James Papas Solicitors acknowledges the Darug people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, and pays respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.

Family Law

Family Law &
Dispute Resolution

Compassionate, practical legal support through separation, divorce, parenting disputes, and financial settlements. We handle family law matters in-house — including as an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

✓ Registered FDRP — Family Law Matters  ·  ✓ Accredited Mediator — All Other Disputes
Free Confidential Consultation(02) 9633 3122
Our Approach

Practical support
through difficult times.

Family law matters arise at some of life's most challenging moments. We combine legal expertise with genuine compassion — giving you clear, honest advice about your rights and realistic outcomes, while keeping costs and stress to a minimum.

We handle all family law matters in-house. Shanthi Anandarajah is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and accredited mediator, which means we can often help families reach agreements more quickly and cost-effectively than through formal court proceedings.

Where court is necessary, we are ready to represent you with skill and determination at every stage.

Book a Confidential Consultation

Our family law difference

✓All matters handled in-houseWe do not refer family law to external firms. Your matter is managed by our own team from start to finish.
✓Registered FDRP — Family LawShanthi is a registered FDRP through the Attorney-General's Department. The law requires FDR before separating couples can go to court for parenting or property matters.
✓Accredited Mediator — All MattersShanthi is also an accredited mediator for general civil and commercial disputes — not just family law matters.
✓Barrister supportWhere litigation is required, we brief experienced barristers and manage the matter throughout.
✓Bilingual consultationsConsultations available in English and Tamil.
✓Parramatta localsWe know Western Sydney courts and the local legal community well.
Areas Covered

Our Family Law Expertise

Divorce applications
Property & financial settlements
Parenting arrangements & consent orders
Child support matters
Spousal maintenance claims
Binding Financial Agreements (pre & post nuptial)
De facto relationship disputes
Relocation applications
Domestic violence & AVO matters
Family Dispute Resolution (accredited)
Mediation & negotiation
Court representation
Urgent & interim orders
Grandparents' rights
International child abduction (Hague Convention)
What to Expect

How We Support You

1

Initial consultation (free)

We listen to your situation without judgment, explain your rights and options, and give you an honest assessment of your position — including realistic timeframes and likely costs.

2

Strategy & preparation

We gather the relevant documents, assess the asset pool or parenting situation, and develop a clear strategy focused on your priorities and best possible outcome.

3

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

Before court proceedings can commence for parenting or property matters, the law generally requires parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution. As a registered FDRP through the Attorney-General's Department, Shanthi conducts these sessions in-house. If agreement is reached, it can be formalised into consent orders. If no agreement is reached, Shanthi issues a Section 60I Certificate — the document the law requires before you can file an application in court.

4

Court proceedings (if required)

Where agreement cannot be reached or where urgent action is needed, we prepare and file court applications, appear at hearings, and represent your interests vigorously at every stage.

5

Final orders & implementation

Once orders or agreements are made, we help you implement them — including property transfers, superannuation splitting, and parenting plan implementation.

Required by Law

Family Dispute Resolution
& the Section 60I Certificate

Under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975, separating parties are generally required by law to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before they can file parenting or property applications in court. This applies to disputes about children, living arrangements, and financial matters.

FDR is conducted by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) — someone accredited through the Attorney-General's Department. The FDRP facilitates a structured session to help both parties try to reach agreement on their own terms, without a judge deciding the outcome.

Shanthi Anandarajah is a registered FDRP through the Attorney-General's Department, meaning clients can access this legally required process directly at James Papas Solicitors — without being referred elsewhere.

If agreement IS reached

The agreed parenting or property arrangements can be formalised into Consent Orders — legally binding court orders made by agreement, without a court hearing.

✓Faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than court

If agreement is NOT reached

Shanthi issues a Section 60I Certificate — the document required by law to file an application in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

→Without this certificate, the court generally cannot accept your application
🔗

Shanthi is listed on the official Family Dispute Resolution Register (fdrr.ag.gov.au) maintained by the Attorney-General's Department.

You don't have to face this alone.
We're here to help you through it.

Confidential Consultation(02) 9633 3122
Common Questions

Family Law FAQs

QWhen should I speak to a family lawyer?
As early as possible. Many people delay getting advice because the situation feels overwhelming. Early advice can help you understand your rights, protect your position, and make informed decisions before situations escalate or deadlines pass.
QDo I have to go to court?
Most family law matters are resolved without court proceedings. Negotiation, mediation, and Family Dispute Resolution are effective in the majority of cases. Court is generally a last resort — used where agreement cannot be reached, where safety concerns exist, or where urgent interim orders are needed.
QWhat is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and what is a Section 60I Certificate?
Family Dispute Resolution is a structured process — required by law — in which a registered FDR Practitioner helps separating parties try to reach agreement on parenting arrangements or property matters before going to court. The law (Section 60I of the Family Law Act) generally prevents a court from hearing a parenting application unless the applicant has a Section 60I Certificate from a registered FDRP. If the parties attend FDR and reach agreement, that agreement can be formalised into binding consent orders. If agreement cannot be reached, the FDRP issues a Section 60I Certificate confirming that FDR was attempted — and only then can court proceedings be filed. Shanthi Anandarajah is a registered FDRP through the Attorney-General's Department, meaning clients can access this service directly at James Papas Solicitors without going elsewhere.
QHow is property divided after separation?
Property division involves identifying the total asset pool (including superannuation), assessing contributions (financial and non-financial), and considering each party's future needs. It is not automatically a 50/50 split — the outcome depends on your individual circumstances. We provide an honest, realistic assessment of your position early in the process.
QAre there time limits I need to be aware of?
Yes — strict time limits apply. For married couples, property settlement must be commenced within 12 months of the divorce becoming final. For de facto couples, it must be commenced within 2 years of the relationship ending. Missing these deadlines can mean losing important rights.
QWhat about parenting arrangements for children?
All parenting matters are determined based on the best interests of the child. We help parents reach workable arrangements — formalised through parenting plans or consent orders — covering where children live, how much time they spend with each parent, and who makes decisions about their care.
QWhat is a Binding Financial Agreement?
A Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) — sometimes called a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement — allows couples to agree on how their property would be divided if the relationship ends. Properly prepared BFAs can provide certainty and avoid costly disputes later.
QWhat if there is family violence involved?
Safety is always the first priority. If you or your children are at risk, we can assist with urgent applications for Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and interim parenting orders. We handle these matters with sensitivity and urgency.
QHow much do family law matters cost?
Costs depend on complexity and how the matter resolves. Simple uncontested divorces are relatively straightforward. Complex contested property or parenting matters involve more work. Your first consultation is free, and we provide a clear cost estimate before proceeding. We aim to resolve matters as efficiently as possible to minimise cost and stress.
QCan you help with matters involving Tamil or Greek-speaking clients?
Yes. Our team speaks English, Tamil, and Greek. Shanthi Anandarajah conducts consultations in Tamil and English, and James Papafotiou speaks Greek. We serve the diverse Parramatta and Western Sydney community in their preferred language.
Further Reading
Property Settlement After Separation in NSW →Parenting Arrangements After Separation: How It Works in NSW →