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Acute Family Law & Mediations

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Australia
Southport, QLD
Acute Family Law & Mediations

Practical, empathetic solutions for Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Tweed Coast, and Northern Rivers families navigating life's transitions.

05/09/2025

🚨 WE'RE GROWING! Senior Family Lawyer Wanted!

Acute Family Law & Mediations is on the lookout for a passionate and experienced Senior Family Lawyer to join our team in Brisbane. This is your chance to take on meaningful work while enjoying flexible WFH arrangements and an office right across from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Why this role?
♦️ Autonomy to manage your own caseload
♦️ Flexible work options
♦️ A supportive, client-focused team that values compassion and professionalism

What we're after:
♦️ 5+ years' experience in family law
♦️ Strong focus on family law and domestic violence matters
♦️ Excellent people skills, with the demeanour and good humour needed to cope with demands for this area of practice

Your work will include:
♦️ Parenting and property settlement applications
♦️ Divorce applications
♦️ Protection order applications
♦️ Family Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Conciliation, and Arbitration

At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we believe in making family law services as straightforward, compassionate, and cost-effective as possible.

💼 Salary is negotiable based on your experience and skill set.
📧 Apply now by emailing your resume to Corey Harrison at [email protected]

15/08/2025

Can a Protection Order Affect Employment?

In short...it might, depending on what you do, whether the Order has been breached, and what kind of checks the role involves.

A Protection Order (also called a Domestic Violence Order or DVO) is not a criminal conviction. However, in some roles (especially those involving children, vulnerable people, or public safety), it might come up in an employment screening. That's particularly true if you're applying for work in healthcare, childcare, law enforcement, or community support services.

It's important to understand that breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence, and will appear on a criminal history check. Even if there's no breach, the presence of a DVO could still be considered relevant to some employers or regulatory bodies.

If you're not sure how an Order might impact your employment, or whether you need to disclose anything, we can help you understand your legal position clearly and early.

13/08/2025

How Are Parenting Arrangements Decided in Australia?

The Court's top priority is always what's in the child's best interests, not what either parent wants. In most cases, it starts with the assumption that both parents will share parental responsibility (unless there's a clear risk to the child's safety or wellbeing).

If one parent ends up providing most of the care, it doesn't automatically give them sole decision-making authority. That requires a specific Court order for sole parental responsibility.

Children's views may also be considered depending on their age and maturity, particularly where stability or safety is involved.

At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we support parents through this process with legally sound, practical advice that's grounded in what matters most; the child's wellbeing.

11/08/2025

Can I stay in the family home if I've applied for a protection order?

In many cases, yes. You can ask the Court for exclusive occupancy (sometimes called an 'ouster condition') as part of your application. This means the respondent could be required to leave the home, even if they're listed on the lease or property title.

When deciding, the Court considers factors like safety, financial hardship, whether children live in the home, and whether you have another safe place to go. If staying in the home isn't safe, temporary accommodation may be a better option. Support services can help with short-term housing if needed.

If you're thinking about applying for a protection order, it's important to get legal advice early. At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we help people understand their rights and obligations, and we'll work with you to make sure your application is properly prepared.

08/08/2025

What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?

FDR is a type of mediation that helps separated parents work through parenting arrangements without needing to go straight to Court. A neutral practitioner facilitates the discussion and keeps the focus on finding practical, workable solutions.

In most parenting matters, you're expected to try FDR before applying to the Court (unless there's an urgent issue, safety concern, or other exemption). If you reach agreement, it can be written up as a parenting plan or turned into consent orders. If not, the practitioner can issue a Section 60I certificate, which you'll need if you decide to go to Court.

At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we assist clients in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and surrounding areas. We offer legal and mediation services with accredited FDR practitioners, providing you with clear advice and a focus on what matters.

06/08/2025

What Happens After You Apply for a Protection Order?

If you're considering applying for a protection order in Queensland, it can be reassuring to understand what actually happens after you file your application.
♦️ The Court can make a temporary protection order urgently if there's immediate risk, sometimes even before the other party is served.
♦️ The respondent will then be formally notified and required to attend Court.
♦️ Even temporary orders are legally enforceable. If breached, police can act straight away.
♦️ The matter will be listed for a hearing, where both sides can give their version of events.
♦️ A final protection order can then be made, either by agreement or decision of the Magistrate.

