What Are the Same Sex Marriage Laws in Australia? (Understanding Your Rights)
Laws regarding same sex rights had a lot of ground to make up. Beginning with decriminalisation, Australia eventually legalised same
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Under family law, same sex relationships have the same rights in both de facto relationships and marriage as heterosexual couples.
Ferrall & Co. are dedicated to supporting Caloundra de facto and married couples. We can help manage their separation, property settlement and parenting agreements.
This allows our clients to move forward to more positive futures. We fully support same sex couples in Caloundra and are committed to advocating for their rights.
Our family lawyers in Caloundra are committed to helping same sex couples deal with relationship rights, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout the process.
We understand that legal terms and processes can be difficult to understand, and we’re here to explain those details for you clearly and easily.
Our top priority is ensuring you understand your rights and the legal steps we’re taking together. We aim to support what’s best for you and ensure your voice is heard clearly throughout the process.
When you’re in a same-sex relationship, it can be hard to know what your legal rights are. Having a family lawyer can help you understand confusing things about the law and make sure you and your partner know where you stand.
If you ever have to break up, they can help you figure out who gets what and ensure everything is fair. They can also help you with tough things like deciding who will care for the children.
With a family lawyer on your team, you won’t have to worry about all the legal stuff. You can just focus on building a happy future with your partner!
We Are Here Help You
Our family lawyers offer support and guidance on same sex relationship rights, ensuring you feel informed and confident.
We work hard to ensure a fair division of assets and suitable parenting arrangements, protecting your interests.
Our team simplifies the legal process so you can focus on your relationship and future.
We provide a secure foundation for same sex relationships, making the legal aspects clear and manageable.
Start with a free consultation where we listen to your story, understand your situation and provide an outline of our assistance. This initial step ensures that you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Together, we’ll create a clear, personalised plan for your needs. This step removes the guesswork and gives you a roadmap, showing exactly how we’ll handle your situation.
With the plan in place, you can rest easy knowing that we will handle all the legal details for you. From filing paperwork to negotiating on your behalf, we work tirelessly to secure the best outcome, allowing you to focus on moving forward with your life.
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.
We offer a wide range of family law services that go beyond just divorce. Our goal is to provide complete support for any family matter.
When a married couple’s relationship breaks down due to issues that cannot be resolved, the couple has a right to divorce according to Australian law.
Ferrall & Co. are passionate about supporting families and seeing the best outcomes achieved, especially for the children involved in a family separation.
When couples separate, they need to fairly divide their property that they acquired during their relationship. Property in this case doesn’t just mean real estate.
If you have been in a relationship where you were not legally married, you may be considered a de-facto couple.
Under the Family Law, same sex couples have the same rights in both de facto relationships and in marriage as heterosexual couples.
Laws regarding same sex rights had a lot of ground to make up. Beginning with decriminalisation, Australia eventually legalised same
Same Sex Relationships
If you are in a genuine domestic relationship and lived together for at least two years (less if you have a child or children), we advise you apply to the Court for de facto financial orders within two years of the relationship breakdown. After this two-year period, one of you will need the Court’s permission to apply out of time.
There is no limitation period on applying to the Court when it comes to parenting matters.
Same sex relationships and an opposite sex couples share many similarities in family law. Parenting arrangements, for instance, are broadly consistent regardless of sexual orientation.
Both gay and lesbian couples and heterosexual couples can seek custody, visitation rights, and other parental responsibilities. The primary concern remains the child’s best interest, not the sexual orientation of the parents.
Regarding property settlements, same sex and opposite sex couples are treated similarly. Assets and debts acquired during the relationship are typically divided equitably.
A same sex couple has the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts, ensuring fairness in the division process. De facto relationships, whether between same sex couples or opposite sex couples, also have provisions in place for property settlements.
The divorce process for same sex marriages mirrors that of opposite sex couples. Grounds for divorce, waiting periods, and other procedural aspects apply uniformly. Same sex married couples undergo the same scrutiny and legal processes as any other married couple.
The Marriage Act ensures that all couples, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation, are treated equally in the eyes of the law.
A family lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal rights and ensuring that you are treated fairly and with respect. They can assist you with various legal situations such as getting married, adopting children, and planning for the future.
Additionally, they can provide guidance on what happens if you decide to end your relationship and help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
At Ferrall & Co. Lawyers, we offer specialised legal assistance to same sex couples. Our team will work to ensure that everyone is treated fairly. If you require legal advice, we are here to help.
In order to make an Application for Divorce in Australia;
An application for divorce 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.
We offer fixed fee initial consultations for these types of matters and often offer fixed fee agreements throughout the management of your case.
A good place to start is by searching online for local legal aid organisations that specialise in these issues. Often, many cities have legal services that provide support on everything from discrimination to family law matters, specifically dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, advocacy groups and community centres for LGBTQ+ individuals may have lists of resources, including legal services.
Ferrall & Co. Lawyers is also a great resource for LGBTQ+ legal services. We offer a wide range of support for same sex couples and individuals facing legal challenges. Whether you need assistance with relationship rights, adoption, or separation, Ferrall & Co. Lawyers have the expertise to guide you through the legal process with compassion and dedication.
Our commitment to advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community makes us a trusted option for legal services.
📌 New office address details – Echelon Centre, Level One, 65-67 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, Q 4551 📌
Phone: (07) 5491 2159
Email: admin@ferrallco.com.au