Expert Family Lawyers in Perth

Navigating family law matters can be emotionally challenging. At Tom & Co Legal, we provide compassionate, expert legal representation for all family law issues in Perth and throughout Western Australia.

Our experienced family lawyers understand that every family situation is unique. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your circumstances, and provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're dealing with separation, divorce, child custody disputes, or property settlement matters, we're here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

As a disability-led multilingual law firm, we're committed to making family law services accessible to all Perth residents, regardless of background or circumstances. We offer all our legal services in English, Thai, Khmer, Hindi, and Gujarati, ensuring clear communication throughout your legal journey. Our practice is LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive.

Award-Winning Team

Led by 2023 WA Lawyer of the Year

Multilingual Services

English, Thai, Khmer, Hindi & Gujarati speakers

Extensive Experience

Proven expertise in family law

Get Expert Family Law Advice

Speak with our experienced family lawyers today. We're here to help you navigate your family law matters with compassion and expertise.

Call Us Now
+61 8 6255 5737
Visit Our Office
92 Edward Street, Perth WA 6000
Book Your Consultation

Our Family Law Services

Comprehensive legal support for all family law matters in Perth and Western Australia

Divorce & Separation

Ending a marriage or de facto relationship is never easy. Our Perth family lawyers provide sensitive, practical guidance through the divorce and separation process, helping you understand your rights and obligations while minimising stress and conflict.

We can help you with:

  • Divorce applications and proceedings
  • Legal separation advice and documentation
  • 12-month separation requirements
  • Separation under one roof
  • Uncontested and contested divorces
  • Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
  • Court representation for divorce matters

Our approach focuses on achieving the best outcome for you and your family while keeping legal costs manageable. We explore all options, from negotiation and mediation to court proceedings when necessary.

Property Settlement

Dividing assets and liabilities after separation requires careful consideration of numerous factors. Our experienced property settlement lawyers in Perth help you achieve a fair division of property, superannuation, businesses, and debts.

Property settlement services include:

  • Asset and liability identification and valuation
  • Assessment of contributions (financial and non-financial)
  • Future needs considerations
  • Superannuation splitting
  • Business asset division
  • Property settlement negotiations
  • Binding Financial Agreements
  • Consent orders preparation and filing
  • Property settlement litigation when required

We work to protect your interests while seeking practical, cost-effective solutions. Our lawyers have extensive experience in complex property matters including business valuations, trust structures, and overseas assets.

Parenting Orders & Child Custody Perth

When parents separate, arrangements for children are the most important consideration. Our Perth child custody lawyers prioritise your children's best interests while protecting your parental rights and relationship with your children.

Parenting matters we handle:

  • Parenting plans and parenting agreements
  • Parenting orders (consent and contested)
  • Living arrangements for children
  • Time spent with each parent (custody arrangements)
  • Parental responsibility allocation
  • Communication arrangements
  • Relocation disputes (moving with children)
  • Grandparent and extended family rights
  • Modification of existing parenting orders
  • Supervised contact arrangements
  • Family dispute resolution and mediation

Under the Family Law Act, the paramount consideration is always the best interests of the child. We help you present a strong case for arrangements that serve your children's welfare while maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents where appropriate.

Child Support

Child support ensures children receive financial support from both parents after separation. Our lawyers provide advice on child support assessments, agreements, and disputes.

Child support services:

  • Child support assessment reviews
  • Change of assessment applications
  • Child support agreements (binding and limited)
  • Enforcement of child support obligations
  • Disputes over income and capacity to pay
  • Step-parent and third-party child support
  • Overseas child support matters

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance provides financial support to a former spouse or de facto partner who cannot adequately support themselves. We advise on eligibility, amounts, and duration of spousal maintenance.

Spousal maintenance matters:

  • Assessment of entitlement to spousal maintenance
  • Negotiation of spousal maintenance agreements
  • Spousal maintenance applications and orders
  • Variation of existing maintenance orders
  • Lump sum vs periodic maintenance
  • Enforcement of spousal maintenance orders

Factors considered include income and earning capacity, age and health, care of children, and the duration of the relationship.

Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVRO)

If you or your children are experiencing family violence, a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) can provide legal protection. We offer urgent assistance for FVRO applications and defending allegations.

FVRO services in Perth:

  • Emergency FVRO applications
  • Interim and final FVRO proceedings
  • Police FVRO applications
  • Defense against FVRO allegations
  • Variation and cancellation of FVROs
  • Breach of FVRO defense
  • Misconduct Restraining Orders
  • Violence Restraining Orders (VRO)

We understand the sensitivity of family violence matters and provide confidential, supportive legal representation. Our priority is your safety and that of your children.

