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We are moving!

Exciting news—our office is relocating! Starting from 2 September 2024, you’ll find us at our...
August 29, 2024
grandparents-and-children

Do grandparents have rights to spend time with children?

Yes, however the first thing we need to clarify is that when we talk about...
September 22, 2023
relationship-joint-account

Can your legal fees come from the joint money of the relationship?

When that first bill comes in from your solicitor, how do you pay it? When...
July 25, 2023
child-crying

DEMANDS FOR PARENTAGE TESTING – “that child is not mine”

What happens when your previous partner says, “I don’t believe that child is really mine”....
July 5, 2023

I want to change the locks –
The Good, the Bad and the Frustrating

After separation, it is common that one party stays in the matrimonial home. Either they...
July 4, 2023
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

Separated, and don't know where to start?

We appreciate it is very overwhelming when you don't know where to begin to start...
March 22, 2023
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

When should children live in a shared care arrangement?

Every child is different with their own unique needs. Some children will do well in...
September 9, 2022
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

When should a child start spending overnight time with the other parent?

It is widely accepted in the court that children under a certain age meet their...
September 9, 2022
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

Financial agreements - do they work?

Why would you get a Financial agreement?                 ...
February 26, 2021
collier family law paying aud

Selling a home after separation: How do I get the best price?

Selling the family home following a separation is often a reality. Like any sale, you want to maximise your sale price.
May 8, 2020
Post coronavirus single man

Corona- Will we all end up separated?

I read an interesting article last week, entitled: 'When Coronavirus lockdowns ended in cities across China last month, there was one thing a lot of people couldn’t wait to do: get divorced.'
April 23, 2020

Parenting in a Pandemic

In times of crisis, parents have to work together like never before. I say it all the time, co-parenting after separation is very hard, but..
April 1, 2020

Who gets the kids if there is a lockdown?

COVID-19 and Family Law - what happens with the kids if there is a lockdown?
March 25, 2020

WHAT IS EQUAL SHARED PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY?

“Consult with” is not defined in the Family Law Act but it has its normal meaning – “Speak to about” But what happens when the other parent is someone who doesn’t respond in a timely manner - or at all?
March 12, 2020

FAMILY TIES: How to have a happy family - even after separation!

Even though the family unit is no longer, it is still possible to have a happy ‘family’ after separation (it might even be a happier one!). The key to a happy family, after separation- is good CO-PARENTING. I also think these tips apply to any family because as any parent/carer reading this article knows, it’s hard enough to parent at times, separated or not.
March 3, 2020

What happens if I refuse to attend Mediation?

Before a person can make an application in the court for orders about children, there has to have been an attempt to resolve the dispute, by attending an FDR process (a mediation).
August 16, 2019
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

How Not to Communicate Through Separation

#Separation can often bring out the worst in people and you may end up saying something that will come back to bite you. There are certain things that shouldn't be said during this fragile time whether it be to family, friends or the public.
June 20, 2019
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

Technology & Co-Parenting

The key to successful #co-parenting lies in #communication, but this can be difficult on some people.
May 21, 2019
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

Helping Children Deal with Separation

#Separation is just as hard on #kids as it is on parents, so it's important to make sure they are #dealing with it properly.
April 24, 2019
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

How Parents Scar Their Kids During Separation

Separation is an extremely emotional time, and sometimes this can cause parents to unintentionally hurt their children.
April 14, 2019
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Of Co-Parenting

#Co-parenting...sometimes it's great, and sometimes it's a nightmare depending on your #family #situation.
April 11, 2019
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

What are consent orders?

You may of heard about #ConsentOrders before, but do you know what they really do?
January 21, 2019

"What do the kids want?" - Child Inclusive Mediation

Let me tell you about a recent child inclusive mediation I attended. What a great process! But firstly – what is it?
December 19, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

What are Consent Orders for Property?

What is a #ConsentOrder for #property? And what exactly should it cover?
December 4, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

How to Choose the Executor of Your Will

What is an #executor of a #will, and how do you choose one?
December 4, 2018

Run Towards The Roar

I credit this blog to two amazing women I am lucky to know at the moment. Lucy Stokes who nags me to write blogs and then has the tedious task of posting them for me; and Laurie Pritchard who runs Small World Adventure Tours and who sits on the Cairns Business Women’s Club Board with me.
November 15, 2018

"My partner's ex-wife 'stole' my inheritance"

I recently read an Interesting article on news.com.au entitled; “My partner’s ex-wife ‘stole’ my inheritance
October 29, 2018

What Are Consent Orders For Property?

