Kelly Hardie Solicitors

Kelly Hardie Solicitors Boutique Legal Firm located in Dubbo with expertise in Family Law, Conveyancing, Wills, Probate.

Mediation plays a crucial role in family law matters by offering a more collaborative, cost-effective, and emotionally s...
29/04/2025

Mediation plays a crucial role in family law matters by offering a more collaborative, cost-effective, and emotionally supportive alternative to traditional courtroom litigation. Here's why it's particularly important:​

1. Cost-Effectiveness
Mediation is typically more affordable than going to court. It reduces legal fees and court costs, allowing families to allocate resources more efficiently. By streamlining the dispute resolution process, families can save time and money while still ensuring that the necessary legal requirements are addressed.
2. Time Efficiency
Traditional court cases can extend over months or even years. Mediation, however, often resolves disputes in a fraction of the time, allowing families to move forward without prolonged uncertainty. Flexible scheduling allows for quicker resolution. ​
3. Emotional Support and Preservation of Relationships
Family law disputes often involve deeply personal issues, and emotions can run high. Mediation provides a structured environment where parties can discuss their concerns with the help of a neutral third party. This approach can reduce the emotional strain typically associated with court battles and help preserve relationships, which is especially beneficial when children are involved. ​
4. Confidentiality
Unlike court proceedings, which are generally public, mediation sessions are private. This confidentiality encourages open communication between parties and helps protect sensitive information from becoming public record. ​
5. Control Over the Outcome
In mediation, the parties involved have more control over the resolution of their dispute. Rather than a judge imposing a decision, the mediator facilitates discussions to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This can lead to more satisfactory and sustainable outcomes. ​
6. Higher Success Rates
Mediation often leads to higher satisfaction rates compared to court decisions. Parties who reach agreements through mediation are more likely to adhere to them, as they have actively participated in crafting the solution. ​
7. Encourages Cooperation
Especially in cases involving children, mediation fosters a cooperative approach to resolving disputes. It encourages parents to work together to make decisions in the best interest of their children, setting a positive tone for future interactions. ​

In summary, mediation offers a more amicable, efficient, and cost-effective way to resolve family law disputes, promoting better outcomes for all parties involved.

Having a will is important because it ensures that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. Here are some key re...
31/03/2025

Having a will is important because it ensures that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. Here are some key reasons why you need a will:
Control over asset distribution: Without a will, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. A will allows you to decide exactly who gets what.
Appointing guardians for children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to name a guardian to take care of them, ensuring they're in good hands if something happens to you.
Avoiding family disputes: A clear will can help prevent confusion and conflicts among family members about how to divide your belongings. This can reduce stress and emotional tension during a difficult time.
Selecting an executor: A will allows you to name an executor who will manage your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out, instead of having the court appoint one for you.
Minimising legal challenges: Having a legally valid will can reduce the chances of family members contesting the distribution of your estate in court.
Special requests: If you have specific requests (like donations to charity or care for a pet), a will can ensure they're followed.
Tax considerations: A will can help you plan for taxes and minimize the tax burden on your estate, preserving more for your heirs.

In short, a will gives you peace of mind, ensures your legacy is respected, and helps your loved ones during an emotional and challenging time.

A family lawyer can be essential in various situations where legal issues arise within a family structure. Here are some...
21/03/2025

A family lawyer can be essential in various situations where legal issues arise within a family structure. Here are some reasons you might need a family lawyer:

Divorce: Family lawyers help navigate the complexities of divorce, ensuring fair distribution of assets, and resolving custody arrangements if children are involved.
Child Custody & Support: If you are going through a divorce or separation, a family lawyer can assist in negotiating and securing fair child custody and support agreements, which are in the best interest of the children.
Financial Agreements: A family lawyer can help you draft an agreement before or during marriage to clarify how assets and debts will be divided in case of divorce, providing protection and clarity for both partners.
Domestic Violence: In cases of domestic violence, a family lawyer can help secure protective orders, represent you in court, and ensure your safety and the safety of your children.
Spousal Support: In divorce proceedings, a family lawyer can help determine whether you are entitled to spousal support and help negotiate an amount that is fair.
Estate Planning: Family lawyers can also assist with creating wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure that your family is taken care of after your passing.
Paternity Issues: In cases where paternity is in question, a family lawyer can help with legal actions to establish paternity, which can affect custody, child support, and other family-related legal matters.
Property Settlements: If property disputes arise during divorce or separation, a family lawyer can ensure a fair division of assets and assist with negotiating settlements.

