Joanna Diamantopoulos has more than a decade's experience as a family lawyer. Today, she shares some wisdom for parents who are in the throes of a relationship breakdown, with advice for making this event a smooth transition for children. Separation and divorce is unquestionably one of the more stressful life events you can experience. It creates an emotional upheaval, not only for you but … [Read more...]
Furniture Valuations, the Property Settlement and Family Law
I left my husband 2 months ago without a single stick of furniture and just one suitcase of clothes. I am happy for my ex to keep the house and all the furniture and contents. I want to start afresh, with new stuff, without any reminders of my miserable marriage and old life. I have receipts for most of the furniture so it should be easy for him to pay me half of what we originally paid and I … [Read more...]
Domestic Violence; Children and Family Law
After 6 years living with the constant threat of violence I have finally left my partner. How can the Law protect my 5 year old child from my ex-spouse who has an unpredictable and frequently violent temperament? It is a tremendously brave thing for anyone to leave a relationship that is characterised by domestic violence. Unfortunately, and especially where children are involved, it is a … [Read more...]
Tricky Teens and Consent Orders
My 15 year old daughter Charlie refuses to spend time with her father each weekend as dictated in a Consent Order put in place when her father and I separated six years ago. While things between her father and I were initially tense, we have since moved on and become amicable. Unfortunately, a family member accidentally disclosed to my daughter the reason for our marriage breakdown, my husband’s … [Read more...]
Christmas & Children: Life Following Separation
Just when you thought things were getting into something of a routine after the stresses and emotional turmoil of a separation and adjusting to new shared-parenting arrangements, the silly season is thrust upon you. In an effort to retain some semblance of peace as Christmas approaches, families in this situation are encouraged to consider the arrangements for the big day (and the holidays … [Read more...]
Family & Federal Circuit Court Filing Fees: Latest Update
It’s that time of year again! With the new financial year in full swing, lawyers across the nation brace themselves with bated breath for the release of the new Family and Federal Court filing fees. You may recall my earlier blog where I discussed my concern in relation to how these fees literally skyrocketed last year. The fees were so high (to the point of being ridiculous) that the Senate … [Read more...]
Waging the Constant Bureaucratic Battle: Fee Reprieve for Family Law Clients
As is always the case, come 1 July of each year, solicitors are provided with notice of changes to fees in all jurisdictions including the family law jurisdiction. As solicitors we brace ourselves for this news. Too frequently there is concern, that the filing fees will become so excessive that our clients will not be able to afford them. Yes, having a concession card helps, yet even then some … [Read more...]
Welden & Coluccio Lawyers Welcomes Joanna Diamantopoulos
With more than ten years experience in the field of Family Law, Joanna Diamantopoulos brings a wealth of knowledge to the firm along with a readiness to support and guide new and existing clients as they navigate the tricky terrain that is Family Law. Joanna Diamantopoulos was born in Adelaide and resides in the city’s Western suburbs. Having commenced her education at the local primary school, … [Read more...]