Article written by Nardine Collier Family Lawyer Cairns & Alice Springs   What are consent...
September 26, 2018

Divorce Hotel

I thought this was an interesting idea... The Sydney Morning Herald recently published an article (12/9/18) entitled “Divorce hotels are coming to Australia”. That article states: “The premise is simple: couples check in to a hotel in two separate rooms for two nights, where they undergo mediation processes behind closed doors and away from outside responsibilities. The idea is that, over the course of a 48-hour hotel stay, all divorce arrangements can be made.”
September 16, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

Why You Need Consent Orders for Kids

#ConsentOrders…what are they and how do they work?
September 8, 2018

Do I Really Need Consent Orders For Children's Arrangements?

For a lot of families, a verbal agreement is fine. A verbal agreement will work if you are reasonably amicable, able to communicate, and trust each other. Also, if you are both prepared to have some flexibility in your arrangements.
August 17, 2018

Do It For The Kids

Another role I have is what is called an Independent Childrens Lawyer (ICL). The job of the ICL is to present an independent view to the court as to what is in a child’s best interests, and one of the best things about the role is that you can talk to children who are involved.
August 10, 2018

Co-Parenting After Separation

As a separated mother of 2 teenagers, I know first-hand that co-parenting while you are both together can be difficult. Co-parenting after separation can sometimes seem almost impossible.
August 3, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

What is a Power of Attorney?

You've most likely heard of a #PowerOfAttorney but who are they? And what do they do?
July 22, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

PAKMAG May - How does D.I.Y Divorce work?

Does DIY divorce work? How do you do it? Today, Nardine from Collier Family Law explains how a DIY divorce works, including the benefits and risks that come with it. Keep up to date with the latest parenting news and more
May 15, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

PAKMAG April - How Mediation Can Help Resolve Conflict

You don’t always need to go to court in order to resolve conflict with your partner. What is mediation? How does it work? In this video, Nardine Collier from Collier Family Law explains. Keep up to date with the latest parenting news and more!
April 15, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

PAKMAG March - How to Save Time & Money With Your Lawyer

How can you save time and money with your family lawyer? Today Nardine Collier from Collier Family Law sits down with Bree and explains how you can get the most out of your valuable time spent with a family lawyer. Keep up to date with the latest parenting news and more!
March 15, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

PAKMAG February - 5 Steps to Separation

Separation causing stress? Nardine Collier chats with Bree about the steps that need to be taken when separating from your partner. Keep up to date with the latest parenting news and more!
February 15, 2018
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

PAKMAG January - Preparation for Separation

From financial aspects to future plans. Nardine Collier from @Collier Lawyer joins Bree on the couch as they discuss the preparation needed before a couple choose to separate. Keep up to date with the latest parenting news and more!
January 15, 2018

Bullying In The Workplace

The workplace has greatly changed since I started work at age 16. What was tolerated or considered “just good fun” might now get you into some trouble! Bullying and discrimination in the workplace is now almost ‘zero tolerance’ and Employers need to know what it is, what it isn’t, and take steps to deal with allegations properly if made in their workplace. So what is bullying? The Fair Work website defines it as follows.
December 28, 2017

A Bit More About Mediation In Family Law

Your relationship ends. You want to sort out arrangements for your children and your property. You have tried talking to you ex, but it just ends up in shouting and tears. You just can’t seem to make them understand why you feel the way you do; why you can’t agree to what they want. Maybe you don’t even know what that is! What can you do?
December 28, 2017

Workplace Mediation

Joan (not her real name of course) HATES her job. All was well, until she plucked up the courage to ask for a pay-rise. Her boss was abrupt with her and just said no. She was very embarrassed and upset. She felt she wasn’t well regarded, so since then she has only done the bare minimum her job requires.
December 28, 2017

Family Law Arbitration

Last month I wrote about mediation and how effective it is as a means to resolve disputes quickly and cost effectively. There is another process in the Family Lawyers toolkit, called Arbitration.
December 28, 2017
Cairns Family Lawyers Solicitor | Family law cairns

The Benefits of Mediation

December 28, 2017
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