A family lawyer offers expertise in navigating complex and emotional situations, ensuring that your legal rights are protected while helping you find resolutions in family matters.

Perth Conference this week, listening to the State of the Nation presented by the Attorney General.                     ...
30/10/2024

Perth Conference this week, listening to the State of the Nation presented by the Attorney General.

A section 60I certificate can be issued within 12 months of the last attendance, or attempted attendance at FDR. Similar...
09/09/2024

A section 60I certificate can be issued within 12 months of the last attendance, or attempted attendance at FDR. Similarly, a certificate can only be filed with a Court if it has been issued within 12 months of the last FDR or attempted FDR. Over time, the issues in dispute and the people's attitudes usually change which may warrant a further attempt at FDR and these time frames recognise this.

If family mediation is not successful, an accredited FDR practitioner can issue a certificate, allowing a party to make ...
05/09/2024

If family mediation is not successful, an accredited FDR practitioner can issue a certificate, allowing a party to make an application to the Family Law Court in Australia. The certificate is called a ‘Section 60I certificate’ and can only be issued by an accredited FDRP.

The role of the ICL is to assist the Court by forming and presenting an independent view as to what outcomes would be in...
02/09/2024

The role of the ICL is to assist the Court by forming and presenting an independent view as to what outcomes would be in the best interests of the child to whom the proceedings relate.

An expert witness may be retained to give opinion evidence in the proceeding, or, in certain circumstances, to express a...
28/08/2024

An expert witness may be retained to give opinion evidence in the proceeding, or, in certain circumstances, to express an opinion that may be relied upon in alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation or a conference of experts. In some circumstances an expert may be appointed as an independent adviser to the Court.

The role of a family consultant is defined under sections 11A–11F of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). These functions incl...
28/08/2024

The role of a family consultant is defined under sections 11A–11F of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). These functions include assisting and advising the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Court) and parties in relation to court proceedings. This is generally done by way of conducting an assessment and providing a written document to the Court that takes the form of expert evidence in the proceedings. As such, a family consultant is considered to be an expert witness.

Making a collaborative agreement is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page about their responsibilities and minimi...
01/08/2024

Making a collaborative agreement is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page about their responsibilities and minimises conflict. A co-parenting plan can include:

A schedule - how often the children will get to see each parent and for how long
Where the children will stay
Where they will be educated as well as drop offs and pick ups
How holidays and special events will be shared
Medical decisions and how they will be made
Finances - how expenses will be divided

Mediation services can assist as can reliable and informative legal advice. Call us to make an appointment with our team to discuss.

Wishing our Olympic team the best of luck as they compete on the world stage! Your dedication, hard work, and spirit ins...
26/07/2024

Wishing our Olympic team the best of luck as they compete on the world stage! Your dedication, hard work, and spirit inspire us all. Bring home the gold and make us proud! Go Team Australia!

If the Court identifies an issue with your application, like it is incorrectly completed or does not include all require...
25/07/2024

If the Court identifies an issue with your application, like it is incorrectly completed or does not include all required information for the Court to make a determination, then the Court will requisition you. Requisitions is like the Court asking a question or request, and you are then obligated to answer this requisition within the given time frame or seek an extension of time to do so. This usually occurs by way the application being refiled, or a further affidavit being prepared, executed, and filed. If you fail to address the matters raised by the Court, then further requisitions may follow, and again you are obligated to file a response.

It is always beneficial to seek legal advice in relation to the preparation of the application and its management.

Address

First Floor, 131 Macquarie Street
Dubbo, NSW
2830

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61268853733

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