Frequently Asked Questions

Family law matters can often be complex and difficult. At Robinson + McGuinness we understand that making the choice to see a family lawyer is a difficult one and we want to make this time as straightforward and helpful for you as possible. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you get started with your enquiry.

  • Our office is located in the Canberra City; however, we offer our services to the wider community in Yass, Queanbeyan and Cooma/Monaro.

    If you don’t live nearby that’s not a problem. We have many platforms (Teams, Zoom, Phone Conference etc.) that we can use to allow you to “meet” with us and get the most out of your appointment.

  • While it is not essential to supply these documents to us it will allow us to better assist you and to advise you:

    • A list of questions and notes about any of the matters that you require assistance with. Please also inform us of any deadlines that are important to you.

    • If your matter relates to a property settlement or a financial agreement please also bring: a list of current assets and liabilities belonging to you and your former partner, current balances of debit and credit card accounts and other bank accounts, current superannuation statements etc.

    • If your matter relates to arrangements for children, please provide brief notes relating to the history of care for the children.

    • Copies of any relevant Court Orders or Agreements, child support assessments and any correspondence with your former partner (and, if applicable, with their lawyer).

    • Any change in the status of your relationship may impact on your estate planning. If you have a current will and/or enduring power of attorney, please bring a copy with you.

    For further information to maximise your first appointment with us have a look at our blog “Making the most out of your first appointment”. If you have any further questions about your initial appointment please do not hesitate to contact us on (02) 6225 7040 or via email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au.

  • Every matter is different and therefore timeframes and costs can vary depending on the complexity of your matter.

    At your initial appointment with us we will endeavour to provide you with an estimate of costs and timeframes, and we will continue to update you throughout the course of your matter if circumstances change. You can start the process of engaging us online here, via phone on (02) 6225 7040 or email us on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au.

  • Robinson + McGuinness Family Law offer fixed fees for Wills and/or Power of Attorneys, Divorces, and ACT/NSW PEXA settlements for a transfer or ownership of property. Please see links below that display our fixed fee prices

  • Collaborative law is a model of lawyer-assisted family dispute resolution (FDR). This form of FDR is where lawyers work together, rather than in an adversarial fashion, to facilitate child and family focused discussions between the parties in order to find a resolution.

    Our Directors Sally McGuinness and Kevin Robinson are trained Collaborative Law Practitioners and have had substantial experience working on collaborative law matters.

    We also engage in all methods of alternative dispute resolution including mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.

    If you want to know more about the Collaborative Law process and want to know if it would be right for your matter enquire now through our secure online enquiry portal, via phone on (02) 6225 7040 or via email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au.

    If you would like more information about Collaborative Law please visit the Collaborative Practice Canberra website here.

  • Many think “one and done” when it comes to getting a Will, but this is not the case. You should be reviewing your Will every two to three years to ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes. You should also review your Will if there has been a change in your personal circumstances or financial situation.

    If you would like some further information before making an enquiry check out our Wills & Estate services page or have a look at some of our most recent estate blogs below:

    Robinson + McGuinness offers fixed fees for straightforward Wills and/or Power of Attorneys. Enquire online here or contact us today on (02) 6225 7040 or info@rmfamilylaw.com.au.

  • A Grant of Probate is a Court Order that provides for an executor to call in, deal with and distribute the assets of a deceased estate in accordance with the terms of the deceased’s Will. If you would like to know more information about what a Grant of Probate is and when it is required, please see below some of our blogs which touch on this subject:

    If you would like to enquire about our Probate service, please get in touch with us today on (02) 6225 7040 or via email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au.

  • Mediation or ‘family dispute resolution’ is a form of alternative dispute resolution where separated couples are assisted to reach a resolution by a professionally trained and qualified mediator, who acts as an unbiased intermediary.

    At Robinson + McGuinness we recognise the importance of mediation and the opportunity it presents to assist matters in being settled out of Court. We have experienced and highly skilled solicitors that can help you through the mediation process.

    Our Director Kevin Robinson is also an accredited Family Law Mediator and Arbitrator with the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) and the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS).

    If you are looking for a mediator who combines empathy with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach to assist parties in achieving resolutions enquire today via our Mediation Services page, via email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au or call (02) 6225 7040 for more information.

    Kevin’s full day mediation fees are very competitive and less than most experienced family law mediators in Canberra.

Do you still have questions? If you do please do not hesitate to contact us today on 02 6225 7040 or via email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au.