Final orders usually last for around five years, with conditions tailored to your safety, including limits on contact, property access, or behaviour. Longer orders are possible where needed.

If you're unsure how to start or want to understand what applying might mean in your situation, we offer practical legal advice that puts your safety first.

11/07/2025

World Population Day - Families Come in All Forms

World Population Day is observed each year on 11 July, shining a light on global population and health issues, including the evolving structure of families.

Here in Australia, the family unit continues to diversify. According to the ABS, one in six families are now single-parent households. Shared care is increasingly common following separation. De facto relationships have grown significantly among younger Australians. We're also seeing a rise in culturally diverse and blended families.

Family law should reflect this reality. Parenting plans, care arrangements, and mediation services need to work for your actual circumstances; not follow a rigid or standardised approach. That means being culturally aware, flexible, and focused on what matters most.

At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we work with all kinds of families across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, helping them navigate parenting arrangements and family law matters that reflect who they are, not just how things used to be.

10/07/2025

How Long Does a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) Last in Queensland?

There are two main types of protection orders: temporary and final.

A temporary protection order is not permanent, but it can remain in place for some time. They generally last until the Court makes a final protection order or decides to vacate the temporary one. Temporary protection orders are designed to provide immediate protection while your matter remains before the Court.

A final protection order typically runs for five years, though the Court can make it shorter or longer based on the level of risk and other factors. If needed, final orders can be extended, and the conditions can be changed if things shift over time.

When a domestic violence order ends, the protections it provides also end, unless you apply for a new order. It's also important to know that any breach of a protection order is a criminal offence, even if the expiry date is approaching.

If you need advice about a new or current order, or whether you should apply for an extension, we can assist.

23/06/2025

What Is Supervised Time in Parenting Arrangements?

Supervised time is when a parent spends time with their child in the presence of another adult. It's usually part of a parenting arrangement or Court Order made when there are serious concerns about the child's safety or wellbeing, such as past family violence, substance misuse, or a long period of absence.

It's not a punishment. The goal is to support safe, structured interaction while protecting the child. Supervision can happen through a contact centre, a trusted person, or someone appointed by the Court. These arrangements are often temporary. If circumstances change and it becomes safe, the Court may allow unsupervised time later on.

At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we'll walk you through what supervised time involves and whether it's likely to apply in your situation. We give you practical, straightforward advice based on what the Court actually considers.

20/06/2025

DVO or AVO... What's the Difference?

It comes down to location. In Queensland, a protection order is called a Domestic Violence Order (DVO). In New South Wales, it's an Apprehended Violence Oder (AVO). Despite the different names, the Court's intention is the same: to provide legal protection from violence, harassment, or threats.

Both types of Orders are civil in nature but carry serious consequences if breached. Conditions might include no contact, staying away from certain places, or not approaching someone's home or workplace. If breached, it becomes a criminal matter.

If you've recently moved states or you're parenting across state lines, understanding the difference between a DVO and an AVO can help avoid confusion, especially when it comes to enforcing or responding to orders.

Need support with your situation? Acute Family Law & Mediations can help you understand what applies in your circumstances and how to move forward safely.

18/06/2025

At Acute Family Law & Mediations, we understand that navigating family law matters (be it care arrangements, separation, or property settlements) can be emotionally taxing. Adding financial strain shouldn't be part of the equation.

Out commitment to affordable legal solutions stems from first-hand experience. Corey Harrison, our Legal Practitioner Director, founded this firm after navigating his own family law dispute. He knows the emotional and financial toll such matters can take and is dedicated to providing clear, upfront pricing and flexible services, including mediation, to help others avoid similar hardships.

Mediation, in particular, is often a cost-effective alternative to court proceedings. In Australia, mediation costs are significantly less than what court proceedings may incur. By offering these services, we aim to make legal support accessible to everyone, ensuring that financial constraints don't hinder you from seeking the assistance you need.

Address

45 Nerang Street
Southport, QLD
4215

Opening Hours

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

Website

http://acutefamilylawmediations.com/

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