Family Law
We offer a broad range of services in family law
The moment a relationship ends, life changes. It's often a time of great stress and anxiety, with questions about how to move forward. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the legal process and unsure of what your options are.
At Zahr Partners, we work closely with you to understand your needs, goals and expectations so we can provide you with appropriate legal advice. We'll take the time to get to know you, listen carefully and help you navigate complex family law matters with compassion and integrity.
Our legal team has over a decade of experience and a reputation for successfully resolving family law disputes. Moreover, expertise means we can offer families in Sydney practical, effective solutions that minimise the impact of separation and maximise their chances for a brighter future.
What Our Clients Say
"Extremely professional and prompt. I have had the pleasure of working with Jen and her family law team. Couldn’t recommend any higher!" — Brad Simpson
"They have been our family solicitors for 10 years and all we can say is what a team, I wouldn't take my legal business anywhere else!" — Lina Ali
Meet The Team
Jennifer Ognenovski - Sydney Family Lawyer
Since joining the legal profession in 2018, Jennifer has exclusively practised family law. Her experience in the field comes from dealing with complex family law cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, settling property disputes, advising clients regarding child support obligations, preparing Binding Financial Agreements and more.
How can we help?
Whether you are facing a divorce, separation or other family law matter, we understand that your case is about more than just numbers. It’s about the people involved and how their lives will be affected by the outcome.
For that reason, we treat all of our clients with the respect and understanding they deserve, applying a practical approach based on what is realistic in order to resolve family law issues — often moments of emotional turmoil — in an efficient way. The solicitors in our law firm work hard to give each client individual attention, and we always keep them updated on where things stand in their case so they can make informed decisions.
If you need assistance with family law or other legal, tax, or business implications in Sydney, we would love to help. Let’s have a chat.
All Services in Family Law
Parenting arrangements & child disputes
When parents separate, arrangements for children living arrangements, and time spent with each parent are usually the first issues that need attention in a family law dispute. There are many different types of parenting arrangements that can be used to help children adjust to the changes in their lives following divorce, and the best solution will depend on a number of factors, including the ages and needs of the children involved.
The goal is to ensure that each parent has a meaningful relationship with the children, but in some cases, this may not be possible. In these situations, it's crucial to seek family law services for legal advice as soon as possible. Our family law solicitors will help you understand the options available to you and the best way to proceed.
Property Disputes
Following separation or divorce, it's common for couples to disagree over how their assets should be divided — especially when it comes to the family home. If you find yourself in this situation, legal advice is essential to ensure that your rights are protected in family court.
Our family law solicitors will advise on all aspects of the property settlement process, including how to divide your assets and whether there is scope for negotiation. In addition, they will be able to negotiate on your behalf to reach a settlement that will be in the best interests of all parties involved.
Divorce
Australian law requires that you and your spouse be separated for 12 months before making an application for divorce — and a final Divorce Order is issued one month and one day after the hearing.
Our team of Sydney family lawyers can help you gather all the documentation you will need to make an application for divorce, which can be done by mutual consent or by one party alone. If your situation is complex or contentious, the process may take longer, but we will provide the necessary legal advice to ensure your family law proceedings are dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Child Support Assessment
Part of the divorce process is a child support assessment. Australian law requires that your child or children will be adequately provided for financially by both parents, even if you are separated. This process is done by assessment of both parties’ income, as well as any assets they may have.
Our family law solicitors can provide legal advice regarding your rights and obligations, as well as assist with drafting Child Support Agreements.
Domestic Violence Orders in Family Law matters
Domestic violence can often impact the manner in which your family law matter is dealt with. If you're a victim of domestic violence, you may be entitled to apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).
Our family lawyers can help you determine whether an ADVO is in your best interests, and explain its various effects on you and your family.
Superannuation Orders and Splitting Orders
In many relationship breakdowns, superannuation can be a significant source of assets for both partners. Superannuation entitlements can be treated as "property" and divided between separating parties at the time of a property settlement.
Make sure you have detailed advice from a lawyer about the rules surrounding superannuation and how it can be split equitably — including dealing with all types of superannuation interests such as self-managed super funds (SMSFs), defined benefit schemes and accumulation interests.
De Facto Relationships
A de facto relationship, defined by the Family Law Act 1975, is a relationship between two adults who have lived together on a genuine domestic basis. These cases are often complicated, so it's best to get legal advice from a lawyer who specialises in family law.
Seeking family law services will help you ensure your status is proven and that you're treated in a fair and equitable manner.
Contravention Applications and Enforcement of Court Orders
If there's a breach of a family court order, it may be possible to file for contravention. These are issued in cases where someone has failed to comply with a parenting or financial obligation under the Family Law Act 1975.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to file an application for enforcement rather than an application for contravention. To help you navigate this intricate area of family law, our solicitors can provide legal advice and information about your rights and obligations, as well as the options available to you.
Binding Financial Agreements
More people are entering relationships in which both partners bring significant assets to the table. This can be a good thing, but it’s important to ensure that your financial affairs are properly organised.
A Binding Financial Agreement is one way to do this. It’s a legal contract between two people who want to set out how they will manage their finances during the course of their relationship and beyond. Our family law team is able to advise you on whether a Binding Financial Agreement is right for you and your partner, as well as drafting the agreement for you.