Property Settlements

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Realistic Advice. Sound Financial Outcomes.

At Bryant McKinnon Lawyers, property settlement is approached strategically.

Both partners of the firm are Accredited Specialist Family Lawyers, recognised for advanced expertise in family law. We deal with financial settlements every day — including matters involving businesses, trusts, superannuation and complex asset structures.

If you are looking for an experienced property settlement lawyer who will give you clear advice about your likely outcome — not inflated expectations — we can assist.

We work transparently, often on a fixed fee basis, and we provide practical guidance so you understand both your entitlements and your risks.

How We Can Help

Finalising financial matters after separation requires careful analysis and disciplined decision-making.

We assist with:

• Identifying and valuing assets, liabilities and superannuation
• Advising on likely settlement ranges based on established legal principles
• Structuring settlements involving companies, trusts and family businesses
• Advising on superannuation splitting
• Negotiating settlements directly or through mediation
• Preparing and filing Applications for Consent Orders
• Advising on and drafting Binding Financial Agreements where appropriate
• Representing you in Court proceedings if agreement cannot be reached
• Advising on spousal maintenance as part of an overall financial resolution

Our advice is realistic. We explain the legal framework, the range of outcomes the Court is likely to consider, and the costs and risks associated with different strategies.

Start With a Preliminary Consultation

You do not need to formally retain us or commit to a lengthy legal process to seek advice.

Many clients begin with a preliminary consultation to understand:

• What forms part of the asset pool
• How the Court approaches division
• Whether spousal maintenance is relevant
• The likely range of outcomes
• The costs involved at each stage

A clear understanding of your position at an early stage often prevents costly mistakes and unrealistic expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wait until I am divorced before finalising property settlement?

No. Property settlement negotiations can begin at any time after separation. In many cases, financial matters are finalised before a divorce is granted.

However, once a divorce becomes final, strict time limits apply. Early advice ensures those deadlines are not missed.

What time limits apply to property settlement?

For married couples, property settlement proceedings must generally be commenced within 12 months of a divorce becoming final.

For de facto couples, proceedings must usually be commenced within two years of separation.

If these deadlines expire, special permission from the Court is required to proceed. Early advice protects your position.

What areas do you service?

Family law is federal law (with the exception of WA). We can act for clients anywhere in Australia.

Our offices are located in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen. We regularly assist clients across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions, including Kempsey, Taree, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, Urunga, Woolgoolga, Grafton, Lismore, Casino, Ballina and Byron Bay.

Many matters can be managed efficiently via phone and video conference.

How do your fixed fees work?

Where possible, we scope stages of work and provide a fixed fee for that stage. You know what is included and what it will cost.

If circumstances change, we discuss it with you before additional work is undertaken.

Where can I read more detailed information about property settlement?

For comprehensive guidance about financial settlements after separation, please see our Property Settlement FAQ Guide.