Children & Child Support

Children

For children the separation of their parents can be tough.

For parents co-parenting children after separation can be very difficult and raise daunting challenges.

We can assist with referrals to experienced psychologists and counsellors.

We can help work though options for living arrangements you consider to be in your children's best interests.

In this process we can help you understand the applicable legal concepts.  The paramount consideration is the best interests of the child.  There is also the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility, equal shared care and substantial and significant time spending arrangements.

We can provide expert family law advice on your situation. It is important to seek this advice early as the status quo can carry considerable weight with the Court, and once arrangements are in place they can be difficult to change later. We can also assist with negotiations and the effective documentation of any agreement or, if necessary, represent you at Court.

Child Support

Can you pay expenses for your children after separation?  You may need child support.  

You can agree how to share the costs of your children including school fees and uniforms, health insurance, extra-curricular activities and medical and dental “gaps".  

Otherwise you may need a statutory assessment by the Department of Human Services.  

We can advise you on your rights and obligations, negotiate and prepare a Binding Child Support Agreement recording any private agreement or advise you on the process of applying for statutory child support (including any application to Court for a departure from that assessment based on special circumstances).  


Other Services we provide Include:

Client testimonials

  • Michelle

    I could not have obtained the final outcome without your help and advice. You cared about me and my well-being every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me when at times I doubted myself.

  • Ivan

    Sonya is a really high calibre lawyer and a very decent person, which doesn’t always go hand in hand. She did not always agree with the route I wanted to take but we achieved a fair settlement for both parties which avoided unnecessary antagonism and litigation.

  • David

    Thank you for all your support and assistance with my marriage breakdown. I was able to obtain the best possible outcome available to me in complex circumstances. I felt listened to and understood and was given time to think through options and choose how I could proceed, despite limited options.

  • Erin

    It has been an enormous relief to be working with solicitors whom I have complete confidence in, not only in their ability to provide sound legal advice, but also in their capacity to understand and keep a strong focus on the people and the relationships at the heart of the matter. I have felt comfortable raising concerns and sharing personal information, knowing it would be addressed professionally and respectfully.

    Throughout this process Sonya and Madalene have been immensely compassionate. They have been understanding and respectful in dealing with the issues at hand, which for me have often been sensitive, stressful and daunting. Having my concerns heard and understood has been a great reassurance to me, particularly in an arena that might otherwise have felt disempowering and overwhelming.

    At each step along the way I was fully informed of my options, and was empowered to make choices that supported the best interests of the children. Communication has always been clear, professional and timely. Sonya and Madalene have been very understanding of my circumstances, and meeting and phone call arrangements were made to accommodate life with small children.

    I would absolutely recommend Ballinger Legal. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been so supported through this process.

  • Peter

    Sonya gave sound advice and I feel it paid off in the end. Sonya was always on hand when required and responded in a very prompt time. As I was working FIFO at the time the majority of communications were done by email and phone. Sonya was very accommodating with this and also booked in face to face meetings around my roster. Thanks again for all of your hard work and support.

  • Jodie

    It took 18 months and a lot of negotiation however I am very pleased with the outcome. Most importantly I felt supported throughout the process to behave in an ethical and mature manner. Sonya was very caring and considerate. I was very impressed with the thoroughness of the service. The preparation of legal documents was of the highest standard. I always trusted that Ballinger Legal acted in my best interests.

  • Marina

    I retained Ballinger Legal for legal advice on asset protection. I received top tier service and advice and I hope to engage your services again soon.

  • Rachel

    It was a difficult situation where the outcome depended on so many things - particularly because our son is a teenager. My sudden instructions and urgent situation resulted in Ballinger Legal outdoing themselves by attending to me so quickly despite their current workload. Sonya and the team were outstanding. I did not always hear what I wanted to hear but I always received very honest advice and assistance with utmost integrity.


meet our team

Through empathy, understanding and excellence we guide you towards the best solution, most efficiently, without compromise.

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