as a father? We want to be clear: if you are your child's parent, your parenting rights are the same as any married father. Marriage has nothing to do with whether you can seek time with your kids or apply for parenting orders.

We also explain that de facto property settlement can follow the same Family Law Act framework, and that there is a 2-year deadline after separation you cannot afford to miss. Our guide covers what counts as a de facto relationship, how separation is established, child support, common mistakes, and what to do right now.

If you need practical guidance on parenting disputes, property settlement, or urgent recovery and relocation issues, start here and then contact us.

Read our guide: https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/resources/defacto-separation. If you need advice about parenting disputes, property settlement, or an urgent matter, call us on (02) 4704 9977.

16/08/2026

Your child support assessment should reflect the real picture.

Services Australia considers both parents’ taxable incomes, the children’s ages and overnight care arrangements. If these details are incorrect, the amount you pay may be unfair.

You may be able to object, seek a change of assessment or consider a private agreement. If your income has dropped or arrears are building, acting early matters.

Book a consultation with Mannion Lawyers to review your assessment and discuss your options: https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/contact

13/08/2026

A lot of fathers come to us after weeks of confusion, not knowing what happens first or what anything will cost. That uncertainty stops people from taking action.

We keep the process simple. First, we listen to what's happening in a confidential consultation. Then we give clear advice about your options, likely outcomes and a fixed-fee plan. After that, we move the matter forward through negotiation, mediation or court, depending on what best serves you and your children.

Book a confidential consultation at https://www.mannionlawyers.com.au/contact or call (02) 4704 9977.

13/08/2026

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