Statewide Family Law

17/07/2026

What to expect at your first family court date 👨🏻‍⚖️

Going to court for the first time can feel daunting, particularly when you are already dealing with the stress of a family law matter.

Your first court date, often called the “first return date”, is generally focused on identifying the issues in dispute, checking that the required documents have been filed and deciding what needs to happen next.

The Court may make temporary orders about parenting arrangements or financial support, direct the parties to attend mediation, require further documents to be filed or set a timetable for the next stage of the matter.

It is important to understand that most family law matters are not resolved at the first court date. The hearing is usually about putting the right steps in place so the matter can move forward.

Being prepared, organised and aware of what may happen can make the process feel less overwhelming.

Read Katrina Peters' latest article here: https://www.swc.net.au/publications/what-to-expect-at-your-first-court-date

26/05/2026

📞 OUR NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED! 📞

We’re excited to share that we’ve recently upgraded our phone system to improve the way we connect with our clients, referrers and contacts.

As part of this upgrade, our Statewide team members now have new direct telephone numbers, which follow the format: (07) 4881 05XX.

Good news — our main office number remains exactly the same: ☎️ (07) 4963 0800

To make the transition as smooth as possible, our previous direct numbers will continue to divert to the new numbers for a transition period.

The new system will provide improved functionality for our team and make it even easier to stay connected.

You can view our team’s updated contact details here: https://www.swc.net.au/our-team

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

22/01/2026

“ONE PARENT ALWAYS WINS.”

It’s a belief we hear often in parenting matters, and one that can create unnecessary worry for many parents. The reality is far more considered and child-focused.

Under Australian family law, both parents are recognised as playing an important role in a child’s life, unless there is a genuine reason why arrangements should be different.

In our latest article, we explain:

• Why there is no automatic or default parent
• How parenting decisions are made with a child’s best interests in mind
• The difference between shared parental responsibility and time spent with a child
• Why cooperative, child-focused decision-making often leads to the best outcomes

If you’re navigating separation or trying to understand your parenting options, having the right information can make the process clearer and less stressful.

👉 Read the full article here: The Myth That One Parent Always Wins in Parenting Matters – Why Parenting Cases Aren’t About Winners or Losers - https://tinyurl.com/2r7runxc

If you would like advice tailored to your family’s circumstances, please contact our Family Law team.

23/12/2025

AND THAT’S A WRAP! 🎄

A huge thank you to our wonderful clients, referrers and friends for being part of another fantastic year!

From first home purchases and investment properties, to family homes, downsizing, rural properties and commercial ventures; and supporting clients through important family law matters, it’s a privilege to be part of so many significant moments along the way.

Our team will be taking a short break to enjoy some well-earned time with family and friends, and we’ll be back in the office on Monday 5 January.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Stay safe and enjoy the festive season.

Love,

The Statewide team

27/11/2025

🎄 Christmas Opening Hours 🎄

13/11/2025

🎄 Parenting Arrangements Over Christmas: A Proactive Approach 🎄

The festive season can be a magical time for children, and whether you’re navigating your first Christmas as a separated parent or you’ve been co-parenting for years, taking proactive steps now can make all the difference.

Here are some practical tips to help the holidays run smoothly and keep the focus where it belongs: on the kids.

⛄ Plan early and communicate clearly. Don’t wait until December to start discussing arrangements. Explain your plans, expectations and any travel details well in advance. Clear, respectful communication now can prevent misunderstandings later.

⛄ Be flexible and solution-focused. Christmas rarely works out perfectly for everyone every year. Approach discussions with a mindset of cooperation, not competition.

⛄ Keep children out of adult issues. Commit to peaceful interactions, especially in front of the kids. They shouldn’t feel caught in the middle or responsible for managing emotions.

⛄ Create positive traditions, even if plans differ. If you won’t have the children on Christmas Day, consider embracing a “second Christmas” and making it special. What matters most is the quality of time, not the date on the calendar.

⛄ Choose civility, even when it's hard. Being calm and courteous sets the tone for better outcomes, and helps model healthy behaviour for your children.

⛄ Prepare for travel or schedule changes early. If you intend to travel with the children, raise it as soon as possible and ensure any arrangements align with your Parenting Plan or Court Orders. Early transparency builds trust and avoids last-minute conflict.

If you haven’t yet formalised your parenting arrangements, now is a good time to do so. Clear, structured agreements help minimise conflict and give children the consistency they need.

Contact us to discuss the options that best support your family.
📞 07 4963 0800

From divorce and parenting arrangements to property settlement and recovery orders - you can trust the highly experienced team at Statewide Family Law with your unique family law situation.

10/11/2025

10/10/2025

💭 Taking the Emotion Out of Family Law Property Settlements

Separation can be one of life’s most emotional experiences, but when it comes to dividing property, letting emotions take over can make things harder, not fairer.

A clear head, guided by experienced legal advice, can help you achieve a balanced, practical and cost-effective outcome — one that supports your future rather than prolonging conflict.

Here’s why staying calm matters:

🔹 Emotion clouds judgment. Anger, guilt or fear can lead to reactive decisions or unnecessary disputes.
🔹 It helps you focus on your future. Property settlements are a financial reset and a chance to plan ahead and protect your long-term stability.
🔹 It encourages cooperation. With less emotion, communication improves and agreements are reached faster, with less stress and lower legal costs.
🔹 The law focuses on fairness. Courts apply clear principles to achieve just outcomes, not to assign blame.

Katrina Peters, Director and Senior Family Lawyer explains more here: https://tinyurl.com/yubz6ye

At Statewide Family Law, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, helping you separate the personal from the practical so you can move forward with confidence.

📞 If you’re navigating separation or property division, reach out to our caring family law team today for clear, professional advice.

Property settlements during separation can quickly become emotional battlegrounds — but they don’t have to be. When guided by logic, legal principles, and experienced advice, you can approach property division with clarity and fairness, rather than resentment or fear. By taking emotion out of th...

12/08/2025

HOW A FAMILY LAWYER CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CASE

Going through a separation or family dispute can be one of the hardest times in your life. It’s emotional, overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost about what to do next.

A good family lawyer is more than just legal help. They’re your guide, your advocate, and your steady hand when everything feels uncertain.

Katrina Peters, Director and Principal Family Lawyer explains the skills and practicalities that a family lawyer can bring to your matter here - https://tinyurl.com/bdhdjv8k

📞 Contact us today for confidential, compassionate advice - https://www.swc.net.au/family-law

When a relationship breaks down, you may question the need for a family lawyer. Here’s how engaging a family lawyer can make all the difference in your case:

07/07/2025

WHY CAN MY EX TOUCH MY SUPERANNUATION?

It’s a common question – and a fair one.

In Australia, superannuation is considered property under the Family Law Act 1975. That means it can be divided between separating couples, just like the family home or other assets.

Here’s why your ex might be entitled to a portion of your super:

🔸It’s Part of the Asset Pool – Super is treated as property and included when dividing assets during a separation or divorce.

🔸Contributions Matter – The court looks at both financial and non-financial contributions. That includes things like parenting, homemaking, and supporting a partner’s career – not just who earned the income.

🔸Fairness is the Goal – The law aims for a “just and equitable” split, factoring in future needs like childcare responsibilities or differences in earning capacity.

🔸There are Legal Processes – Super can be divided by agreement (via a binding financial agreement or consent orders) or by court order if you can’t agree.

If you're navigating a separation and have concerns about how your superannuation might be affected, we're here to help. Reach out today for a confidential discussion with our Family Law team.

To find out more, read the full article here: https://www.swc.net.au/publications/why-can-my-ex-touch-my-superannuation