De Facto Relationships

De facto couples, including same-sex couples, have similar rights to married couples under the Family Law Act. We provide LGBTQ+ friendly advice on property division, parenting, and financial matters for all de facto relationships.

De facto relationship services:

  • Establishing a de facto relationship existed
  • Property settlement for de facto couples
  • Parenting arrangements for de facto couples
  • Spousal maintenance for de facto partners
  • Two-year time limit applications
  • Same-sex relationship and LGBTQ+ family law matters
  • Legal recognition of relationships

LGBTQ+ Friendly Practice: We understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families and provide inclusive, respectful legal services regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Binding Financial Agreements

Binding Financial Agreements (commonly known as prenuptial agreements or BFAs) allow couples to determine how assets will be divided if the relationship ends, avoiding costly litigation.

BFA services include:

  • Pre-nuptial agreements (before marriage)
  • Post-nuptial agreements (during marriage)
  • De facto financial agreements
  • Cohabitation agreements
  • Independent legal advice
  • Agreement drafting and review
  • Setting aside binding financial agreements

To be valid, each party must receive independent legal advice. We ensure your agreement is properly drafted and legally enforceable.

Adoption & Surrogacy

We provide legal advice and representation for adoption and surrogacy arrangements in Western Australia, helping families navigate complex legal requirements.

Services include:

  • Local and international adoption applications
  • Step-parent adoption
  • Surrogacy arrangements and agreements
  • Parenting orders for surrogacy
  • Birth certificate amendments

The Family Law Process

Understanding what to expect during your family law matter

1

Initial Consultation

Meet with our Perth family lawyers to discuss your situation, understand your legal options, and receive clear advice on the best path forward. We'll explain the process, likely outcomes, and estimated costs.

2

Gathering Information

We'll help you collect necessary documentation including financial records, parenting arrangements, and relevant correspondence. This forms the foundation of your case.

3

Negotiation & Mediation

We attempt to resolve matters through negotiation, family dispute resolution, or mediation. Most family law matters settle without going to court, saving time and costs.

4

Formal Agreements

Once terms are agreed, we prepare consent orders or binding financial agreements to formalize the arrangement and make it legally enforceable.

5

Court Proceedings (If Necessary)

If agreement cannot be reached, we provide strong court representation in the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court, presenting your case effectively to achieve the best outcome.

Why Choose Tom & Co Legal for Family Law?

Experienced, compassionate family lawyers serving Perth and Western Australia

Experienced Family Lawyers

Extensive experience in Western Australian family law, led by award-winning lawyers

Compassionate Approach

We understand the emotional challenges of family law matters and provide supportive, empathetic representation

Clear Communication

Plain language advice in English, Thai, or Khmer, keeping you informed at every stage

Strong Advocacy

We fight for your rights while seeking practical solutions that serve your family's best interests

Cost-Effective Solutions

We focus on efficient resolution methods to keep legal costs manageable while achieving results

Accessible Services

As a disability-led firm, we're committed to making family law services accessible to all Perth residents

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about family law in Perth, Western Australia

How long does a divorce take in Western Australia?

You must be separated for 12 months before applying for divorce. Once the application is filed, it typically takes 4-6 months to finalize. If there are children under 18, you must attend a court hearing.

What factors does the court consider in property settlement?

The court considers: financial and non-financial contributions made by each party, future needs (including age, health, income, and care of children), and what is just and equitable in all circumstances.

Can I relocate with my children after separation?

If you have parenting orders or an agreement, you may need consent or court approval to relocate. If there are no orders, you must still consider the best interests of the children and the other parent's role. It's best to seek legal advice before making relocation plans.

How is child custody determined in Perth?

The Family Law Act uses the term "parenting arrangements" rather than "custody." The paramount consideration is the best interests of the child, considering factors like the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents, protection from harm, and the child's views.

Do de facto couples have the same rights as married couples?

Yes, de facto couples (including same-sex couples) generally have the same rights as married couples under the Family Law Act, provided they meet the requirements (usually living together for at least 2 years, or less if there are children).

Need Expert Family Law Advice?

Contact our experienced Perth family lawyers today for a confidential consultation

Our Office

92 Edward Street, Perth WA 6000

Call Us

+61 8 6255 5737

Business Hours

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM