Experienced Family Law Firm Based in Perth.
Our advice is designed to bring your matter to the best possible outcome in the shortest amount of time.
About Dimond Family Lawyers
The leaders in Family Law matters in Churchlands.
Helping you achieve a successful plan.; settlement.; mediation.;outcome.
Established in 2000 Dimond Family Lawyers has been providing advice on Family Law to people in and around the Churchlands area. Everyone’s situation is different. Our Family Lawyers are well-versed and highly experienced in all aspects relating to Family Law.
Regardless of whether you have just separated or are considering leaving you should seek sound legal advice before taking any action. The best legal advice is provided by Lawyers experienced in Family legal matters. With sound advice, you can reach a fast and final resolution instead of drawn-out disputes, and in the process lose more than you should have.
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Before Separating.
Our Legal Practice Director, Erryn Dimond, talks about aspects involving separation.
Our Services
If you are in a situation where your relationship has broken down and it is time to bring it to an end, or you have been told that your relationship is over and we strongly recommend that you speak to us before you do anything else. We understand it can be a very emotional time and the actions you may make out of anger or frustration could be detrimental to the outcome of your matter.
The emotions surrounding the division of property arising from separation can be as strong as those involving children. Often people are unaware of how the courts view and deal with the assets of couples who separate. There is also a lot of misinformation available from family and friends and the internet. The legislation that governs how the ownership and division of property is considered during separation is quite defined, and is particularly relevant in circumstances where there is an attempt by one party to retain or remove assets from the asset pool, prior to reaching an agreement on a division.
It is important you seek our professional legal advice before doing anything with property (which includes money) you believe you are entitled to.
Relationship breakdowns can be even more emotional when children are involved. Regardless of whether you or your partner have initiated the separation, if there are children involved then you both have a responsibility for their welfare.
When the Court considers making orders that are in “the best interests of the child”, it is necessary to balance the following primary considerations
- the benefit to the child of having a meaningful relationship with both parents; and
- the need to protect the child from physical or psychological harm, or being subjected to, or exposed to, abuse, neglect, or family violence.
Where parents cannot come to amicable and suitable arrangements for a child or children, the Family Court will implement Orders governing children’s living arrangements.
We urge you to talk to us at the earliest opportunity as we can assist you in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome that may limit the negative impact separation can have on your children and/or keep your children safe.
There are many misconceptions around what constitutes a de facto relationship. Moreover, the laws around property and asset distribution are complex, including those involving children. We suggest you speak to one of our Family Lawyers in order to secure a speedy and amicable resolution.
Family Violence is a serious social issue and action should always be taken as soon as possible. The cycle of violence has a tendency to spiral downwards and in some circumstances has resulted in death. Family violence is often a significant and relevant issue when it comes to Family Court proceedings in relation to both property settlement and parenting matters.
Our team of divorce lawyers can provide you with specific advice and guidance regarding the best way to address your particular circumstances so that you are protected but not necessarily involved in litigation in multiple courts.
Every person’s circumstances are unique. The laws around divorce and separation, children, and property settlement can be complex. With the right legal advice, you have the best chance of securing an equitable and amicable outcome.
If you would like more advice on what you need to achieve a pain-free and amicable separation please call us for a free 15-minute consultation or send an enquiry using our online form.
Why Choose Dimond Family Lawyers?
Because we are highly experienced family law specialists in all matters relating to Family Law. Our team of Divorce Lawyers and support staff understand the complexities involved in a separation, child support and property settlement. We want the best outcome for you and the best way to achieve this is by talking to us before taking your next step.
Meet Our Team
Erryn Dimond - BPHE, GRAD DIP, JD, GDLP
Legal Practice Director
Erryn is an experienced family law practitioner, having worked in the Perth family law sector since early 2009.
Throughout her career, Erryn has gathered extensive experience and knowledge of complex financial matters, complex parenting matters, including litigation involving family violence (including restraining orders).
Whilst working in a family law paralegal role for 4 years under the supervision of an experienced senior legal practitioner, Erryn completed a Juris Doctor (Law) at Murdoch University in 2012, and post-graduate Practical Legal Training through the Australian National University in 2013.
Erryn is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Western Australia, the Law Society of Western Australia, and the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section).
Erryn is known for her empathetic and strategic approach to family law matters, as well as her candid and professional communication style.
Erryn has practical experience in a broad range of Family Law related matters and events including Procedural Hearings, Interim Arguments, Trials, Conciliation and Case Assessment Conferences, Child Dispute Conferences, external Mediation-Style Conferences, Legal Aid Dispute Resolution, and Family Court appeals.
Outside of work hours, Erryn has a keen interest in food and wine. She also enjoys playing tennis, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Leanne Galloway - LLB (Hons)
Associate
Leanne is a UK and WA qualified solicitor, having been admitted to practice in each jurisdiction in 2007 and 2018, respectively. She has significant post qualification experience in family law, criminal law and personal injury advice and litigation.
With specific experience working with government agencies addressing issues relating to family violence and child safety, Leanne brings a breath of family law experience, coupled with a practical and informed approach.
Most recently in Western Australia, Leanne has practiced solely in the area of family law, including the provision of advice in the areas of parenting disputes, relocation cases, family violence restraining orders, surrogacy, complex property matters, bankruptcy, and other areas of family law.
Leanne has a passion for family law and justice and is defined by her compassionate and informed approach to the provision of practical and tailored advice to her clients in all areas of family law.
Outside of the office, Leanne has worked as a volunteer through her local community football club, as well as having a strong interest in the practice and coaching of martial arts, having achieved a brown belt.
Tenielle Fernando - LLB, BA, GDLP
Associate
Tenielle completed a double degree in Law and Arts (History) at Edith Cowin University, following which she completed her Practical Legal Training with a prominent criminal barrister.
In 2016, Tenielle secured a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and was admitted to practice in May 2017.
During her legal career to date, Tenielle has gained experience at a generalist firm in regional Great Southern with a focus on family law, criminal law, restraining orders, property, wills, and estates.
During 2020, Tenielle expanded her experience through a boutique family law firm in Perth with autonomous responsibility for managing family law files from commencement to conclusion, including written letters of advice and correspondence, consent order applications, attending procedural hearings, interim hearings, Conciliation Conferences, Case Assessment Conferences, and mediation-based events.
Tenielle’s experience in restraining orders includes interim negotiations through to representation at trial (on behalf of applicants and respondents).
Tenielle has a compassionate and professional approach to family law with a focus on implementing creative solutions to resolve matters without unnecessary litigation.
Feedback from previous clients is consistently positive, with particular notice of Tenielle’s practical, informed and candid approach to liaison with clients and provision of advice.
When not in the office, Tenielle enjoys cooking, gardening (the rarer the plant or vegetable the better!), travelling, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Chantell Perry - Dip. LEG.SER
Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant
Chantell brings a vast array of legal experience to our team, previously working in the areas of personal injuries and workers compensation claims, motor vehicle and industrial accident claims, conveyancing, companies work, wills & estates, general and commercial litigation, consumer and insurance litigation, civil litigation, customs matters, employment law and criminal law since 1996.
Chantell has worked primarily in family law since 2005. Consequently, she has a broad and thorough knowledge of family law processes and procedures.
At Dimond Family Lawyers, Chantell undertakes tasks as a senior legal secretary and a legal assistant, including liaison with clients, law firms, Court representatives and related parties, as well as drafting Court documents, correspondence, and producing spreadsheet analysis from disclosure provided.
With an experienced and practical approach to her role, Chantell is well known at Dimond Family Lawyers for her positive and resilient attitude.
Chantell has completed the Legal Assistants Training Course at the Law Society of Western Australia and also holds a Diploma of Legal Services through the College of Law, Education and Training.
When not at work, Chantell enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, socialising with friends, camping, beach activities and the general outdoors.
Renee Cowley
Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant
Renee has worked primarily in a family law environment for over 23 years, with extensive knowledge of Family Court procedures, including additional experience in Wills and Estates, including Probate and Letters of Administration applications.
Renee obtained her Diploma of Legal Studies in 2017, which has supported her progress into roles that require the skills of a legal assistant.
At Dimond Family Lawyers, Renee works in a hybrid role, completing senior secretarial duties, but also (as a legal assistant) producing initial draft court documents, taking instructions from clients, and producing analysis of disclosure.
Renee is client-focused with an open and informed approach to working with clients, staff, and colleagues.
She genuinely enjoys assisting our clients move towards a new chapter in their life.Outside of work hours, Renee enjoys spending time with her family and friends, long-distance running, being outdoors in the summer months, camping, and socialising.
Frequently Asked Questions.
In Perth, an application for divorce can usually be achieved within 4-5 months. The exact duration may depend on various factors such as whether a sole or joint application is made, any difficulties associated with service, the complexity of the relationship facts and the court’s workload.
In Australia, the only ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which can be demonstrated by living separately for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
If your spouse will not agree to countersign a joint application for divorce, you can file a sole application for divorce.
In Australia, the alteration of property between separated spouses is governed by the requirement for the division to be “just and equitable”, taking into account various factors such as the length of the marriage, the parties’ contributions, and their future needs.
While it is not mandatory to engage a lawyer for a divorce in Perth, Western Australia, it is highly recommended. A lawyer can provide legal advice, help with paperwork and negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary.
Yes, you can apply for spousal maintenance after divorce in Perth. Spousal Maintenance is intended to provide financial support to a spouse that cannot adequately meet their reasonable expenses, taking into account factors such as their income, assets, and expenses.
In Australia, the living arrangements for a child are determined with reference to arrangements that are consistent with the child’s best interests, taking into account the benefit of the child enjoying a meaningful relationship with each parent, the need to protect the child from an unacceptable risk of harm or exposure to family violence, neglect or child abuse, the wishes of the child (subject to their maturity), lifestyle, culture and other welfare factors.
Mediation is a defined pre-action procedure in parenting disputes and is often required before court proceedings can commence.
Yes, you can apply to change child custody arrangements after securing a final parenting order, however, your application must demonstrate that a significant change in circumstances has occurred since the original parenting order was made.
If you are experiencing family violence, you should seek help immediately. This can include contacting the police, a family violence support service, or a lawyer who can assist you with obtaining a restraining order or other legal protections.
