Divorce Service in Caloundra
Ferrall & Co. is a leading Caloundra law firm helping people across the Sunshine Coast navigate divorce and separation with clear, practical legal advice. Led by Legal Practitioner Director Rowena Ferrall, who was admitted in 2004, the team provides personalised guidance through divorce applications, parenting matters and property settlements, helping clients understand their options and move forward with greater clarity.
What is a Divorce Service?
Divorce services are legal services that help you understand, prepare and complete the divorce process. This can include checking your eligibility, preparing and filing the application, serving documents where required, and guiding you through any Court requirements.
Divorce Services We Provide
Rowena helps clients understand what is required at each stage, from confirming eligibility and preparing a divorce application through to dealing with more complex issues such as separation under one roof, service difficulties and related parenting or property matters.
Depending on your circumstances, Ferrall & Co. can assist with:
Divorce Applications
Preparing and filing sole or joint divorce applications.
Separation Under One Roof
Helping you address the additional evidence that may be required if you continued living together after separation.
Serving Divorce Documents
Guidance on service requirements where you are making a sole application.
Overseas Marriages
Assistance where the marriage took place outside Australia.
Divorce With Children Under 18
Helping you understand the information the Court may require about arrangements for your children.
Property and Parenting Matters
Advice on issues that sit outside the divorce itself, including property settlement and parenting arrangements.
Who Can Apply for Divorce in Australia?
You may be eligible to apply for divorce if:
- You and your spouse have been separated for at least 12 months
- There is no reasonable likelihood of resuming married life
- You or your spouse are an Australian citizen, regard Australia as your permanent home, or have ordinarily lived in Australia for at least 12 months before filing
- You can provide evidence of your marriage, usually through a marriage certificate
You can still be considered separated while living under the same roof, but additional evidence may be required.
Client Experience Clear Support Through a Stressful Process
Rowena was amazing to work with, professional, approachable, and genuinely caring. I always felt like she had my best interests at heart, and I knew I was in great hands throughout the whole process.”
How We Can Help With Your Divorce Application
We can assist with:
- Confirming whether you are eligible to apply for divorce
- Preparing and filing a divorce application
- Joint and sole divorce applications
- Separation under one roof
- Serving divorce documents
- Applications where your former spouse is difficult to locate
- Understanding whether a court hearing is required
- Explaining what happens after the divorce order becomes final
If you also need help with parenting arrangements, child support or property settlement, we can advise you on those matters separately.
We provide clear, practical guidance so you understand what needs to happen at each stage of the divorce process.
Documents Required for Applications
Having the right paperwork at the ready can speed things up and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Marriage certificate
You'll need your marriage certificate. A translated version from an accredited translator is necessary if your marriage certificate is in a foreign language.
Proof of citizenship or residency, if applicable
In some cases, you might also need to show proof of citizenship or permanent residency. If you cannot produce these documents when needed, the Australian Family Law Court may not have the jurisdiction to grant your divorce.
Counselling certificate if married for less than two years
For those married less than two years, a counselling certificate is required. This certificate confirms you have gone through the mandated counselling sessions. Having these documents ready makes the process smoother.
Why do you need a lawyer?
We Are Here Help You
Clear Guidance
It will let you step through each stage, making you feel comfortable about what to do.
Fair Outcomes
We strive for a just property settlement and suitable parenting arrangements.
Legal Expertise
We run the legal gauntlet and make sure it’s all on the up and up.
Reduced Stress
Everything is taken care of behind the scenes so you can concentrate on what’s next.
Meet Rowena Ferrall
After completing a Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University in Townsville in 2002, Rowena completed her initial legal training at the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) in Townsville. She then finalised her Post Graduate Diploma through the Australian National University in Canberra in 2004, the same year she qualified to practice as a solicitor.
Rowena is admitted to practice in Queensland and in the High Court of Australia, allowing her to appear in all Courts in Queensland as well as Federally based Courts across the country.
Rowena has worked in Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane in general litigation since her admission in 2004. After working as a generalist for several years, Rowena decided that she could best serve her community by opening her own boutique legal practice with a relaxed approach to client consultations, a manageable fee structure, as well as incorporating two furry friends who provide additional support for clients when in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're separated but still living together. Does that count?
While you need to have been separated from your partner for at least 12 months before making an application, you can still be living under the same roof for financial reasons. You may regard your marriage as over but continue to live in the same residence.
Who can make the application for divorce?
An application can be made by you or your spouse, or it can be made jointly. If you are making the application on your own, you will need to satisfy the Court that your spouse has been properly served and is on notice of the application.
What happens when there are children involved in a divorce?
If you have children under the age of 18 years, you will be required to attend Court for the hearing of the application. The Court will need to be satisfied that proper arrangements have been put in place for the children. See our page on Parenting agreements and orders.
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