LMC Lawyers

22/08/2026

Property Settlement After Separation: Don’t Miss the Time Limit

Separated? Don’t assume you have forever to sort out the property settlement.

One of the most important things separating couples should understand is that there are strict time limits for bringing property settlement proceedings to the Court.

💍 Married couples

If you were married, you can apply to the Court for property adjustment before you are divorced.

However, once your divorce becomes final, you generally have 12 months to commence proceedings for property settlement.

This catches some people out because separation and divorce are two different things. You might have been separated for several years before applying for a divorce — but the 12-month property settlement limitation period generally starts when the divorce order takes effect, not when you separated.

🏠 De facto couples

For an eligible de facto relationship, the general limitation period is different.

An application for property adjustment must generally be made within 2 years of the breakdown of the de facto relationship.

⚠️ What happens if you miss the deadline?

You can ask the Court for permission — known as leave — to commence proceedings out of time.

But leave is not automatically granted. You should not assume that the Court will extend the deadline simply because you have a genuine property dispute.

That is why waiting until the deadline is approaching can be extremely risky.

Even if you and your former partner are on good terms, it is worth getting advice about your property position and how — and when — it should be formally resolved.

If you have separated, particularly if you are approaching the 12-month post-divorce deadline or the 2-year de facto deadline, obtain family law advice promptly.

03/08/2026

💬 Did you know that mediation is an important step in most property settlement matters?

If you've separated and need to resolve your property settlement, mediation (or another form of family dispute resolution) is now generally expected before court proceedings can be commenced, unless an exemption applies.

While some matters still require a Judge to decide the outcome, many are resolved at mediation.

Why is this important?

✔️ It gives both parties an opportunity to negotiate in a structured environment.
✔️ It can help resolve your matter sooner than waiting for a final court hearing.
✔️ It is generally far more cost-effective than running a matter all the way to trial.
✔️ If an agreement is reached, it can usually be formalised by way of Consent Orders, making it legally binding.

Court proceedings can take many months—and sometimes longer before they reach a final hearing and frequently parties wait months before a Judgment. Therefore, if you're able to reach an agreement at mediation it can save both time, legal costs and a significant amount of stress.

Every situation is different, and mediation won't resolve every matter. However, attending well prepared and with the right legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome.

If you're separating and want advice about your property settlement, contact LMC Lawyers. We're here to help you understand your options and work towards the best possible outcome.

T: (02) 4044 0556
E: [email protected]

28/07/2026

Separation can turn your world upside down.

In the first 30 days, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the questions racing through your mind...

💭 Do I have to move out?
💭 What happens with the children?
💭 Should I be collecting financial documents?
💭 What if I can't afford a lawyer?
💭 Where do I even start?

The truth is, you don't need to have all the answers straight away.

The most important thing you can do is stay organised, protect yourself financially, and avoid making rushed decisions that you may regret later.

We've put together a practical guide called "30 Days After Separation" to help people understand the important steps to consider during those first few weeks—especially if you're trying to navigate the process on your own.

Knowledge is empowering, and understanding your options can help you move forward with greater confidence.

📖 call or email our admin team: [email protected] and we'll send you our free practical guide.

If you're feeling uncertain about your situation, remember that you don't always need full legal representation. Sometimes, a single appointment to answer your questions and point you in the right direction can make all the difference.

27/07/2026

17/07/2026

Can AI replace your family lawyer?

Not quite. Artificial Intelligence is an incredible tool, and at LMC Lawyers, we're not afraid to embrace technology where it genuinely helps.

AI can assist with things like:
✅ Polishing the wording of an email or text message to a former spouse.
✅ Helping you communicate in a calmer, more constructive way with the other parent.
✅ Organising information or summarising documents.

But when it comes to your family law matter, AI has limits.

It can't:
Exercise legal judgment based on the unique facts of your case.
Develop a strategy that adapts as your matter evolves.
Have the difficult conversations you may be avoiding.
Negotiate with the other party or their lawyer to achieve the best possible outcome.
Read the room in mediation.
Advocate for you in Court or respond to unexpected issues as they arise.

