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📁 Case Study
Ferrall & Co. Lawyers

From 50/50 Care To Seeking Full Parental Responsibility

👤 Client: Jess
⚖ Practice Area: Parenting arrangements
🔄 Matter Type: Shared parenting review
✅ Fact Checked

Case Study Disclaimer

To protect client privacy and confidentiality, some identifying details and circumstances in this case study have been changed. It is based on matters similar to those our firm has handled and is provided for general information only.

Caloundra Father Resolved His Parenting and Property Arrangements After Separation

Case outline

Client name: Mark (name changed for privacy)
Practice area: Parenting and property arrangements
Matter type: Contesting parenting and property matters in court.
Firm: Ferrall and Co., Caloundra
Smiling Father Working From Home While Holding His Toddler Child

Summary

Rowena worked with the client to resolve 14-month-long parenting and property proceedings. With clear and tailored advice, Rowena helped the client get a positive outcome in all matters at an affordable rate.

The situation

A Sunshine Coast father was experiencing difficulties completing a property settlement and organising parenting arrangements after his separation. He approached us to guide him through both sides of the process.

Father and Child embrace at Home on Floor

Parenting and property issues are commonly handled together. The time it takes to resolve them can depend on the cooperation of the parties and whether the court proceedings are needed.

The approach

Rowena worked closely with the client for 14 months to get a resolution to each arrangement. Cases can involve extensive preparation, mediation sessions, and court hearings. Rowena provided clear legal guidance in plain English at every stage to ensure the client was kept up-to-date on the situation.

The outcome

After a 14-month process, we were able to help the client get a fair and equitable outcome for both their parenting and property issue. Finding resolutions to these arrangements helped the client move on with their life with suitable arrangements.

Our services were provided at an affordable rate without sacrificing the quality of our advice and representation. Our firm has been an accessible option for experienced legal advice for Caloundra residents since opening its doors in 2017.

Case stages

Here’s an illustrative timeline to show how a case like the one discussed in this article can play out.

Legal steps Matters considered
Initial consultation
  • Case overview and evidence review.
  • Discussion of potential next steps.
Dispute resolution
  • Clarify the issues to be discussed.
  • Gather documents for mediation.
  • Advise the client on their rights.
  • Develop actionable solutions with the other party.
Interim orders
  • Draft affidavit with available evidence.
  • Submit interim order application.
  • Attend interim hearing.
First court event
  • Preparing necessary documentation.
  • Explaining court directions to the client.
Further dispute resolution
  • Return to mediation before seeking final orders.
  • Build on previous solutions explored.
Final hearing preparation
  • Draft affidavit with case evidence.
  • Prepare witnesses for examination.
  • Organise family reports and other evidence from expert witnesses.
Final hearing
  • Perform examination and cross-examination of witnesses.
  • Challenge the opposing party’s case.
  • Explain the Court’s decision.

What our client said

Thankyou very much!!

The universe was definitely looking out for me when I engaged Ferrall and Co. Lawyers to help me through my separation.

Rowena’s extensive legal experience and on point legal guidance through the Family court process seen me get a fair and equitable outcome with my Parenting and Property arrangements.

I will always remember and appreciate how Rowena worked above and beyond for me during this 14 month process.

The whole team at Ferrall and Co. did a great job and were very professional, respectful and caring during this time.

Also their pricing was very fair.

I highly recommend Rowena and her team at Ferrall and Co. Lawyers.

Thank you again.

-Mark (name changed for privacy)

The client’s comments underline the core values that our firm operates under, such as:

  • Providing high-quality affordable legal support. That’s reflected in the firm’s fee structure and Rowena’s partnership with Legal Aid Queensland.
  • Putting in the work to create an actionable strategy that helps the client get a suitable outcome. Rowena is prepared to do what’s necessary to help every client get an appropriate result.
  • Treating every client with compassion and professionalism. We want every client to feel supported while managing their legal cases. Our team listens to their concerns and keeping them fully informed.

How Ferrall and Co. Lawyers can help

The Ferrall and Co. team has worked with clients across a range of complex parenting and property matters. We provide in-depth and tailored advice to support your case. Depending on your case, our services can assist in various ways, including:

  • Maintaining a focus on the child’s best interests.
  • Encouraging mediation over contested hearings.
  • Assisting with full financial disclosure.
  • Liaising with professionals such as valuation experts and independent children’s lawyers.
  • Attending court hearings for final orders.

Contact us for a free 30-minute consultation at our Caloundra office so we can understand your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Can parenting and property be resolved at the same time?

Parenting and property matters can be pursued in a single application. This can help to resolve matters more quickly. Some law firms may also offer discounted rates if both applications are made at the same time.

How long does a combined matter take in Queensland?

If the parties can agree to the arrangements, a combined consent order may take about 2 to 3 months, depending on the Court’s workload. If the application is contested, it can take a year or more to resolve.

Is family dispute resolution (FDR) compulsory for parenting matters?

FDR is generally required if a party wants to seek a parenting order through a court hearing. However, you may be able to get an exemption if there are family violence concerns, or you’re unable to contact the other party.

What does an independent children’s lawyer (ICL) do?

An ICL represents the best interests of a child in family law proceedings. Circumstances where an ICL may become involved in a case include where there are allegations of child abuse or neglect, or in cases involving considerable conflict between the parents.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It may not reflect current legal developments and is not tailored to your situation. As such, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for personalised legal guidance. Ferrall & Co Lawyers takes no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred due to reliance on this content. You should always seek independent legal advice appropriate to your circumstances before you make any legal or financial decisions.
rowena ferrall

Rowena Ferrall

Principal
Rowena Ferrall is the principal lawyer of Ferrall & Co. Lawyers, which was established in 2017. The firm specialises in family law, domestic violence and criminal defence. Rowena is licensed to practice in Queensland and the High Court of Australia. Her approach combines legal expertise with compassion, ensuring clients receive the right advice and emotional support.

Case snapshot

CLIENT
Jess (name changed for privacy)
PRACTICE AREA
Parenting arrangements
MATTER TYPE
Returning client, shared parenting review
FIRM
Ferrall and Co. Lawyers

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