Family law, guided with clarity and care.
Paynes Lawyers is a boutique firm that specialises in family law. For more than three decades we have guided Western Australians safely and securely through separation, property and parenting matters.
Experience and empathy, when it matters most.
When family relationships break down and a legal avenue becomes the only option open to resolve issues that arise, you need the services of a law firm that not only understands Family Law but also has the experience and empathy to set your mind at ease and guide you safely and securely through the processes involved.
At Paynes Lawyers we have been specialising in family law for more than three decades and in that time we have come to understand how a family law matter can often be your first experience of dealing with lawyers and therefore it can be quite a daunting and challenging experience.
The areas we specialise in include:
- Divorce
- Property Disputes
- Disputes over Children
- Relocations
- Spousal Maintenance
- Adult Child Maintenance
- Child Support
- De Facto Relationships
- Consent Applications
- Financial Agreements
- Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Specialist advice across every area of family law.
From divorce and property settlements to care of children and financial agreements, our team handles the full scope of family law practice.
Divorce
As part of our role handling divorce proceedings on behalf of clients, there are some basic facts about the process that you should be aware of. You can apply for a divorce if you have been separated for at least one year and there is no possibility of a reconciliation.
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Property Disputes
When a relationship comes to an end, you should reach an agreement about the division of your assets and liabilities, which, if you are married and live in Western Australia, includes your superannuation.
Learn more 03Mediation and ADR
If you and your partner are experiencing difficulty in reaching an agreement about financial issues and/or arrangements for your children, we will encourage you to participate in mediation to see if, with the assistance of an independent mediator, an agreement can be reached.
Learn more 04Financial Agreements
Whether married or not, you have the opportunity to enter into an agreement with your partner, either before you start living with each other or while you are living together, which covers the ownership of property and payment of maintenance while still together or when the relationship comes to an end.
Learn more 05De facto Relationships
Western Australia has its own set of laws, pertaining to both financial matters and child issues, which provide people who live in a de facto relationship, including same sex couples, with similar rights and responsibilities to people who are married, other than in relation to superannuation.
Learn more 06Spousal and Partner Maintenance
If your relationship has come to an end, you may be entitled to claim financial support from your former partner, whether you are married or not.
Learn more 07Adult Child Maintenance
Once a child reaches the age of 18 years, normally parents no longer have a legal obligation to provide financial support.
Learn more 08Child Support
Both the Commonwealth and State Parliaments have passed laws governing the support parents must pay towards children until they turn 18.
Learn more 09Care of Children
One of the most difficult decisions parents must make when separating, concerns how they will continue to care for their children and make decisions regarding their future.
Learn more 10Consent Applications
If you reach an agreement with your former partner in relation to financial issues and/or arrangements for the care of the children, it is important to seek advice concerning whether it is necessary or prudent to formalise that agreement.
Learn more 11Enforcement of Agreements & Orders
Unfortunately sometimes, even though a Court has ordered a party to do something, they fail to do so or even though the parties have reached an agreement, they fail to honour it.
Learn more 12Wills
You should have a Will dealing with what is to happen on your death in relation to your property and appointing guardians for your children. Usually spouses leave property to each other in their Wills.
Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Every matter is different. Speak with one of our lawyers about your situation and the options open to you.
The lawyers beside you, until it is resolved.
Anne Payne
In 1979, Anne graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 1980.
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Julia Mansfield
Julia is an Accredited Family Law Specialist and has practised exclusively in the area of family law since 2010.
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James Mansfield
In 2014, James graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours). He received several university awards, including the Vice Chancellor’s Award for the School of Law for 2012.
Read full profileTalk to a specialist family lawyer.
Whatever stage you are at, early advice gives you clarity on your options and protects your position. We are here to walk you through it.
Let’s talk about your next step.
Visit us in West Perth, call (08) 9221 1771 or send a confidential enquiry using the form.
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Tell us a little about your matter and one of our lawyers will be in touch. All enquiries are treated in strict confidence.