Family law isn't just about knowing the law—it's about understanding people, managing conflict, making strategic decisions, and protecting your future.

Technology is a valuable assistant. It is not a substitute for experienced legal advice.

If you're making decisions that could affect your children, your finances, or your future, make sure you're relying on more than an algorithm.

At LMC Lawyers, we combine the benefits of modern technology with something AI can't replace—experience, strategy, compassion, and skilled advocacy.

Call our team if you need advice tailored to your circumstances, we're here to help

(T) 4044 0556

07/07/2026

When you're going through a property settlement, one of the most important steps is financial disclosure.

Financial disclosure means both parties must provide full and honest information about their finances. This includes bank accounts, superannuation, property, businesses, shares, debts, tax returns, payslips and any other assets or liabilities.

Why is it so important? Because you can't negotiate a fair property settlement—or ask the Court to make a fair decision—without knowing the complete financial picture.

Trying to hide assets or failing to disclose information can lead to serious consequences. The Court can set aside Orders and even order legal costs.

At LMC Lawyers, we help our clients understand exactly what documents they need, ensure disclosure is complete, and identify when information may be missing from the other party. Getting financial disclosure right from the beginning can save time, reduce costs, and put you in the best position to achieve a fair outcome.

Reach out to our team at LMC Lawyers to get advice about your individual property settlement: (02) 4044 0556 or complete our online form available on our website

30/06/2026

🚨 New Rules from 1 July – Here's What It Means for Our Clients

From 1 July, there are new laws that require law firms providing certain legal services to comply with Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) obligations.

So, what does that mean for you?

You may notice we're asking for a few more questions before we can get started, including:

✅ Verifying your identity
✅ Asking about the source of funds in some matters
✅ Requesting additional documentation where required

These new requirements are designed to help combat money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud and other serious financial crime.

At LMC Lawyers, we've been preparing for these changes well in advance to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible for our clients.

We'll explain exactly what we need and why we need it and try to make the process as easy as possible so that we can get on with your matter as quickly as possible.

📞 If you have any questions about these new requirements or need legal assistance, contact our friendly team today (02) 4044 0556

30/06/2026

Thinking about applying for a Divorce? We can make the process simple.

Going through a divorce is stressful enough without having to navigate court forms and legal requirements on your own.

At LMC Lawyers, we offer a fixed fee divorce of $1,650 (inclusive of GST) for a standard Divorce application, giving you certainty about your legal costs from the outset.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court filing fee increased on 1 July 2026 and is now:
• $1,170 (standard filing fee); or
• $390 if you are eligible for a reduced fee based on financial hardship or other eligibility criteria.

Whether you're applying on your own or together with your former spouse, our experienced team will guide you through the process from start to finish.

✔ Fixed fee pricing
✔ Straightforward advice
✔ Experienced family lawyers
✔ We take the stress out of the process

Jump on a call with one of our team today. We'll explain the process, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence (02) 4044 0556

26/06/2026

🏡 What Happens to the Family Home After Separation?

Separation doesn't automatically mean the family home has to be sold.

Depending on your circumstances, you may:

Sell the property and divide the proceeds.

One party may keep the home and buy out the other's interest.

Delay the sale until a later date (for example, to provide stability for children).

Every family's situation is different, and the right outcome depends on a range of legal and financial factors.

Before making any decisions about your home, get legal advice to understand your rights and options.

📞 LMC Lawyers
Let's chat: (02) 4044 0556

Clear advice. Practical solutions. Supporting you through every step of your family law journey.

23/06/2026

Did you know that LMC Lawyers offers fixed fee divorces?

If your marriage has broken down and you've been separated for at least 12 months, applying for a divorce doesn't need to be complicated or expensive.

At LMC Lawyers, we offer fixed fee divorce services, giving you certainty about your legal costs from the outset. No surprises, no hidden fees—just clear advice and professional guidance every step of the way.

Whether you're applying on your own or jointly with your former spouse, our experienced team can help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

To find out more, give us a call today on (02) 4044 0556.

LMC Lawyers