Financial Arrangements and Settlements
We provide expert guidance in navigating your financial arrangements and settlements.
MST Lawyers advises on family law property settlements in Melbourne, including asset division, superannuation splits, spousal maintenance, businesses, trusts, and binding financial agreements. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), property settlements must be formalised within 12 months of a divorce order, or within 2 years of de facto separation.
Our experienced family law team is dedicated to guiding you through this complex process, providing clear advice and tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
What are the time limits for a property settlement in Australia?
If you were married, you have 12 months from the date your divorce order is granted to apply for a property settlement. If you were in a de facto relationship, you have 2 years from the date of separation.
If you miss these deadlines, you must apply to the court for leave to proceed out of time. This requires demonstrating financial hardship or other compelling circumstances — and approval is not guaranteed. Acting before the deadline is strongly advised.
Our Financial Arrangements and Settlement Services
We offer expert assistance across a range of areas:
Exchanging and reviewing financial information
We facilitate the exchange and review of all relevant financial information to ensure any financial settlement is fair.
Handling trusts, companies, and superannuation
We navigate the complexities of trusts, companies, and superannuation (including Self-Managed Super Funds), ensuring that these elements and any taxation matters are managed effectively within your settlement.
Formalising settlements in Financial Agreements
Our lawyers specialise in drafting, reviewing and formalising settlements in Financial Agreements, giving you peace of mind and legal certainty.
Navigating property and financial matters involving third parties
We adeptly handle property and financial matters involving third parties, ensuring that all aspects of your case are thoroughly addressed.
Tracing and valuing assets (including overseas)
Our team excels in tracing and accurately valuing assets, including those located overseas, to provide a complete picture of the assets of the relationship.
Spousal maintenance and property settlements
We provide expert guidance on spousal maintenance and property settlements, advocating for your best interests every step of the way.
Apply for property Court Orders
When parties cannot reach an agreement, applying for financial Court Orders may be necessary. Our team assists you throughout the family law litigation process, representing your financial interests in Court and striving for a fair outcome.
The consultation process
We understand that every financial settlement is unique. Our team will work closely with you throughout the process.
Initial Consultation
We assess your financial circumstances, identify key issues, and provide a clear roadmap for your case.
Negotiation
Where possible, we help you negotiate a settlement outside of court to minimise stress and expense.
Finalising the Settlement
We ensure the settlement is legally binding and compliant with all legal requirements, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Property and Asset Valuation
We gather information about the value of property, superannuation, and other financial assets.
Court Representation
If negotiations fail, our experienced litigators will represent your interests in court, striving to secure a fair outcome.
Meet the lawyers dedicated to your success
The Family Law Legal Team
Need assistance with your financial agreements and settlements?
Book a consultation using our contact form or please contact our office on (03) 8540 0200.
why choose MST Lawyers for family law?
A team dedicated to your success.
We are pragmatic family lawyers who focus on outcomes, not unnecessary conflict. Our team is trusted with complex and high-risk matters because we prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly and act decisively when it counts. Clients come to us when they need steady guidance, realistic advice and a legal team that knows when to negotiate – and when to stand firm.
Worried about lawyer fees?Now there is a smarter & more flexible way to fund your family law matter.We understand that when you’re navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustFund – Australia’s only dedicated provider of flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees. Through this partnership, eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees and expenses related to separation or relationship property proceedings. You don’t have to repay the loan until you reach a settlement, which we hope reduces the stress associated with paying costs upfront. Contact us for more information, or visit JustFund.com.au |
Expert family law services that support you through separation, parenting, and legal processes with clarity, compassion, and compliance.